By ABAH ADAH, Abuja
As Nigeria ushers in the New Year, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has assured of enhanced security.
Ribadu, in a statement signed by the national coordinator, National Counter-terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, NCTC-ONSA, acknowledged the resilience of the nation in the face of security challenges and emphasised the critical role of our collective efforts in ensuring peace and stability.
He equally attributed the successes achieved in 2024 to the exceptional leadership of President Bola Tinubu, whose political will had extensively sustained security efforts across the nation.
Appreciating the president for his strategic guidance and untiring support to the ONSA in the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes, the NSA said the support provided the foundation for the progress made in enhancing national security.
Ribadu noted that the collective vigilance and cooperation of Nigerians have been instrumental in the fight against terrorism, violent extremism, and other security threats, stressing that the successes recorded in the efforts to enhance national security was deeply rooted in the cooperation of Nigerians, dedication of members of the armed forces, security agencies, as well as the intelligence community.
To men and women of the armed forces, police, and other security and intelligence agencies, he said “your sacrifices in the front lines despite the harshest conditions, demonstrate staunch patriotism, courage and dedication to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and security, even as he also saluted their families who bear the weight of their absence with such steadfast support and love.”
He said even though 2024 brought its share of security challenges, including the resurgence of Lakurawa terrorist group in the North-West and acts of sabotage on critical national infrastructure, such as power transmission lines by non-state actors, the tireless efforts of the armed forces and security agencies in containing these threats and preventing further occurrences are commendable.
“These achievements would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the National Assembly, judiciary and governors, whose commitment to strengthening our policy and legal frameworks across all levels of government have been critical in advancing our national security objectives.
“Your steadfast dedication and proactive engagement have also contributed immensely to effective decision-making and the successes recorded.
“I also commend the exemplary leadership, foresight and dedication of the chief of defence staff, service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, IGP, director-general of the National Intelligence Agency, director-general of the Department of State Services, Chief of Defence Intelligence and heads of other security and intelligence agencies for their unparalleled contributions to safeguard our dear nation.
“Your sacrifices, tireless efforts and dedication to duty do not go unnoticed. They are deeply appreciated and serve as a source of inspiration to all Nigerians,” he said.
He highlighted recent advancements, including the operationalisation of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell at the National Counter Terrorism Centre developed with support from the United Kingdom National Crime Agency to address kidnapping and related crimes.
According to him, dedicated emergency numbers will be made available to facilitate timely reporting and intervention.
