Ribadu Raises Alarm Over Escalating Illegal Firearms Market In Northern Nigeria

The National Security Adviser to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, expressed concern on Thursday regarding the flourishing illegal firearms market in the Northern region. He particularly lamented the widespread poverty in northern Nigeria, highlighting the North-West as the most severely affected area……READ ALSO BREAKING: Binance Executives Sue NSA Ribadu And EFCC

Speaking at the convocation lecture of Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, Ribadu delivered a paper titled, ‘Navigating the Maze: Addressing Multi-Dimensional Insecurity Challenges in Northern Nigeria.’

He noted, “The illegal arms market in northern Nigeria has witnessed a significant surge in demand and supply. Criminals and traffickers have established intricate networks to transport illegal arms across Nigeria, employing innovative methods to evade security checks.”

Ribadu acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in combating banditry and terrorism. He stated, “Since assuming office, we have successfully liberated over a thousand individuals, many of whom were villagers held captive for up to three years. We have secured the release of abducted students from the Federal University of Gusau and school children in Kuriga, among others. Importantly, these achievements were attained without paying any ransom. Our approach is grounded in evidence, forming the basis of our non-kinetic strategies.”

Regarding military operations, Ribadu mentioned, “The Nigerian military is engaged in numerous operations targeting insurgent groups like Boko Haram and bandits operating in northern Nigeria.”

Ribadu emphasized the challenging nature of the President’s role, requiring diligence, hard work, and consensus-building across security and political structures. He cited distressing figures of attacks and casualties in May 2023, including major terrorism incidents such as the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, the attack on the Guards Battalion in Abuja, the Kuje Prison attack, and an attack on a church in Owo, Ondo State.

Expressing concern over escalating poverty in the North, Ribadu cited data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicating that each state in the North-West has a poverty rate exceeding the national average of 40.1 percent. Sokoto, in particular, has the highest poverty rate nationwide, with 87.73 percent of the population living in poverty. Unemployment rates in the northern regions were also highlighted, surpassing 20 percent compared to 10-15 percent in the more economically vibrant southern regions.

Ribadu concluded by affirming the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to addressing poverty through initiatives aimed at bolstering security, promoting socioeconomic development, and fostering inter-communal dialogue to address grievances and foster reconciliation. Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, the government aims to tackle the root causes of insecurity by addressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, social marginalization, and ethnic tensions.

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