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National Security Adviser, (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu has urged security agencies to strengthen coordination, promptly share intelligence and remain vigilant against misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His call came as the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, advocated a proactive approach to cybercrime, saying Nigeria’s security increasingly depended on protecting the digital networks supporting public services, businesses and daily life.
Speaking at separate events in Yola and Abuja yesterday, both officials stressed cooperation and early threat detection.
Ribadu, represented by his Special Adviser on Governance and Subnational Liaison, Mr Asishana Okauru, at the Federal and State Security Administrators Meeting (FSSAM) 2026 in Yola, said security administrators had a central role in creating conditions for peaceful and credible elections.
“The officials represented in this hall are central to ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral environment,” he said, urging participants to exchange information, insights and best practices and develop coordinated responses to security challenges.
Ribadu assured them of continued support from his office and pledged to strengthen collaboration between federal and state authorities. He described national security as a shared responsibility and commended Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for sustaining peace.
In Abuja, Disu spoke at the opening of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre’s 2026 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, themed “Towards a Resilient Cyberspace: Think Before You Click.”
He said expanding digital services had created opportunities while exposing individuals, businesses and institutions to fraud, identity theft, data breaches, extortion and other cyber-enabled financial crimes. He called for stronger threat analysis, open-source intelligence, digital forensics and timely information sharing, anchored in reliable intelligence, human oversight, the rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights.
Disu urged the centre to build technical capacity to analyse threats, investigate digital evidence and disrupt criminal networks, stressing that technology required skilled personnel, sound procedures, accountability and public trust. He also called for cooperation among government, law enforcement agencies, regulators, financial institutions, technology providers, educators, civil society, the media and the public.
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According to him, cybersecurity should be integrated into governance, financial operations, risk management and public education, with stronger systems for sharing threat intelligence, coordinating responses and preserving digital evidence.
“While defending against external threats, we must also confront insider threats,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fintiri appealed to the Federal Government to modernise Nigeria’s international borders with advanced surveillance technology, drone coverage and joint patrols. Represented by his deputy, Prof. Kaletafwa Farauta, he also sought the speedy establishment of one-stop border posts to curb illegal migration, arms proliferation and smuggling.
The governor called for adequate federal funding for security agencies, saying his administration remained committed to protecting residents, investors and visitors. He said the state had provided operational vehicles and communication equipment and funded joint operations, including Operation Farauta.
“We have demonstrated that when political will meets logistics, peace becomes achievable,” he said.
FSSAM Chairman Sani Aminu commended the state government and traditional rulers for promoting peaceful coexistence and urged other states to learn from Adamawa’s experience. The meeting featured the distribution of patrol vehicles and motorcycles to local security operators by the state government.
At the Abuja campaign, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the cybercrime centre, Mr Akaninyene Ezima, warned that clicking on a suspicious link, unverified message or fraudulent investment offer could cause financial loss, identity theft, privacy violations and serious security consequences.
He said the campaign’s theme underscored the need for caution in an increasingly interconnected world.
