The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has appealed to terrorists and bandits operating across northern Nigeria to end their violent campaigns and surrender peacefully.
Ribadu made the call during an interview with the BBC, where he praised what he described as notable achievements by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing insecurity across the country.
“We believe the time has come for these terrorists to stop and lay down their arms,” Ribadu said.
While acknowledging that violent incidents still occur in some areas, the NSA emphasized that there has been “significant progress” in curbing insecurity, particularly in halting large-scale terrorist operations.
“In the past, terrorists used to attack prisons, trains, and military camps, but since this government came into power, we have stopped that. There has not been a single major terrorist attack since this administration took over, except for those in Borno,” he explained.
Ribadu added that the military and other security agencies have eliminated hundreds of high-profile bandits through sustained operations.
“Now many people have returned to their farms, and areas that were previously inaccessible due to insecurity are now open again,” Ribadu added.
He further disclosed that about 300 top bandit leaders have been neutralized, attributing the successes to coordinated military efforts.
His remarks come amid continuing violence in states such as Plateau, Benue, and Katsina, where armed groups remain active.
A recent video circulating online shows distressed residents, including women and children, pleading for government intervention to save them from bandits.
