The Federal Government of Nigeria has once again reiterated its unwavering commitment to ending the security challenges facing the nation, emphasizing a renewed collaboration with state governments to tackle widespread insecurity.
This assurance was given by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, during the opening session of the Federal and States Security Administrators Meeting held in Abuja. The two-day summit brought together key security stakeholders from across the country to develop practical strategies to improve national security.
Ribadu, represented by Mr. Asishana Okauru, Special Adviser on Governance and Subnational Liaison, said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply concerned about the ongoing threats to national security. He noted that the government has strengthened the capacity of the Armed Forces, counter-insurgency operations, and defence intelligence agencies to confront these challenges head-on.
“The security situation in Nigeria—ranging from Boko Haram insurgency to banditry, kidnapping, separatist agitations, and maritime piracy—has had devastating consequences on lives, property, and the economy. However, we are already seeing positive results from our strategic interventions,” Ribadu said.
Decline in Insecurity: Boko Haram, Banditry, and Separatist Agitations Weakening
The NSA disclosed that Boko Haram has been significantly degraded, while incidents of banditry, oil theft, and separatist violence are reportedly on the decline.
He emphasized that the Federal Government’s proactive measures, including enhanced surveillance, intelligence sharing, and joint military operations, are beginning to yield measurable improvements across affected regions.
Forest Guard Initiative Deployed Nationwide
Also speaking at the event, Muhammed Danjuma, Permanent Secretary of the Special Services Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), highlighted the government’s resolve to curb insecurity through innovative programs such as the Forest Guard Initiative.
Under this initiative, over 130,000 armed operatives have been deployed across more than 1,000 forests and game reserves nationwide to protect critical ecosystems and restrict the movement of criminal elements who often use forests as hideouts.
Danjuma also raised concerns about non-traditional security threats, including activities of metal scavengers, Tanker explosions, flood disasters and Illegal mining operations.
He urged security administrators to develop practical, state-specific solutions to complement federal efforts.
Stakeholders Collaborate on National Security Solutions
The security administrators’ meeting drew participants from various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) across all 36 states of the federation. Discussions focused on multi-level collaboration, intelligence coordination, and implementation of community-driven security frameworks.
Organizers said the meeting aims to build a more integrated and responsive national security architecture, especially in light of the evolving nature of threats facing the country.
