The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a stern warning to those attempting to obstruct security operations under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that such actions will not be tolerated. Ribadu’s comments came during his address at the Comptroller General of Customs Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, where he outlined the government’s commitment to tackling security challenges head-on.
In his speech, Ribadu highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to address the threats posed by bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements. “We will secure this country, we will fix it, we are not jokers,” he declared, reaffirming President Tinubu’s determination to rid Nigeria of security threats. Ribadu also pointed to the government’s success in neutralizing bandits, stating that hundreds of bandits have been killed in recent operations, with many fleeing to neighboring Chad. This pressure on the criminals, he noted, led the President of Chad to declare war on the bandits.
Ribadu further outlined the high-level strategies being implemented by the government, emphasizing that these efforts were yielding positive results. He remarked, “This prompted the Chadian president to declare war on them,” referring to the cross-border actions taken to combat the criminal elements. The NSA reiterated that the administration was not backing down in its pursuit of peace and security across the country.
In addition to security measures, Ribadu touched on the government’s broader agenda for national development. He assured the public that the administration was working relentlessly to create a secure environment, which he deemed crucial for the country’s economic growth. The NSA pointed to the significant improvements in security in the Niger Delta region as a case in point, noting that the area had seen a marked reduction in violence and a corresponding rise in crude oil production.
“We have seen things change in many parts of our country today,” Ribadu stated. “Go to the Niger Delta, things have changed.” He explained that the region’s oil production had increased significantly, reaching 1.8 million barrels per day, a development he attributed to improved security and stability in the area.
Ribadu also urged Nigerians to remain patient as the government navigates the current challenges facing the nation. He explained that the policies being implemented were not only aimed at restoring peace and security but also at sanitizing the system and fostering economic recovery. Among the key reforms, Ribadu mentioned efforts to stabilize the Naira and strengthen the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In his closing remarks, Ribadu praised the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its continued contributions to national security and economic stability. He encouraged officers to aspire to leadership roles, emphasizing that the government was creating new opportunities for growth and advancement within the service. “Opportunities for growth are now available to you,” Ribadu said, urging Customs officers to take full advantage of these prospects.
The conference, which began on Tuesday, is set to run until Friday, providing a platform for further discussions on security, economic reforms, and the role of the Nigeria Customs Service in national development.
