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Defence/Security

Ribadu advocates comprehensive, integrated approach to tackling insecurity

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has advocated comprehensive and integrated approach to address the root causes of insecurity in the country.

Ribadu made the call at the opening of the UK-Nigeria Security Defence Partnership Dialogue, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ribadu said this would promote inclusive economic growth and empowers marginalised communities in Nigeria.

He said that such comprehensive approach would help to build societies resilient to exploitation and radicalisation and address the security challenges facing the nation.

Ribadu stressed the need to adopt a holistic and forward-looking approach that leverages the full spectrum of capabilities and expertise in addressing the myriads of security challenges confronting Nigeria.

According to him, it is necessary to reflect critically on the evolving nature of contemporary security threats and identify innovative strategies and partnerships to effectively address them.

He said the UK-Nigeria Security Defence Partnership Dialogue marked another significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the two nations, united in their unwavering commitment to regional, continental and global security, stability and peace.

The NSA said the long standing ties between the two countries are grounded in their shared values, mutual respect, and common aspiration for a safer and more prosperous world.

He said the dialogue would serve as a pivotal platform for frank and constructive discussions on a wide array of contemporary security challenges confronting the two nations and the international community at large.

“Our dialogue must be guided by a shared commitment to promoting regional stability, countering violent extremism, and enhancing resilience against emerging non-traditional security challenges confronting our nations is both diverse and formidable.

“In response, it is imperative that we adopt a holistic and forward-looking approach that leverages the full spectrum of our respective capabilities and expertise.

“Moreover, the nexus between security and development remains intrinsic to our collective efforts to foster sustainable peace and prosperity.

“It is imperative that we adopt a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses the root causes of insecurity, promotes inclusive economic growth, and empowers marginalized communities to build societies resilient to exploitation and radicalisation,” he said.

Ribadu said the importance of robust multilateral cooperation and information sharing could not be overstated in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

He added that forums such as this would provide opportunity to reaffirm their collective resolve to confront emerging threats, adapt to evolving security dynamics, and uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Ribadu said that several commitments were made during the first dialogue in 2022.

These, he said, centered on strengthening collaboration in the areas of defence, countering terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, illicit financial flows and enhancing maritime security, among others.

The NSA disclosed that Nigeria had made efforts to implement its own bargain of the commitments made during the inaugural dialogue, which include the establishment of the Anti-Kidnapping Fusion Centre and the integration of civil security outfit into the Fusion Cell.

He added that the country has also enacted measures to reinforce compliance to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in the conduct of security and defence related operations.

In his remarks, the UK National Security Adviser, Tim Barrow, said his country shared in the determination to contribute separately and together for a better world where peace, security, stability and prosperity reign.

Barrow, represented by his Deputy, Dame Sarah Macintosh, said the two countries could through the partnership and dialogue, advance those shared objectives and deepen partnership and friendship to build on their national security.

“UK is fully committed to our friendship and partnership with Nigeria and we thank you for your commitment to that partnership there too, and I’m personally delighted to be part of strengthening and deepening it through this dialogue.

“As security challenges around the world grow, it has become increasingly crucial to support our allies to uphold regional and international peace.

“This week we reaffirmed our commitment to Nigeria,  building on progress made since the last UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership dialogue, from tackling terrorism and countering violent extremism to defending against cyber-attacks.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to the Government of Nigeria for their partnership and look forward to continuing to deepen our cooperation across our Security and Defence Partnership,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSAs of UK and Nigeria used the event to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cyber Security. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Maharazu Ahmed

Defence/Security

Security: Farmers now back to farm, group lauds Tinubu, Ribadu  

 

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

 

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Coalition for Peace, has commended President Bola Tinubu and his National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu for the improved security across the nation.

 

The group gave the commendation In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, signed by the its President, Malam Adamu Haruna and Secretary, Jonah Simon.

 

The group said it recognised the inter-agency collaboration initiated by the two which had improve peace and security across the country in the last few months.

 

It attributed the improved harmonious working relationship to why terrorists and criminals are currently on the run.

 

In commending the efforts of Mr President and the NSA, it said that such had instilled confidence in the minds of the farmers who are now returning to farm this rainy season for planting.

 

It said that was a departure from the previous administration when insecurity was the nightmare of everyone; as farmers and vulnerable residents in communities got killed, kidnapped and their women raped.

 

“This administration has been responding swiftly to distress calls, particularly acting on intelligence reports leading to attacks and arrests of criminals.

 

“The inter agency cooperation and harmonious working relationship have led to improvement in security across the nation.

 

“There is no doubt about this fact which President Tinubu and the NSA should be commended for.

 

“It is worth of saying that farmers are back to farm because they have confidence in government’s prompt response to security threats obviously lessening security challenges.

 

“Last week, the revelation of the high number of terrorists killed by this administration reflects the seriousness of government in tackling insecurity,” the group added.

 

It went further said that ‘there can not be anything equal to prompt security response and taking action on intelligence, a development that led to killing of large number of terrorists since Tinubu took over power on May 29.

 

“The increased security at the nation’s borders has also reduced the incidences of kidnapping in the North West and North East geopolitical zones of the country.”

 

The group therefore urged the security agents not to relent, assuring them that Nigerians are willing to give them maximum support and encouragement.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Defence/Security

Ribadu says addressing national security challenge is collective responsibility

 

Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser, retired AIG Nuhu Ribadu, says it is the collective responsibility of every individual to rescue the nation from the security challenges bedeviling it.

Ribadu said this on Monday in Abuja at the opening of at a two – day symposium on “Challenges and Innovations in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism: Strategic Approaches.”

The symposium was organised by the African Centre For Strategic Studies (ACSS) Alumni,  Nigeria chapter.

Ribadu represented by the National Coordinator National Terrorism Centre Rear Admiral  Yamisu Musa, noted with concern that the current security threats bedeviling the nation had caused untold hardships to citizens

”From homegrown insurgency and terrorism in the Northeast to banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest, militancy in the South-South and secessionist agitations in the Southeastern parts of the country among many other violence fueled clashes.

” It is therefore, our collective responsibility to ensure that our country is rescued from this menace and this is the reason we are all gathered here today, ” he said.

He said that the Federal Government’s response to the emerging security dynamics of the nation led to the enactment of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA) 2022.

”This act, informed the establishment of the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC). The Center is charged with the coordination of counter-terrorism policies, strategies and plans in the country, ” he said

According to him experience, globally, had shown that kinetic measures or the hard approach alone was insufficient when dealing with terrorism and Violent Extremism (VE).

”What is needed to combat the menace is a combination of both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.

”For this reason, the United Nations, under the former Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon in 2015, developed the plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.

”In the Plan, the UN Secretary General called for a comprehensive approach encompassing not only essential security-based counter-terrorism measures but also systematic preventive steps to address the underlying conditions that drive individuals to radicalise and join violent extremist groups.

”To this end, Nigeria in 2017 developed the PF NAP for PCV,” he said.

He said the policy framework was a complementary, whole-of government and whole-of-society approach for addressing threats posed by violent extremist groups.

”The framework seeks to build capacity, improve coordination, strengthen the justice system and by integrating strategic communication, provide alternative narratives to VE.

”It also, provides guidance, direction and most importantly coordination of all non-kinetic operations to prevent and counter violent extremism and terrorism within our borders.

”The Whole-of-Society and Whole-of-Government approach to our non-kinetic operations require dedicated and concerted efforts by every citizen and governments at all levels,” he said.

While commending all delegates for their resolute commitment and sacrifice to be part of the symposium, he implored them to see the event as a call to re-awaken interagency cooperation, collaborative and coordination efforts which all must embrace.

”’I therefore, implore you to see this event as a call to re-awaken our interagency cooperation, collaborative and coordination efforts which we all must embrace.

”We must ensure that challenges being experienced such as negative public perception of government policies, limited resources, uncoordinated/ disruptive activities of some International Partners and weak capacity of relevant stakeholders responsible for implementing PCVE.

“Including weak institutional and legal frameworks for some components of PCVE amid the complex demography of our land even as the conflict is ongoing are resolved with solutions proffered at this symposium within the next two days.

”I am fully assured that with the level of expertise and experience of delegates here present, we will make good progress, ” he said.

The Commandant of National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Makinde Olotu, in his remarks noted that world was currently in an era where terrorism and violent extremism had become the foremost threats to global peace and security.

He said that terrorism and violent extremism are complex and multifaceted phenomena that transcend national, cultural and religious boundaries.

”They pose significant challenges to peace, security and human rights, and require multidimensional and collaborative responses from governments, civil society, private sector and the academia.

”The rise of extremist ideologies coupled with advancement in technology has made it easier for terrorists to carry out attacks and spread their massage of hate.

”Nigeria is still listed among the 10 most impacted countries by terrorism in the world. Therefore, any discourse on the subject matter is very relevant, timely and of significance to us all, ” he said.

He said the challenges faced in countering terrorism and violent extremism had continued to evolve.

According to him, terrorists for instance are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their modus operandi.

”They employ bespoke tactics including the use of emerging technologies in their operations, while exploring the social media and other online platforms to radicalise and recruit new members.

”Bearing in mind the economic realities and geopolitical influences especially in developing countries, it has become essential to adopt innovations that would enhance our abilities to detect, prevent and respond to terrorist threats.

”These innovations should be tailored towards addressing the deep rooted causes and drivers of terrorism and violent extremism in our nations,” he said.

He said that countering terrorism and violent extremism would require multi – sectorial and multidisciplinary approaches to develop comprehensive and effective solutions including counter narratives, dialogue and mediation as well as community resilience.

He expressed confidence that the symposium would provide the platform for fruitful discussions and exchange of ideas on how innovations could be leveraged to counter terrorism and violent extremism.

The President of Nigeria Chapter ACSS, retired Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, said that the symposium was to interrogate the current challenges which confront the sub-region particularly in Sahelian West Africa.

He said that it was also to take a good look at the security challenges in the Lake Chad Basin, which had been a theatre of terrorist activities, banditry and a plethora of other cross border crimes.

”It is expected that its outcomes would be trail blazing and impactful in the future of Security and conflict management in our world, ” he said.