Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello (left), exchanges a handshake with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, during a meeting at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja on Friday. Photo Credit: Yahaya Bello Media
  • Yahaya Bello says President Bola Tinubu’s intelligence-led security strategy is producing measurable results, pointing to recent successful operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements.

  • Former Kogi governor cites the foiled attempted abduction of schoolchildren in Kogi State as evidence of improved intelligence gathering, operational efficiency, and stronger collaboration among security agencies.

  • Bello also commends the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, praising President Tinubu, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, and security operatives for their professionalism and determination.

  • Ribadu says insecurity requires a whole-of-society response, while Bello urges Nigerians to support security agencies with credible intelligence to sustain the fight against criminality.

July 31, (THEWILL) — Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has declared that President Bola Tinubu’s security strategy is beginning to yield tangible results.

He cited recent successful security operations in Kogi and Oyo states as evidence that the Federal Government’s intelligence-led approach to combating insecurity is gaining momentum.

Bello made the remarks on Friday after meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.

Ask ZiVA 728x90 Ads

The former governor said the foiling of an attempted abduction of schoolchildren in Kogi State and the successful rescue of abducted pupils in Oyo State reflected growing operational effectiveness within Nigeria’s security architecture and demonstrated that ongoing investments in intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration were paying off.

According to a statement issued by his media office, Bello commended Tinubu for sustaining efforts to confront insecurity through strategic reforms, intelligence-driven operations, and stronger coordination among the nation’s security and intelligence agencies.

He stated, “I want to use this opportunity to commend Mr President and our leader, President Bola Tinubu, for his relentless efforts in tackling insecurity across the nation.

“I also want to hail him and your humble self on the recent foiling of an attempted abduction of schoolchildren in Kogi State, which underscores the level of support the state continues to receive from the Federal Government.

“I attribute the successful operation to the vigilance, professionalism, and improved coordination among the nation’s security agencies, which is clear evidence that intelligence-driven security operations are yielding positive results.”

Bello said the success recorded in Kogi demonstrated the increasing effectiveness of proactive intelligence gathering and the ability of security agencies to prevent criminal attacks before they occur.

He noted that improved collaboration among military, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies had strengthened the country’s capacity to respond rapidly to emerging security threats.

The former governor also praised Ribadu for providing strategic leadership in coordinating the country’s security institutions, saying the synergy created under the NSA’s office had significantly enhanced operational efficiency.

According to Bello, the improved cooperation among security agencies has become a critical factor in disrupting criminal networks and strengthening national security.

He expressed optimism that sustained investment in intelligence and technology, combined with effective coordination, would further consolidate recent gains in the fight against insecurity.

Bello further applauded President Tinubu over the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, describing the operation as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He added, “Mr President also deserves commendation for the recent rescue of the abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State. I equally commend you, my brother, the National Security Adviser, and, of course, the security agencies for your painstaking efforts, professionalism, and determination in securing the safe release of the victims.

“I also pay tribute to the brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the operation. Their courage and selflessness remain a testament to their unwavering commitment to the defence of our country.”

He said the sacrifices made by fallen security personnel should inspire greater public support for ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.

Ribadu Calls for Collective Action

Responding, Ribadu thanked Bello for the visit and stressed that addressing insecurity could not be left to the government alone, insisting that every Nigerian has a role to play in securing the country.

He said, “I want to warmly welcome you to my office this afternoon, my brother. The issue of insecurity concerns everyone in this country, and I believe that if we all play our part at our various levels, we shall overcome insecurity in Nigeria.”

The NSA emphasised that sustained collaboration between government, security agencies, and citizens remained essential to defeating terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of violent crime.

Bello, in turn, urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Federal Government by remaining vigilant and providing timely and credible intelligence capable of assisting security agencies in preventing attacks and apprehending criminal elements.

He expressed confidence that the Tinubu administration’s security reforms, backed by stronger intelligence capabilities and closer collaboration among security institutions, would continue to weaken criminal networks, improve public safety, and create the stable environment required for economic growth and national development.

Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.

THEWILL APP ADS 2