By Daniel Obaje

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu and the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Sen. Shehu Buba, for their pragmatic approach in tackling insecurity in the country.

Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director of NCSCN, made this known in Abuja while briefing newsmen on findings by the Council’s Directorate of Security and Intelligence Matters.

He said the directorate had, since the commencement of 2025 operations, been documenting developments around Nigeria’s security architecture with a view to assessing progress and rating performances of key actors.

“Our findings have been very interesting and encouraging, especially from the offices of the National Security Adviser and that of the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

“Indeed, there have been commendable achievements and remarkable improvement in the sector in the last one year, which are traceable to the policies and strategies put in place through the joint efforts of the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

“Both Sen. Buba and Malam Ribadu have shown exceptional commitment to service beyond normal bonds of duty.”

Akinlosotu noted that while most policymakers relied solely on hardline measures such as weapons and troop deployments, Ribadu and Buba had consistently insisted that banditry and insurgency could not be defeated by force alone.

According to him, their insistence in combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches has led to a drastic reduction in violent incidents across the country.

“Under the eagle-eyed watch of the NSA and the legislative oversight of Sen. Buba, coupled with the diligence of our security apparatus, dialogue, negotiations and non-kinetic approaches have helped to douse farmers/herders conflicts and inter-communal violence in recent times,’’ he said.

He, however, lamented that in spite of the progress made, some detractors had deliberately misinterpreted the duo’s approach, tagging them as weak or even as alleged allies of bandits.

“As would be naturally expected in complex geopolitics, backlashes, deliberate misinterpretations of intent and mischievous scandals are normal occurrences against performing leaders and astute administrators.

“Some mischief makers have gone ahead to attack their capacity and successes, all in the aim of tarnishing their reputations and instigating the public against them.

“The Civil Society Council feels compelled to speak up against these unsubstantiated allegations aimed at discrediting and undermining the achievements of the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence and the NSA.”

Akinlosotu said global evidence supported the adoption of dialogue and non-kinetic methods in addressing security challenges, citing research conducted in the Lake Chad Basin by UNIDIR and ISS in 2023, which confirmed their effectiveness.

He added that crisis negotiation units institutionalised by the FBI and other security agencies worldwide, as well as Nigeria’s own amnesty programmes were further proof that negotiated peace could help restore stability.

“Negotiations and dialogue have recorded global success rates up to 94 per cent, thereby prompting many security authorities across the globe to reconsider conventional military approaches to fighting terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and banditry.”

The NCSCN director said while commending Ribadu and Buba for their efforts, the Council also urged them to intensify actions as much ground still needed to be covered.

“While once again commending their laudable achievements, we enjoin them to redouble efforts and be more proactive, as the quest for satisfactory national security is yet to be attained,’’ Akinlosotu said (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz