Addressing a convocation lecture at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, the National Security Adviser to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, raised alarm over the growing illegal firearms trade in the North, particularly in the face of escalating poverty levels, with the North-West region being the hardest hit.
Ribadu’s presentation, titled ‘Navigating the Maze: Addressing Multi-Dimensional Insecurity Challenges in Northern Nigeria,’ highlighted the concerning trend.
Pointing out the surge in demand and supply of illegal arms in the North, Ribadu noted the sophisticated networks established by criminals and traffickers for smuggling weapons across the country, using innovative tactics to evade security checkpoints.
Nevertheless, he commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for significant achievements in combatting banditry and terrorism.
Under the current leadership, numerous successful rescue missions have been conducted without ransom payments, securing the release of abducted individuals, including students and school children, with a strategic emphasis on evidence-based non-kinetic strategies.
In parallel, the Nigerian military has intensified operations against insurgent groups like Boko Haram and bandits operating in the North to enhance security measures, as emphasized by Ribadu.
Describing the President’s role as challenging but essential in steering the country towards improvement, Ribadu stressed the need for collaborative efforts across security and political frameworks, based on the distressing statistics of terrorist attacks and casualties in recent years.
Highlighting the alarming increase in poverty levels in the North, the NSA referenced data from the National Bureau of Statistics, revealing the dire economic situation in the North-West where poverty rates surpass the national average, accentuating the urgent need for targeted interventions to uplift the livelihoods of the populace.
Acknowledging the government’s commitment to reversing the poverty narrative, Ribadu outlined the comprehensive strategy encompassing security reinforcement, socio-economic development, and inter-community dialogues to foster reconciliation and address root causes of insecurity.
Through initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Agenda, the administration aims to tackle pervasive issues like poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and inter-ethnic tensions, aiming to promote lasting peace and stability.