Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, says security forces have killed more than 13,000 terrorists and criminals since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023.
Speaking on Thursday, May 22, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Policy and Development Summit in Abuja, Ribadu said the military and intelligence agencies had intensified efforts across the country to restore peace.
“Our troops have neutralised 13,543 terrorists,” Ribadu stated at the event, which was held at the State House Banquet Hall.
He also revealed that 124,408 fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), along with their family members, had surrendered to Nigerian authorities.
“They are now going through the de-radicalisation and reintegration programme run by the government,” he added.
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In addition, Ribadu said the military had recovered and destroyed over 252,000 rounds of ammunition during various operations.
According to him, these achievements reflect the improved coordination among security agencies, better intelligence gathering, and strong political will.
Nigeria continues to face widespread insecurity, with Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in the Northeast, rampant banditry in the Northwest and North Central, and increasing violence in parts of the South.
Although the insurgency in the Northeast began over a decade ago, attacks, ambushes and bombings still pose a threat, especially in Borno and Yobe states. In recent months, several communities in Plateau, Benue and Borno have suffered deadly attacks.
Thursday’s summit was convened to review the Tinubu administration’s progress so far, including its approach to national security.