Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser to the President, has voiced apprehension over the proliferation of the illegal firearms market in the Northern region of Nigeria. Addressing attendees at the convocation lecture of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Ribadu highlighted the surge in demand and supply of illegal arms, with the North-Western region experiencing the brunt of poverty.
During his presentation titled “Navigating the Maze: Addressing Multi-Dimensional Insecurity Challenges in Northern Nigeria,” Ribadu underscored the intricate networks established by criminals and traffickers to transport illegal arms across Nigeria, evading security checks through innovative methods.
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in combating banditry and terrorism, Ribadu outlined significant achievements in securing the release of over a thousand individuals, including abducted students and school children, without ransom payments. He emphasized the utilization of evidence-based non-kinetic strategies, complemented by kinetic operations conducted by the Nigerian military targeting insurgent groups like Boko Haram and bandits.
Describing the President’s role as demanding, Ribadu emphasized the necessity of diligence, hard work, and consensus-building across security and political structures. He recounted the distressing figures of terrorist attacks and casualties witnessed in May 2023, emphasizing the gravity of the security challenges faced by the nation.
Turning attention to the socioeconomic landscape, Ribadu expressed alarm over rising poverty rates in the North-West, citing statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics. He highlighted the disproportionate poverty and unemployment rates in northern regions compared to the more economically vibrant southern regions.
However, Ribadu pointed to the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to reversing the poverty narrative through the Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda aims to address underlying issues such as poverty, unemployment, social marginalization, and ethnic tensions through comprehensive security initiatives, socioeconomic development, and inter-communal dialogue.
Ribadu’s remarks underscore the complexity of Nigeria’s security and socioeconomic challenges, emphasizing the imperative of holistic strategies to address underlying root causes and promote national stability and prosperity.