… Says 11,250 hostages freed
National Summit, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu in a detailed presentation at the All Progressives Congress (APC) provided detailed assessment of Nigeria’s national security landscape from 2023 to 2025, highlighting both significant achievements and persistent challenges.
He began by recalling the dire state of national security before the current administration took office in May 2023. He described a period marked by high-profile attacks, widespread displacement, and mass casualties, all of which threatened the nation’s cohesion and stability. The security challenges were multifaceted, including the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, rampant banditry in the North West, separatist agitations in the South East, unrest in the Niger Delta, and persistent communal conflicts—particularly herder-farmer clashes in the North Central region.
He noted that prior to May 2023, the Boko Haram insurgency had resulted in the deaths of over 35,000 people, while banditry claimed more than 12,000 lives and displaced a million Nigerians, with a million children forced out of school by October 2021. Notable incidents such as the Kaduna train attack, the assault on the Guards Battalion, the Owo church tragedy, and the Kuje prison break underscored the severity of the crisis.
In Kaduna State alone, official data from 2021 revealed 1,192 deaths and 3,348 kidnappings. Benue and Plateau states also suffered thousands of fatalities and massive displacement due to violent conflicts. In the South East, separatist violence led to the destruction of 164 police stations, the killing of 128 policemen, and three major prison breaks, including the Owerri facility where 1,841 inmates escaped. Meanwhile, in the Niger Delta, economic sabotage and oil theft had reduced crude oil production to about 1 million barrels per day.
Ribadu outlined strategic gains under the Renewed Hope Agenda administration. In the North West, he said security forces freed 11,250 hostages in Zamfara and Kaduna, dealt decisive blows to prominent warlords, and neutralized over 70 deputy commanders and hundreds of foot soldiers. The government’s non-kinetic approach, known as the Kaduna Model, saw over 35 warlords surrender, and Operation Safe Corridor North West was introduced to reintegrate repentant bandits.
In the North East, ongoing operations in key enclaves have led to the neutralization of over 13,543 terrorists and criminals, with 124,408 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families surrendering. Security forces have recovered and destroyed more than 11,118 weapons and 252,596 rounds of ammunition, while community resettlement and economic recovery efforts are underway.
The Niger Delta has seen a marked improvement in oil infrastructure security, with production rising to an average of 1.8 million barrels per day in 2025. For the first time in years, all pipelines are operational, and there has been a 47% drop in infractions. Security operations have dismantled 1,978 illegal refineries, destroyed 3,849 dugout pits and 3,773 illegal cooking ovens, and ensured regional security through Operation DELTA SAFE. Oil production is set to resume in Ogoniland after a hiatus of over 30 years.
In the South East, the effectiveness of “sit-at-home” orders has waned, key separatist figures have been captured or neutralized, over 50 police stations and posts have been rebuilt, and attacks on security forces have significantly decreased, allowing social and economic activities to normalize.
On the cybersecurity front, the government has intensified efforts to combat criminal activities on cryptocurrency platforms, notably in the Binance case. Suspicious accounts linked to terrorism, banditry, and separatist activities have been closed, and a new Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan is being implemented. Enhanced counter-intelligence measures and a national digital forensic laboratory are supporting military and law enforcement investigations.
Despite these gains, Ribadu acknowledged that challenges remain. Global threats such as cybercrime, terrorism, and organized crime persist, while instability in the Sahel region—particularly in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—poses additional risks. The Lake Chad Basin continues to face threats from ISWAP and Boko Haram, and climate change and the flow of arms are exacerbating regional insecurity.
In conclusion, Ribadu emphasized the importance of sustained commitment and collaboration across all levels of government and security services. He credited President Bola Tinubu’s strategic leadership and the dedication of the security team for the progress achieved. The reinvigoration of the National Park Services and the Forest Guard Initiative were highlighted as critical steps toward safeguarding Nigeria’s forests.
“Security is everybody’s business,” Ribadu stated. “Governments at all levels and security services must deliver on our mandates to better secure our country. Inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, and responsive governance are critical enablers of long-term peace and stability.”
