Security Situation in Northern Nigeria Has Improved Significantly in Two Years – NSA Ribadu

In a recent address, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, revealed that the country has seen a significant decline in Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes, particularly in the northern regions. According to Ribadu, these improvements have occurred within the past two years under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, marking a sharp contrast with the previous leadership’s record.

Ribadu made this declaration on Tuesday during a two-day dialogue session hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna State. He addressed a gathering of northern stakeholders and leaders, emphasizing that the administration’s strategic security overhaul has yielded measurable results.

The NSA provided specific data to underline the improvements. He noted that during the previous administration, Kaduna State alone recorded 1,192 deaths and over 3,348 abductions. In Benue State, the casualty figure surpassed 5,000 lives lost, showcasing how intense the conflict had become at the time.

A founding figure of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ribadu attributed the recent gains to a coordinated and unified security strategy implemented across Nigeria. This strategy was rolled out under direct orders from President Tinubu, aiming to unify the various intelligence and security agencies for greater operational synergy.

He disclosed that, as of May 2025, over 11,259 hostages have been rescued from criminal elements in the North-West region, thanks to large-scale military and intelligence operations. Additionally, numerous leaders of bandit gangs, along with many of their followers, have been neutralized by security personnel operating in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina States.

In his speech, Ribadu also acknowledged the proactive governance of Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who launched a non-kinetic, peace-building strategy in volatile areas such as Southern Kaduna and Birnin Gwari. This softer, community-focused approach is seen as a complement to the federal government’s military interventions, helping to address the root causes of violence and foster local trust.

Ribadu’s remarks come at a time when national and international observers are closely watching Nigeria’s internal security reforms, especially in regions that have historically been hotbeds of terrorism and intercommunal strife.