Ribadu’s Leadership and the Military’s Renewed Offensives
By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi,
In recent weeks, Nigeria has witnessed a significant resurgence in military operations against non-state actors, notably insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements. These efforts have resulted in the neutralization of high-profile terrorists, the dismantling of their cells, and the rescue of numerous kidnapped victims.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu, must be commended for these victories. His strategic leadership has been a driving force in ensuring the safety and security of the Nigerian people.
It is important to note that the military’s success in neutralizing high-profile insurgents and bandits is no small feat. These non-state actors have, for years, terrorized communities, disrupted livelihoods, and undermined national security. Notably, Halilu Sububu, a bandit kingpin who terrorized the Northwest region for many years, was among those taken down. Others included Ibrahim Nagure, Lawali Dodo, Kadiri, and Jambaleri. On the insurgent front, commanders such as Kachalla Fadama and Ameer Modu, along with other wanted terrorist leaders, were also neutralized by the military.
This recent string of victories has restored a sense of hope and stability, particularly in areas most affected by these extremists. The success lies in the collaboration between the military and the intelligence community, with ONSA playing a central role in coordination and providing vital strategic input.
Under Malam Nuhu Ribadu’s leadership, ONSA has remained steadfast in ensuring that Nigeria’s security apparatus is well-coordinated and adequately resourced. Ribadu’s approach goes beyond reactive measures; it focuses on preemptive strategies aimed at identifying, targeting, and dismantling terrorist networks before they can cause harm. A significant achievement under his watch has been the systematic disruption of terrorist financing networks.
As stated by the Director/CEO of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, the only way to end insecurity in Nigeria and other parts of Africa is to demobilize terror groups by cutting off their sources of funding. Financial resources are crucial to sustaining terrorist operations, just as oxygen is essential for human survival. ONSA has made significant strides in identifying and cutting off these sources of funds.
For instance, NSA Ribadu revealed that the government identified and blocked at least N83 billion in cryptocurrency and fiat money channeled toward the nationwide protests in early August. Reports quoted Ribadu as listing the amounts as $50 million in cryptocurrency—$38 million of which was blocked in four cryptocurrency wallets—and N4 billion contributed by various political actors in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina. Behind-the-scenes efforts by ONSA and other financial institutions are also underway to block transactions aimed at financing terrorism.
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These efforts have not only weakened the operational capabilities of terrorist groups but also limited their ability to recruit, arm, and sustain their operations. By choking off their finances, the government has dealt a crippling blow to these non-state actors, forcing them to resort to increasingly desperate measures.
Another commendable outcome of this renewed offensive is the successful rescue of kidnapped victims without the payment of ransom. In the past, ransom payments became a de facto method of securing the release of hostages, fueling the criminal activities of these groups. However, ONSA’s approach under Ribadu has been markedly different. Through intelligence-led operations and sophisticated military tactics, numerous captives have been freed from the clutches of their abductors without ransom. This not only deprives these groups of financial resources but also sends a clear message: criminality will not be rewarded in Nigeria.
For instance, Nigerian Army troops embarked on aggressive offensive operations in Kaduna State, leading to the rescue of kidnapped students and the seizure of a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the terrorists.
Ribadu’s leadership has also been pivotal in curbing the illegal circulation of firearms across Nigeria. The proliferation of illegal arms has long been a major driver of violence, with criminal groups relying on access to weapons to sustain their operations. Through collaborative efforts, ONSA has worked relentlessly to stem the flow of arms, limiting the ability of these groups to carry out attacks. This has bolstered military efforts on the ground and contributed to a broader sense of security across the nation.
Recently, it was announced that no fewer than 30,132 recovered, decommissioned, unserviceable, and illicit arms and ammunition will be destroyed by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW). The National Coordinator of the NCCSALW, DIG Johnson Kokumo (retd.), stated that the weapons, some recovered from arms-bearing government agencies and other sources, would be destroyed by the end of September. Additionally, 10 suspects connected to this illicit importation were arrested and are being prosecuted by the center.
As the military continues its onslaught against non-state actors, the importance of intelligence cannot be overstated. Ribadu’s ONSA has been instrumental in providing timely and actionable intelligence, enabling the military to carry out precision strikes against terrorist cells and hideouts. By utilizing a combination of human intelligence, surveillance technology, and international cooperation, ONSA has ensured that the military remains one step ahead, preventing these groups from regrouping or launching significant counteroffensives.
The success of these operations reflects the broader commitment of the Nigerian government to address the root causes of insecurity. Under Ribadu, ONSA has consistently advocated for a holistic approach to national security—one that combines military might with efforts to address socio-economic inequalities, improve governance, and promote community resilience.
While the road to complete peace and stability remains long, recent victories suggest that Nigeria is making significant progress in its fight against insurgency and banditry. Ribadu’s leadership and the military’s renewed offensives have placed the nation on a much firmer path to security.
Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi, an NDA research student, is the author of “National Security Strategies: A Young Writer’s Perspective.” Email: [email protected]
