Nigeria’s Security Gains Under President Tinubu’s Administration

Nigeria’s Security Gains Under President Tinubu’s Administration

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, Nigeria was gripped by widespread insecurity: insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, separatist unrest in the South-East, oil theft in the Niger Delta, and communal violence in the central region. As described by National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam @NuhuRibadu , the nation was “fighting for its soul.”

Speaking at the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 18 Regular Course, Ribadu detailed significant progress:

•Insurgency: Over 13,500 insurgents neutralized and 124,000 fighters and families surrendered. Former strongholds like Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad Basin are now under state control.

•Banditry: In the North-West, 11,000 hostages freed, over 50 warlords neutralized, and 35 armed leaders surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor.

•South-East: Calm is returning as separatist agitators are arrested, police presence restored, and economic activity resumes in formerly volatile areas.

•Niger Delta: Oil production has risen from 1 million to 1.8 million barrels per day, with 1,900 illegal refineries dismantled. Oil drilling resumed in Ogoniland after over 30 years.

•Cyber & Financial Security: Nigeria has disrupted terrorist funding channels using cryptocurrency, launched a National Digital Forensics Lab, and initiated a Critical Infrastructure Protection Plan.

Ribadu emphasized a structural transformation focused on restoring public confidence and state authority. However, he acknowledged that these gains are fragile, requiring continued adaptability in the face of climate change, evolving threats, and the need for long-term strategies like community peacebuilding and border security reform.