THE National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has commended the efforts of Nigeria’s military and security forces, stating that the country’s ability to withstand and respond to its longstanding security challenges is a sign of strength and resilience.
Speaking at the official commissioning of the Joint Doctrine and Welfare Centre in Abuja on Tuesday, Ribadu asserted that Nigeria has made significant strides in overcoming threats posed by terrorism, insurgency, and violent crimes, particularly since the current administration came into office.
“Terrorists and insurgents are being defeated, which signals a significant improvement in the security landscape,” Ribadu said.
“The country has faced challenges that could have brought down other nations, but Nigeria remains resilient.”
The newly launched centre, established by the Defence Headquarters, is aimed at enhancing inter-service cooperation, doctrinal development, and operational synergy among Nigeria’s armed forces. Ribadu described the initiative as a step forward in shaping a future-ready, innovative, and collaborative military force.
The NSA praised the armed forces for successfully defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, preserving democracy, and maintaining law and order amidst complex security threats. He acknowledged that while challenges remain, the trend of insecurity is being reversed, with real-world benefits being felt by ordinary citizens.
“There is a noticeable change. Nigerians can now travel freely across areas like Kaduna, Lokoja, and other regions once plagued by banditry and violent attacks,” he said.
“Farmers are returning to their lands, small businesses are reopening, and local health clinics are operating again.”
Ribadu highlighted that in just under two years, President Bola Tinubu’s administration had introduced key reforms that have addressed longstanding security and governance issues. He said these changes, though still evolving, have led to improved national morale and confidence in government institutions.
“What we are seeing is a new sense of security and mobility across the country. These are tangible signs that the lives of ordinary Nigerians are being positively impacted,” Ribadu said.
He dismissed widespread claims that large sections of the country remain under criminal control, arguing that such narratives are often exaggerated by critics or political opponents.
“These negative portrayals don’t reflect the reality on the ground,” he said. “Yes, challenges exist, but Nigeria is not in captivity. On the contrary, we’re witnessing progress.”
The event also served as a platform to launch the Joint Doctrine and Welfare Centre, a hub designed to develop, refine, and standardise doctrines that guide joint operations within the military. Ribadu emphasised the importance of ‘jointness’, a doctrine promoting unified action and cross-service coordination in addressing complex threats.
“Let us harness the potential of this Centre to drive progress, tackle complex challenges, and shape the future of our armed forces,” he urged.
“This centre must serve as a beacon for collaboration, innovation, and excellence as we pursue the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.”
Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, reinforced the need for seamless cooperation among military branches and security agencies, saying no single service can tackle the scale of threats Nigeria faces today.
“As we have seen firsthand, no single service or security organisation can effectively address the multifaceted threats we face,” Musa said.
“The battles we fight are interlinked and require shared understanding, coordinated strategies, and joint operations.”
He said the Joint Doctrine and Welfare Centre would serve as a command think tank, driving the formulation of operational strategies, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging continuous learning and inter-service dialogue.
“This centre represents our commitment to jointness. It is aligned with my leadership vision to build a military that is unified in mission, responsive to threats, and forward-thinking in its operations,” he said.
Tuesday’s inauguration marked another step in the Tinubu administration’s security reform agenda, with the NSA and CDS both projecting confidence in the nation’s trajectory. While challenges remain in pockets of the country, both officials stressed that the tide is turning, with military coordination, political will, and national resilience forming the backbone of Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.