The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has continued to attract commendation over what observers describe as significant progress in Nigeria's fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of organised crime.
In an opinion article titled "Nuhu Ribadu: The Quiet Architect of Nigeria's Security Renaissance," journalist and publisher, Tom Garba, portrayed Ribadu as a strategic leader whose approach has reshaped Nigeria's security framework despite persistent security challenges.
Garba argued that the NSA has delivered remarkable results in an environment long plagued by insurgency, violent crimes and transnational criminal activities.
According to him, Ribadu has transformed the country's security operations by replacing fragmented responses with intelligence-driven coordination involving the military, police, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant institutions.
He noted that the improved collaboration among security agencies has enhanced intelligence sharing, operational planning and the execution of coordinated missions across the country.
Garba further stated that security operations under Ribadu have increasingly focused on dismantling the leadership structures of terrorist organisations rather than merely confronting their foot soldiers.
Among the notable achievements cited was the arrest of Abu Bara'a, also known as Mahmud Muhammad Usman, the self-proclaimed leader of the Ansaru terrorist group, alongside the capture of the group's deputy commander, Mallam Mamuda, during separate intelligence-led operations.
He also highlighted the elimination of several notorious criminal figures, including Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo and Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, an ISIS-linked operative believed to have played a strategic role within extremist networks operating around the Lake Chad Basin.
Garba described the operations as clear evidence of a deliberate strategy aimed at weakening terrorist leadership and disrupting the operational capacity of violent groups.
He also commended the rescue of numerous kidnap victims across the country, including more than 20 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State, saying the operation underscored the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence gathering.
According to him, similar rescue operations carried out in Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina and Borno states have led to the freedom of hundreds of victims since Ribadu assumed office.
Garba maintained that many of the rescue missions were executed without the payment of ransom, a development he said reflected the government's determination not to strengthen criminal groups financially.
He also pointed to sustained military offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP and bandit enclaves across the North-East and North-West, noting that several camps, logistics bases and weapons facilities had been destroyed while numerous insurgents had either been killed or forced to surrender.
Beyond security operations, Garba credited Ribadu with coordinating efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta through closer collaboration among security agencies, regulatory bodies and local stakeholders.
He said the measures had contributed to improved crude oil production and enhanced investor confidence in Nigeria's petroleum sector.
Garba also referenced Ribadu's diplomatic engagements with international partners, particularly the recent meeting with a United States delegation led by Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, which focused on strengthening bilateral security cooperation and intelligence sharing.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist, Garba maintained that the achievements recorded under Ribadu's leadership have strengthened Nigeria's security architecture and improved public confidence in national institutions.
He concluded that the combination of successful counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescues, protection of critical national assets and strengthened international partnerships has positioned Ribadu among the country's most impactful National Security Advisers.
"For many Nigerians, leadership is measured by results rather than rhetoric. The progress recorded across multiple security fronts reflects resilience, strategic coordination and quiet but transformative leadership despite enormous challenges," Garba stated.
(TG New)
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