Nigerian security strategy against banditry and terrorism

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has advocated for a multi-faceted approach to combatting insecurity in Nigeria and across Africa, emphasizing that military action alone is insufficient for sustainable stability.

In addressing banditry in Sokoto State, Ribadu identified an evolution in criminal activity from cattle rustling and kidnapping to territorial control and illegal taxation. His proposed strategy for the region focuses on denying armed groups safe havens, strengthening intelligence, building community trust, protecting rural livelihoods, and preventing youth recruitment. He specifically noted the role of porous borders near the Republic of Niger and the Sahel region in allowing armed groups to operate.

Expanding his scope to broader African terrorism, Ribadu called for enhanced global cooperation, intelligence sharing, and the use of emerging technologies. He promoted a ‘whole-of-government and whole-of-society’ approach that integrates law enforcement, financial intelligence, and judicial reform with community resilience and education to counter the exploitation of digital platforms and illicit financial networks by extremist groups.