‘Nigeria The Only Functioning Democracy In Entire Sahel, Must Be Protected’ – NSA
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a strong warning that Nigeria will firmly confront anyone who spreads terror or attempts to destabilise the country, stressing that safeguarding the nation’s democracy is non-negotiable.
Ribadu spoke on Thursday in Abuja, at a forum on preventing violence and conflict in northern Nigeria, organised by the National Peace Committee, The Kukah Centre, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Ribadu said Nigeria remains the only functioning democracy in the Sahel region despite persistent insecurity and economic strain.
“We are going through painful times, but this phase will pass. Nations across our region — from the Sahel to East Africa and South Asia — face similar or even more protracted challenges. Nigeria remains the only functioning democracy in the entire Sahel, and we must protect that achievement,” he said.
Ribadu said individuals or groups seeking to exploit communities, spread terror, or undermine national security would be met with coordinated force.
“Let me be clear: the Nigerian state remains fully committed to law, order, and the protection of citizens. Anyone — individual or group — who exploits communities, spreads terror or attempts to undermine national unity will face coordinated and decisive action, in line with our obligations to protect human rights and safeguard lives.”
He noted that many national security threats originate at the community level.
He emphasised that communities, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and state authorities must play active roles in preventing violence and resolving disputes before they escalate.
“Communities, religious leaders, traditional rulers, local government authorities, and state governments have critical roles to play. When communities are empowered to resolve their own disputes and prevent violence, the need for deployment of armed forces reduces significantly,” he said.
His comments come after a reported attempted coup which was thwarted and led to several arrests.
President Bola Tinubu had sacked all the country’s Service Chiefs a week after news of alleged coup attempt and the secret detention of 16 senior military officers by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Though the Presidency described the move as part of efforts to “strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture,” the medium observed that the changes came after weeks of tension, suspicion, and internal investigations that pointed to possible disloyalty among key senior officers.
It also comes amid the insecurity which has led to the designation of the country as that of particular concern by the United States of America.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
