By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The National Security Adviser to the President, Malam Nuhu Ribadu and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, have narrated the laudable achievements recorded by the Federal Government in addressing insecurity under President Bola Tinubu.

They gave the explanation during the plenary session at the two-day Interactive Session on Government-citizens’ Engagement on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Ribadu said that Nigeria has been battling with insecurity over 20 years ago, adding that

there were Niger Delta agitation, Boko Haram, banditry, IPOB, other separatist groups and security challenges.

The national security adviser gave an overview of Nigeria’s security challenges before May 29, 2023.

“Before we came in, bandits were in control in North-Central and other parts of the North, killing innocent people on a weekly basis, burning villages and communities.

“We have traced, identified and dealt with them. Before May 29, 2023, there were high profile attacks and mass casualties across the country. When we came in, we believed that Nigeria had to be secured first.

“When we took over, we had some security challenges, which included Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping, separatists, Niger Delta, herder-farmer and communal clashes, among others.”

According to Ribadu, the Niger-Delta issue had been fixed, with crude oil production now over 1.9 million barrel per day from one million.

He said, “We have stopped those that wanted to divide the country. Tinubu instructed the security agencies to work together as one and we are working together, even with the Governors.

“Kaduna now is about 80 per cent free, no more bandits. We are carrying out operations in Kwara and other states.

“All security apparatus in the country work as a team. Today communities that were gripped with armed banditry now have relief.”

He also said that those bandits that were willing to repent and turn a new leaf were welcome.

The NSA further explained that the Armed Forces recently neutralised many bandits and criminal elements, adding that those bandits once in charge of territories in Kaduna had been taken out.

”Kaduna and other parts of the North are now free. We have achieved a lot. However, it is not yet over, but it’s a matter of time.

“There are so many enemies of the state that are in custody, and others are going through serious investigation.

“The recent reports of achievements from the Army are remarkable; roads are now safe; Kandawa, Dubali, Sabon Gali and many other areas have now been liberated.

“You can drive in any part of Kaduna State freely unlike two years ago.

“President Tinubu has mandated us to collaborate and work. We will work to bring stability to the country, restore order and give our people their lives back. We need your support,” Ribadu said.

Also speaking, Musa expressed the commitment of the armed forces to continue to work and ensure that the Northern region was free and Nigeria was fully secured.

“We will go after any enemy of the state and continue to do that until there is tranquility and peace in Nigeria.

“Our ways of working are based on collaboration, professionalism and collective actions and because we cannot be everywhere, we carry the communities along; security is also about relationships.

“There is also the need to engage our youths fully in activities that will distract them from participating in banditry or terrorism. We have also engage in public awareness.

“The  Nigerian Air Force is on top of their game and so also other security agencies.

“However, our borders are porous, but we want the border communities to also assist in reporting criminal elements that cross into our borders,” Musa said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani