Ribadu Says Sit-At-Home Order Is Losing Influence In South-East

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu says the sit-at-home orders enforced by separatist groups in Nigeria’s South-East are rapidly losing momentum, with improved security paving the way for a return to normalcy across the region.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit in Abuja on May 22, Ribadu credited enhanced counter-insurgency efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the declining influence of separatist directives. He noted that attacks on security personnel in the South-East have significantly dropped and that more than 50 police stations and outposts have been rebuilt, allowing social and economic activities to gradually resume.

On the broader national security front, Ribadu described the past year as pivotal in the North-West’s war on banditry. “We have delivered decisive blows to top warlords,” he said, naming notorious figures like Ali Kachalla, Boderi, Halilu Sububu, Dangote, Isuhu Yellow, and Damuna as among those neutralized.

Ribadu revealed that since President Tinubu took office, security forces have rescued over 11,000 hostages and secured the surrender of more than 35 warlords through a non-kinetic strategy dubbed the “Kaduna Model,” which prioritizes dialogue and rehabilitation over force.

“The sit-at-home orders are becoming more and more ineffective,” Ribadu said. “We have significantly degraded the capacity of IPOB and ESN. Many of their top figures have either been captured or neutralised.”

He continued, “More than 50 leaders known as ‘Kachalas,’ over 70 deputy commanders, and hundreds of foot soldiers have been neutralised in targeted operations.”

In the North-East, Ribadu reported substantial progress in the counter-insurgency campaign. “Over 13,543 terrorists and criminals have been neutralised, while more than 124,408 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their family members have surrendered,” he said.

In the Niger Delta, Ribadu revealed intensified crackdowns on oil theft and sabotage. He said 1,978 illegal refineries, 3,849 dugout pits, and 3,773 illegal cooking ovens have been dismantled. “There has been a 47 percent drop in infractions,” he noted, adding that “for the first time in years, all pipelines are now green—fully operational.”

Nigeria’s oil production has surged to 1.8 million barrels per day, with plans in motion to resume oil extraction in Ogoniland, ending a 30-year production halt in the region due to environmental and security concerns.

Turning to cyber and financial crimes, Ribadu cited the ongoing Binance probe as pivotal in exposing and disabling criminal operations linked to terrorism, banditry, and separatist movements. “Many suspicious accounts have been shut down,” he said.

He further announced the implementation of a Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan and confirmed that the National Digital Forensic Laboratory is now actively aiding security operations, marking a major leap in Nigeria’s cyber defense and digital surveillance capabilities.

“Since May 29, 2023, significant gains have been recorded in addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape,” Ribadu concluded. “Our improved intelligence gathering, targeted interventions, and strengthened security operations are stabilising key hotspots and reducing casualties.”

He stressed that long-term peace and stability can only be achieved through inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, and responsive governance.