Nigeria’s internal security receives a significant transformation with the appointment of an advisor to the President, who has a remarkable background of holding his former boss accountable for embezzling over £150 million from the Nigerian police.
Nuhu Ribadu, renowned as Nigeria’s first anti-corruption czar, is not unfamiliar with controversy. Some argue that he thrives on it in certain circumstances, and his ability to navigate the country’s complex security challenges will truly test his capabilities.
Despite his mild-mannered and soft-spoken demeanor, Ribadu possesses intellectual prowess and unwavering character that defies his quiet nature. Underestimating him has proven to be a grave mistake for those who have done so.
Ribadu, a close ally of President Bola Tinubu, assumes the role of National Security Adviser (NSA) during a time when Nigeria is grappling with significant security challenges.
Nigeria finds itself ranked among the ten most terrorized countries in the world, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI). The most recent report from the non-profit think tank, Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), reveals that Nigeria, Syria, and Somalia have experienced marginal improvements in their terror levels but remain among the most affected nations.
Instances of marauding bandits terrorizing towns, herds of herdsmen raiding farming communities, and a simmering conflict in the Middle Belt that goes largely unnoticed characterize the dire security situation in the country. Highways have become hunting grounds for kidnappers.
The morale among military officers is low, while corruption permeates the ranks. Despite numerous military operations sanctioned by high-ranking officials, the nation continues to struggle with issues such as oil theft, banditry, and senseless killings.
Distinguishing police officers from armed robbers is often challenging, and VIP escort duty remains the preferred assignment within the elite police force.
However, national security extends beyond defense against military attacks. It encompasses non-military dimensions such as counter-terrorism efforts, crime reduction, economic security, energy security, environmental security, food security, and cyber-security.
National security risks also include actions by other states, violent non-state actors, narcotic cartels, organized crime, white-collar crimes committed by multinational corporations, and the impact of natural disasters.
The threats facing Nigeria are numerous, ranging from sabotage of oil infrastructure often dismissed as communal disputes to criminal elements carving out territories for control. Floods devastate farmlands, while drought forces herders deeper into the hinterland, sparking clashes with farmers. Transporting a truckload of tomatoes from the north to Lagos incurs numerous taxes, and internet fraud is increasingly becoming an occupation for Nigeria’s youth. Excessive regulations from government agencies stifle businesses, and rising inflation erodes people’s incomes.
Ribadu faces an arduous task. His success in this challenging environment will depend on his courage, intelligence, and discipline, qualities he possesses in abundance. A consensus among military and top police officials is that he is the right person for the job.
In 2003, Nuhu Ribadu, then an Assistant Commissioner of Police, was appointed as the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He has an impressive educational background, having studied law at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, where he obtained both a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Master of Laws degree. He is also a Senior Fellow at St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, UK.
During his tenure as EFCC Chairman, Ribadu played a crucial role in removing Nigeria from the FATF List of Non-Cooperative Countries and Territories, gaining admission into the prestigious Egmont Group, and prompting the withdrawal of the US Treasury FinCEN Advisory on Nigeria. These achievements cemented
