National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has declared that the sit-at-home orders enforced by separatist groups in Nigeria’s South-East are rapidly losing their grip, citing improved security and a return to normalcy in the region.
Speaking on Thursday, May 22, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit in Abuja, where the federal government presented its two-year security performance under President Bola Tinubu, Ribadu highlighted a series of breakthroughs in key conflict zones.
“The sit-at-home orders are becoming more and more ineffective,” Ribadu said. “We have significantly degraded the capacity of IPOB and ESN. Many of their top figures have either been captured or neutralised.”
He added that attacks on security personnel in the region had sharply declined, and over 50 police stations and outposts have been rebuilt as social and economic life gradually returns to the South-East.
Turning to the North-West, Ribadu described the last year as a turning point in the battle against banditry. “We have delivered decisive blows to top warlords,” he said. “Names like Ali Kachalla, Boderi, Halilu Sububu, Dangote, Isuhu Yellow, and Damuna have all been eliminated.”
According to Ribadu, 11,250 hostages have been rescued since President Tinubu assumed office, and over 35 notorious warlords have surrendered under the government’s non-kinetic peace strategy, referred to as the “Kaduna Model.”
He continued, “More than 50 leaders known as ‘Kachalas,’ over 70 deputy commanders, and hundreds of foot soldiers have been neutralised in targeted operations.”
In the North-East, Ribadu reported substantial progress in the counter-insurgency campaign. “Over 13,543 terrorists and criminals have been neutralised, while more than 124,408 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their family members have surrendered,” he said.
He added that “operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, Tumbu islands, and other enclaves are ongoing,” and that more than 11,000 weapons and over 252,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered and destroyed.
In the Niger Delta, Ribadu highlighted continued efforts to curb oil theft and sabotage. “Security efforts have led to the dismantling of 1,978 illegal refineries and the destruction of 3,849 dugout pits and 3,773 illegal cooking ovens,” he said. “There has been a 47 percent drop in infractions, and for the first time in years, all pipelines are now green—fully operational.”
He announced that Nigeria’s oil production has climbed to an average of 1.8 million barrels per day, and added, “Oil production in Ogoniland is set to resume after more than three decades.”
Ribadu also addressed the government’s growing focus on cybercrime and financial security. “The Binance investigation became a catalyst for disrupting criminal networks that use crypto platforms,” he said. “Many suspicious accounts connected to terrorism, banditry, and separatist activities have been shut down.”
He revealed that a new Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan has been implemented and that the National Digital Forensic Laboratory is now supporting security operations across the country.
“Since May 29, 2023, significant gains have been recorded in addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape,” Ribadu concluded. “Our improved intelligence gathering, targeted interventions, and strengthened security operations are stabilising key hotspots and reducing casualties.”
He stressed that long-term peace and stability can only be achieved through inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, and responsive governance.