Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a stern warning that any person or organisation attempting to exploit local communities, spread terror, or weaken national security will be met with a firm and coordinated response.
Dialogue on Preventing Violence in the North
Ribadu delivered this strong message on Thursday, December 5, 2024, during a high-level dialogue in Abuja. The event focused on a whole-of-society approach to preventing violence and conflict in Northern Nigeria. It was jointly organised by the National Peace Committee, The Kukah Centre, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Reflecting on Nigeria's journey, Ribadu highlighted the nation's resilience through difficult times. He pointed to a significant achievement in the fight against insecurity: Nigeria has secured 775 convictions in terrorism-related prosecutions. For Ribadu, each conviction is more than a number; it represents a life given back and a community made stable again.
He credited this success to the effective collaboration between government bodies, the judiciary, security agencies, and communities. However, he cautioned against any sense of satisfaction, stating that lasting peace requires turning dialogue into clear, measurable actions. These actions must work to strengthen community resilience, rebuild trust, and enhance security across Northern Nigeria and the entire country.
Nigeria's Democratic Stance in the Sahel
The NSA underscored Nigeria's unique position as the only functioning democracy in the entire Sahel region, despite facing severe security challenges. He made the state's commitment unequivocal: "Let me be clear: the Nigerian state remains fully committed to law, order, and the protection of citizens."
He reiterated his warning, stating that anyone who exploits communities, spreads terror, or tries to damage national unity will face decisive action. This action, he assured, will be carried out in line with Nigeria's obligations to protect human rights and safeguard lives.
Ribadu also paid tribute to the nation's security forces, acknowledging their daily sacrifices, often made without public recognition. He called on religious and traditional leaders to continue offering prayers, understanding, and patience, noting that their moral leadership is crucial and highly valued.
Rooting Security in Local Communities
Looking forward, Ribadu expressed confidence that the current painful phase will pass, noting that other nations in the Sahel, East Africa, and South Asia face similar protracted struggles. "We will defeat terror. We will restore order. We will not give up, and we will not surrender," he declared.
Importantly, Ribadu shifted the focus to the grassroots, arguing that national security does not start at the federal level. He stressed that many of the country's problems are rooted in local issues. Therefore, communities, religious leaders, traditional rulers, local government authorities, and state governments have critical roles in preventing violence.
"When communities are empowered to resolve their own disputes and prevent violence, the need for deployment of armed forces reduces significantly," he concluded, championing a bottom-up approach to building sustainable peace.
