National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has stated that Nigeria has witnessed a significant reduction in terrorist attacks under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration compared to the era of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ribadu made this assertion during an interactive session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at Arewa House, Kaduna. He attributed the progress to coordinated, intelligence-driven security operations and a deliberate strategy of quiet efficiency by the armed forces.
“In the last two years, over 300 notorious bandit leaders have been neutralised, and 12,100 hostages rescued,” Ribadu disclosed. He added that security forces have recovered and destroyed over 14,000 illegal firearms in efforts to curb violence across the country.
According to the NSA, ongoing military operations in the North-West have led to the rescue of 11,259 hostages as of May 2025. Several high-profile bandit leaders and their gangs have also been taken down in states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina.
Commending Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Ribadu applauded the non-kinetic approach the state government has adopted in tackling insecurity in Southern Kaduna, Birnin Gwari, and other troubled areas. “Kaduna is now over 80 percent safe because of strong collaboration between the state government and federal security agencies,” he said.
He cautioned against politicising security issues, lamenting that some critics fail to acknowledge the gains made due to political bias. “Security is a collective responsibility, not a partisan project,” Ribadu stressed.
Flanked by top security officials, the NSA reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability nationwide. “The armed forces are more determined, and Nigeria is now in good hands,” he declared.
The session was attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society representatives, and security personnel. It formed part of the Foundation’s broader mission to promote peace, effective leadership, and sustainable development in Northern Nigeria.
