National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, sounding zesty, foresees greater safety for Nigerians in the 2025 New Year, saying that last year’s amazing record of successes by security and intelligence agencies were good reasons to expect unequalled security this year.
The National Coordinator of the National Centre for Counter Terrorism in the Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), Major General Adamu Garuba Laka, in a New Year message of the NSA acknowledged that by standing with security forces last year combating threats to national peace and stability, Nigerians displayed uncommon resilience.
Ribadu while commending President Bola Tinubu for displaying untiring support, exceptional leadership and strong political will to drive the process last year, expressed gratitude to troops of the armed forces, their families and support systems for committing to a nation safe, secure and stable in the past year 2024.
“Your sacrifices in the front lines despite the harshest conditions, and the families who bear the weight of absence with such steadfast support and love demonstrate staunch patriotism, courage, and dedication to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security.
” The year 2024 brought its share of security challenges, including the resurgence of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group in the Northwest and acts of sabotage on critical national infrastructure, such as power transmission lines, by non-state actors.
”Despite these challenges, it is gratifying to note the tireless efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and security agencies in containing these threats and preventing further occurrences’’, he said.
Remarking that President Bola Tinubu’s support “provided the foundation for the progress made in enhancing national security”, the NSA noted that the collective vigilance and unique cooperation of Nigerians were instrumental in the dogged fight against terrorism, violent extremism, and other security threats across the country.
And laying bare the basis for last year’s string of successes in the security sector, NSA Nuhu Ribadu whose repositioning last year of the flagging leaderships of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) was widely adjudged as swift, brilliant and phenomenal, noted that the enhanced national security in 2024 was rooted in the cooperation of Nigerians, dedication of security and Armed Forces personnel as well as the unflappability of the intelligence community.
Speaking to the whole-of-government dimension of the successes, he said, “These achievements would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the National Assembly, the judiciary, and state governors, whose commitment to strengthening our policy and legal frameworks across all levels of government have been critical in advancing our national security objectives
”I also commend the exemplary leadership, foresight, and dedication of the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Director General of the Department of State Services, Chief of Defence Intelligence, and the heads of other security and intelligence agencies for their unparalleled contributions to safeguarding our dear Nation. Your sacrifices, tireless efforts, and dedication to duty do not go unnoticed.
The NSA further said, ”Additionally, the support of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as civil society organizations and international partners, played a pivotal role in advancing our shared goals of national security and stability. We therefore remain steadfast in our resolve to protect the Nation and assure Nigerians of our tenacious commitment to ensuring their safety and security.
He seized the opportunity of the message to re-affirm that, “Security is everyone’s responsibility”, adding, ‘’the fight against terrorism and criminality cannot be won without the active participation of citizens. I therefore implore you to promptly report any suspicious activities, movements, or characters to the appropriate authorities. If you see something, say something.”
While reassuring Nigerians of renewed focus in ONSA notably the recently operationalized U.K-backed Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell on combating terrorism, violent extremism and other serious organized crimes through enhanced collaboration, innovative strategies, and proactive measures, he urged security stakeholders and citizens to redouble their efforts in building a safer and more secure nation.
