The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, recently provided lawmakers in the upper legislative chamber with a comprehensive overview of the outcomes achieved by security agencies in addressing the prevailing insecurity across the country.
The briefing by the NSA was at the behest of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, following a resolution passed by the chamber last week, summoning a meeting of security chiefs alongside the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.
Expressing concern over the escalating insecurity witnessed across various states and in the nation’s capital, Abuja, Akpabio emphasized the Senate’s commitment to intervening decisively to curb the tide of insecurity.
During the session, the NSA, along with the Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo, Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Finance, and service chiefs, provided insights into the efforts undertaken by security agencies under the administration of President Bola Tinubu since assuming office in May last year.
According to a lawmaker who spoke anonymously, the NSA disclosed that approximately 20 gun-running networks were dismantled, and over 5,000 military-grade weapons were seized and subsequently destroyed by government agencies.
Ribadu also highlighted how the intensified pressure from security agents had led to a reduction in kidnapping and banditry, which had morphed into economic crimes in recent times, expressing optimism that these criminal activities would be curtailed in the near future.
Furthermore, Ribadu reported a significant increase in oil production in the South-South region and relative peace in the South-East of the country.
The Chief of Air Staff also provided commendable insights into the air component’s contributions to the ongoing security operations, including the elimination of key bandit leaders and disruption of their interstate movements, particularly around Kaduna, Niger, and Zamfara States.
The Inspector General of Police outlined efforts to combat criminal activities in the outskirts of Abuja and the successful containment of “one-chance” criminal operations within the capital city.
While several lawmakers expressed satisfaction with the progress reported, others identified operational shortcomings that require attention and urged the service chiefs to ensure cohesion and cooperation for optimal effectiveness.
Additionally, the Minister of Finance was urged to expedite the release of funds to support ongoing security operations promptly.
