We’ll Defeat Terror, Restore Peace — Defence Minister, NSA Assures Nigerians

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that individuals or groups seeking to exploit communities, spread terror, or undermine national security will face firm and coordinated action. He vowed that the government remains determined to defeat terrorism and restore peace nationwide.

Ribadu made the remarks yesterday in Abuja at a dialogue on the whole-of-society approach to preventing violence in Northern Nigeria, organised by the National Peace Committee, The Kukah Centre and the Office of the National Security Adviser. He noted that despite its many challenges, Nigeria remains resilient, revealing that the country has secured 775 convictions in terrorism-related cases.

“Each conviction represents a life restored and a community stabilised,” he said, stressing that sustainable peace requires meaningful collaboration between government institutions, security agencies, communities and the judiciary.

Ribadu added that Nigeria remains the only functioning democracy in the Sahel region, insisting that the state is fully committed to law, order and the protection of citizens. He urged religious and traditional leaders to continue offering moral support as security personnel work under difficult conditions.

“We will defeat terror. We will restore order. We will not give up, and we will not surrender,” he declared.

Local Dynamics Drive Insecurity — NSA

The NSA emphasised that security challenges often stem from local issues, and urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and state governments to take stronger roles in early conflict resolution. “When communities can resolve disputes themselves, the need for military deployment drastically reduces,” he said.

Tinubu Swears in Gen. Musa as Defence Minister

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa (retd) as the new Minister of Defence, charging him to apply his operational experience and strategic expertise to strengthen Nigeria’s defence system. Tinubu emphasised inter-agency cooperation, procurement transparency, personnel welfare and continued operational reforms as key priorities.

Senior government officials, including service chiefs and the NSA, expressed confidence that Musa’s appointment marks a new phase in Nigeria’s security management.

Gen. Musa: I’ll Do Whatever It Takes to Secure Nigeria

Speaking after taking the oath of office, Gen. Musa said his top priority is to reposition the defence architecture and strengthen synergy among security agencies and citizens.

“My immediate priority is to ensure Defence takes its rightful place. Security is everybody’s responsibility,” he said.

Promising swift results, he assured Nigerians that decisive action would be taken to restore safety: “I will work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured. In the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results.”

‘Flush Out Terrorists’ — Bishop Kukah Tells Defence Minister

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, who attended the ceremony, urged the new defence minister to eliminate the terrorist threat and restore normalcy across the country. He noted that President Tinubu appears committed to repositioning the security sector and expressed optimism that Musa is “the right man for the job.”

Kwara Monarch Still in Captivity

Meanwhile, the kidnapped monarch of Bayagan-Ile in Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, Alhaji Rafiu Salami, remains in captivity five days after his abduction. Community spokesperson, Alhaji Rafiu Lawal, dismissed viral reports claiming that hunters had rescued the monarch.

“I personally spoke with Kabiyesi on December 4, and he confirmed that he is still with his abductors,” he stated.
The community says its priority remains raising the ransom demanded, as no significant support has reportedly come from state authorities.

Five Abducted Rivers University Students Regain Freedom

In a positive development, police in Rivers State have rescued the five Rivers State University students kidnapped on Tuesday from the RSU Satellite Campus in Emohua.

The operation, carried out by tactical teams in collaboration with other security agencies and local support, took place in Rumuodogo 2, Emohua LGA.

Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed that the victims were rescued unharmed and taken for medical examination. She added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.