Tinubu, NSA And National Security: Separating Fact From Fiction
By Gidado Ibrahim
The recent emergence of terrorist groups like Lukarawa has sparked concerns about Nigeria’s security situation. However, a closer look reveals that despite the pockets of attacks they are launching to gain relevance, these groups are not as formidable as they seem.
The resolve is clear; the goal is one. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the security agencies are fired up, and there’s no hiding place for bandits and terrorists. To draw a battleline, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has taken the move to tighten the noose around terrorists to President Idriss Derby of Chad. It shows the resolve of the Tinubu-led federal government to bring insecurity to a conclusive end, once and for all. The strategic partnership with Chad means there won’t be escape route for criminals.
Good enough, the minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, is on his toes. Even those who have been in the den of bandits before Tinubu took office are regaining their freedom. The fire power of our military is smoking hell on them. All that matters now is patience and support for Tinubu’s administration. It’s only a matter of time, the bandits and kidnappers’ horror will become our history.
Even vandals of our national assets would soon have their day to face the law. All that I want to appeal to the federal government is to ensure that those arrested for sabotaging Nigeria should be made to face the full wrath of the law swiftly. They’re agents of darkness. Since they’ve resolved to vandalise national assets and throw us into darkness, the security forces will not give them breathing space.
Indeed, the nation’s military and security forces are making giant strides in combating terrorism, and the numbers tell a different story. According to the NSA, terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria have plummeted from 2,600 per month to less than 200. This substantial decrease bears eloquent testimony to the effectiveness of the Tinubu administration’s security efforts.
Alas, in their relentless efforts at demarketing the country, some foreign media outlets often sensationalise the security situation in Nigeria, creating a distorted picture of the real situation. But in reality, the security forces are on top of their game, and ongoing onslaughts in states like Kebbi, Sokoto in the North West and Borno, Yobe in the North East have uprooted terror groups. Pockets of attacks by these groups are merely a desperate attempt to stay relevant.
In contrast, countries like Rwanda and Singapore have successfully quelled insecurity through effective governance, community engagement, and strategic security measures. These nations demonstrate that with the right approach, terrorism and insecurity can be significantly mitigated. By focusing on facts rather than fiction, we can appreciate the strides made in improving national security.
Nigeria too, with the current purpose-driven governance, can emerge from the ashes of insecurity into a prosperous nation. All we need is unflinching support and patience with President Tinubu’s reforms. Surely, we are going to see light at the end of the tunnel.
NSA Ribadu’s recent update at the high-level African counter-terrorism meeting in Abuja highlights the administration’s commitment to transparency and cooperation. President Tinubu’s attendance at COP28, alongside other world leaders, showcases Nigeria’s dedication to addressing global issues, including climate change and security. It’s essential to recognise the efforts of the security forces and the NSA in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Rather than amplifying negative narratives, it’s crucial to acknowledge the progress made. The Tinubu administration, with the guidance of the NSA, is working tirelessly to ensure the nation’s safety. By separating facts from fiction, we can gain a clearer understanding of Nigeria’s security situation and appreciate the efforts being made to protect its citizens. This nuanced perspective will help foster a more accurate and balanced view of Nigeria’s national security.
The politicization of insecurity in Nigeria is a destructive trend that’s harming the country’s progress and stability. Opposition elements spreading falsehoods about the country’s security situation are not only damaging the nation’s reputation but also undermining its potential for growth and development. Their goal is to create an atmosphere of fear, discourage foreign investment, and discredit the government.
This approach is detrimental to the country’s well-being and only serves to further destabilise the already volatile security landscape. Insecurity in Nigeria is a complex issue, driven by factors such as terrorism, land disputes, cultism, and ethnic tensions. Rather than addressing these underlying issues, politicians are exploiting them for political gain.
It’s crucial for Nigerian politicians to adopt a more constructive approach, focusing on fair debate and superior ideas rather than exploiting insecurity for political mileage. By prioritising security and addressing its root causes, Nigeria can create a more stable and prosperous future for its citizens. Only then can politics be elevated to a level of respectful discourse, where the nation’s interests are prioritised above individual ambitions.
It’s also important for politicians to learn from former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who famously said in the build-up to the 2015 general election that “my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.” We should not also forget that the dreaded Boko Haram that almost brought Nigeria to its knees had tacit support of some politicians.
It is regrettable that insecurity has become a political tool in Nigeria, with some politicians insisting on winning at all costs, even if it means setting the country on fire. However, in sane societies, politicians recognize that they can only engage in politics if the country is at peace. It’s time for Nigeria’s leaders to put the nation’s interests first and work towards finding lasting solutions to its security challenges.
Nigerian politicians’ inability to accept defeat and wait for the next election is indeed a disturbing trend. This impatience not only undermines the democratic process but also poses a significant threat to the country’s stability. The beauty of democracy lies in its ability to provide a platform for peaceful transitions of power, allowing candidates to try again in the future.
However, in Nigeria, the losers often refuse to concede, leading to social unrest, violence, and, in some cases, legal battles that can drag on for months. This behaviour is not only sad but also dangerous, as it erodes trust in the electoral system and creates an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Ultimately, Nigerian politicians must recognize that losing an election is not the end of the world. Instead, it’s an opportunity to regroup, reflect, and try again in the future. By embracing this mindset, they can help strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and ensure a brighter future for all citizens.
With the talk of the emergence of another terrorist group called Lukarawa, Nigeria cannot afford to repeat the Boko Haram mistakes. Those fanning the embers of Lukarawa should bear in mind that President Tinubu is not the same as leaders of the past. There’s a slang in Nigeria’s social parlance that “if you do any how, you see any how.”
The fate that have befallen terror/bandit kingpins under President Tinubu’s command is enough warning to anyone attempting to initiate another terror group. This feat was recorded because of the synergy among the Service Chiefs and sister agencies which led to the killing of over 9,300 bandits and insurgents, while 7,000 had been arrested in the last one year. He who has ear let him hear that President Tinubu is a no-nonsense commander-in-chief.
One other aspect of governance that Nigerians are happy with the administration of President Tinubu is that he actualized local government autonomy, making sure local government funds now go directly to the treasury local government council. As part of ongoing efforts to ensure accountability, the accounts numbers of local government councils should be strictly monitored by the office of the NSA for proper and transparent spendings. This will drastically reduce insecurity.
Also, a meeting of all Chief Judges with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) should be summoned to deliberate on how to make sure that state governments don’t flout court orders. In addition, they should come up with wsts to ensure the speedy recovery of looted public funds that are stocked for use to cause public political disturbance. Nigerians believe strongly that President Tinubu and the NSA stand for democracy and justice, entailing that the citizens must obey court order.
Nigeria shall be great under President Bola Tinubu’s watch.