Ribadu Inaugurates Committee to Review Nigeria’s Security Strategy, Sets November 27 Deadline
By Pan Afric Reporters
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has inaugurated a committee to review Nigeria’s National Security Strategy 2019 and develop a new framework for tackling emerging security threats, with a November 27, 2026, deadline for submission of its report.
Ribadu, who is Represented by the Chairman of the Committee, Major General Sariki Bello (Rtd) inaugurated the committee at the Joint Intelligence Board Hall, Abuja, on Thursday, said the review was necessary to address the country’s rapidly changing security environment and strengthen national resilience, economic transformation and social cohesion.
He said Nigeria had continued to face a complex range of threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cyberattacks, misinformation, economic challenges, food insecurity and environmental problems.
“Our national security landscape is undergoing rapid and profound transformations. Since the last review of our strategy in 2019, the domestic, regional and global security environment has changed dramatically,” the NSA said.
He described the National Security Strategy 2026 as an overarching framework for coordinating national security, resilience and sustainable development, adding that it must reflect Nigeria’s current realities and anticipate future security challenges.
According to him, the new strategy must also support the country’s national objectives and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in human security, economic transformation and national cohesion.
Ribadu urged members of the committee, chaired by retired Major General Sarkiya Kibiru, with retired Major General Ivi Onumajiu as deputy chairman, to demonstrate professionalism, diligence and commitment in carrying out the assignment.
He stressed the need for broad consultations with relevant institutions and strategic stakeholders to ensure the production of a comprehensive, realistic and implementable strategy.
“Nigeria demands a strategy that is realistic and implementable,” he said, assuring the committee that the Office of the National Security Adviser would provide the necessary administrative, technical and logistical support.
The NSA commended the committee’s leadership and members drawn from ministries, the armed forces, security agencies and other institutions, noting that the broad representation reflected the principle that national security was a collective responsibility.
He subsequently declared the committee inaugurated, charging its members to deliver a strategy capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
