By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has accused the opposition politicians of pushing wrong narratives of the security situation in the country.
Ribadu stated this at the inauguration of the Joint Doctrine and Welfare Centre established by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
He dismissed claims suggesting vast parts of the country were under siege or unsafe and commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their resilience, unity and continued sacrifices in sustaining the country.
He noted improvement in the security situation since the current administration assumed office.
He credited the military with effectively safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, democracy, and rule of law, stating, “Terrorists and insurgents are being defeated, which signals a significant improvement in the security landscape. The country has faced challenges that could have brought down other nations, but Nigeria remains resilient.”
Ribadu also highlighted major reforms carried out in the past two years, noting that long-standing security issues were being addressed with renewed vigour and commitment.
The NSA said a new sense of freedom now allows citizens to travel and operate in areas once considered dangerous, including parts of Kaduna and Lokoja, marking a significant stride in restoring public safety.
He said,“Citizens, especially in rural areas, are benefiting from the reforms. Farmers are returning to their farms, businesses are reopening, and clinics are opening up. These tangible signs of improvement make a real difference in people’s daily lives.”
Ribadu said the establishment of the Centre would help to shape the future of the Nigerian military, characterised by enhanced collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking to strengthen their capabilities and effectiveness.
He urged the services to embrace the spirit of innovation, teamwork, and collaboration, as well as to embark on the idea and concept of practising ‘jointness’.
“Let us harness the potential of this centre to drive progress, complex challenges and shape the future of our armed forces.
“As we move forward, it is our hope that this centre will meet the expectations of our national aspirations, drive innovation and make a positive impact on our desire to advance our military in line with the renewed hope agenda of this administration,’’ he added.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, emphasised the need for a unified approach to address complex security threats, adding that no single service or organisation can effectively tackle them alone.
Musa said that the new centre would serve as a hub for developing, refining, and codifying doctrines that guide joint operations, fostering an environment of continuous learning, critical thinking, and inter-service dialogue.
