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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said that the Federal Government has concluded plans to establish a National Veteran Security Initiative to integrate retired officers into key roles, including advisory, intelligence, and community conflict resolution.
Ribadu made this known at the 50th Anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 18 Regular Course Alumni, held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess, Abuja. According to him, the initiative is in realization of the critical role of retired military officers in achieving stability in the country. “You are not just heroes of our past. You are strategic partners for today and tomorrow. Nigeria still needs your leadership, wisdom, and experience,” Ribadu told the veterans.
The NSA also acknowledged significant progress in the fight against insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the battle was far from being over. He disclosed that since May 2023, security forces had rescued over 11,250 hostages from criminal groups, while more than 124,000 terrorists and their families had surrendered to Nigerian troops. He added that military operations had also led to the elimination of 13,543 terrorists, the recovery of 11,118 weapons, and over 252,000 rounds of ammunition.
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In the Northwest, the NSA said, notorious bandit leaders such as Ali Kachalla, Boderi, and Halilu Sububu had been neutralized, with more than 50 warlords and 70 of their deputies killed.
Additionally, he stated that over 35 insurgents had surrendered under the government’s non-kinetic peace initiative in Kaduna.
The NSA further highlighted successes in other regions. In the Niger Delta, he said, oil production had increased from one million to 1.8 million barrels per day following the dismantling of nearly 2,000 illegal refineries and the recovery of stolen petroleum products worth over ₦3.5 billion.
“In the Southeast, separatist violence has declined sharply, with police stations rebuilt and sit-at-home orders losing influence. On the digital front, several cybercrime networks financing terrorism and banditry have been dismantled, cutting off millions in illicit funds,” Ribadu said.
