December 04, (THEWILL) — The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that any individual or group attempting to exploit communities, spread terror or undermine Nigeria’s national security will face coordinated and decisive action from the state.
Ribadu spoke on Thursday at a high-level dialogue on the whole-of-society approach to preventing violence and conflict in Northern Nigeria, organised in Abuja by the National Peace Committee, The Kukah Centre and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The NSA noted that despite facing some of the toughest security challenges in the region, Nigeria has remained resilient. He revealed that the country has so far secured 775 convictions in terrorism-related prosecutions — a milestone he said speaks to improved coordination among key institutions.
“Each conviction represents not just a statistic, but a life restored and a community stabilised”, Ribadu said, stressing that the achievements reflect what becomes possible when the judiciary, security agencies, government institutions and communities collaborate in good faith
He cautioned, however, that the progress should not breed complacency.
“Sustainable peace requires that dialogues like this do not end with speeches. We must translate discussions into concrete, measurable actions that strengthen resilience, rebuild trust, and improve security across northern Nigeria and beyond”, he added.
Ribadu also highlighted Nigeria’s democratic resilience in a troubled region, noting that it remains the only functioning democracy in the entire Sahel, despite the headwinds of insurgency, banditry and violent extremism.
“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 warned.
The NSA paid tribute to Nigeria’s security personnel, acknowledging that many work in silence under extremely difficult conditions. He called on religious and traditional leaders to continue providing moral guidance and support, noting that their influence remains vital to peacebuilding.
“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. We will defeat terror. We will restore order. We will not give up, and we will not surrender”, Ribadu said.
He emphasised that national security must begin at the community level, stressing that many conflicts originate from local grievances and dynamics.
“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 noted.
Ribadu reaffirmed that Nigerians desire peace and deserve stability, urging all stakeholders to work with sincerity and shared responsibility.
“Nigeria desires peace. Our people deserve peace. And together, we can build the stable, prosperous and united society we all long for”, he said.
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