Security agents in readiness to curtail threat to Nigeria – Nuhu Ribadu

The National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu has declared that security agents across board are in their readiness to curtail internal and external threat to the nation.

He stated this during the graduation ceremony of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 at the National Institute of Security Studies, NISS in Abuja.

While speaking as a guest speaker on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Ribadu gave a testimony of unity and synergy among security agencies and the government’s resolve to safeguard national stability.

The event, attended by top government officials, military leaders, and foreign representatives, included Vice President Kashim Shettima (represented by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike), Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.

Ribadu emphasized the improved synergy among security agencies under President Tinubu’s administration, noting that the government maintains a zero-tolerance stance toward security threats. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of security personnel, including 38 soldiers who recently lost their lives in an operational accident.

“The unity we see today in the security sector has never happened before. If you threaten Nigeria’s security, whether from within or outside, you will face justice — properly and fairly,” Ribadu said. He also praised the recent appointment of Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi as DSS Director-General.

Former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, who chaired the ceremony, proposed the death penalty for anyone who kills security personnel, in response to the increasing attacks on military and paramilitary officers. Aliyu noted that 229 police officers had been killed in the past 22 months.

He criticized state governors for over-relying on the federal government for security, urging them to use security votes to fund local security operations. “State governors should not blame the federal government every time there is insecurity in their states,” Aliyu said, calling on them to take charge of local security matters.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Minister Wike, addressed the evolving nature of global security challenges, including cyber warfare, disinformation, and climate migration. He urged graduates to adopt innovative approaches to transform crises into opportunities for stability and growth.

DSS Director-General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi expressed optimism about Nigeria’s security outlook, emphasizing the success of inter-agency collaboration. “Together, we can win. No security challenge can defeat us if we work together,” Ajayi said, assuring that citizens would soon feel safer thanks to improved security efforts.

The ceremony saw 91 participants, including representatives from five foreign countries, underscoring the importance of training and collaboration in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.