FG to empower 150 million affected by insecurity

FG to empower 150 million Nigerians affected by insecurity

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has revealed that over 150 million Nigerians have been affected by widespread insecurity.

He made this statement in Abuja on Friday while formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Ribadu highlighted the severe consequences of insecurity on the nation’s predominantly agrarian population, noting that many farmers are facing hunger due to disruptions in their livelihood. He stressed the importance of a collective societal effort to tackle the underlying causes of insecurity

He said: “Security is the biggest challenge we are facing across all sectors, but agriculture is the most vulnerable to insecurity. As a nation of predominantly farmers, insecurity directly impacts our livelihoods.

“Whether you are a farmer or from a farming family, we have all been affected in one way or another. Insecurity has turned our lives upside down. By coming together, we can better address this issue. We must unite to restore security and normalcy to our people’s lives.

“Our people desperately need relief. I don’t think there is any country in the world today facing the same magnitude of challenges we are. Given our large population, the number of people affected by insecurity in Nigeria could exceed 120 to 150 million.”

Ribadu stated that the perpetrators of insecurity aim to destroy the country, but that the government would never allow them to succeed.

“The malicious elements are becoming more aggressive, having already destabilized democracies in neighboring countries,” he said.

“Sudan is in turmoil, and similar challenges are evident in Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. However, thanks to our security forces, we remain resilient in the Sahel region. We are facing difficulties, but we are managing to survive.’”

The NSA said the signing of the MOU between NCTC and IITA marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards sustainable peace and security.

“For too long, our approach to countering terrorism has relied predominantly on kinetic responses. While essential, we’ve come to realize that lasting peace requires more than force alone. Addressing the root causes of violent extremism – such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and social disenfranchisement – is equally crucial. This understanding underpins our whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” he said.

According to him, the collaboration with IITA on the Agribusiness and Livelihood Empowerment Project for Disarmament, Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of terrorists, communities affected by violent extremism was a testament to this evolving strategy.

He said the partnership is commitment to non-kinetic approaches that empower individuals, restore livelihoods, and promote social cohesion.

According to the NSA, Nigeria has made significant strides in Demobilization, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration programmes, most notably through Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State.

“We are also witnessing a growing willingness among terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers in the North West regions to surrender,” he said.

National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, stressed the need to address the root causes of violent extremism such as poverty, marginalization, and lack of opportunity through inclusive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society solutions.

He said Federal Government’s Disarmament, Deradicalization and Reintegration (DDR) programme, in Gombe State, has already yielded significant gains, with many low-risk former combatants successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated.

“It is in this context that we consider agriculture as a critical tool for driving economic empowerment, restoring livelihoods, and promoting social cohesion in conflict-affected communities,” he said.

“Through this project, beneficiaries will gain access to land, inputs, training, mentorship, and market linkages supported by collaboration with state and local governments, civil society, and the private sector,” he said.

The Deputy Director General of IITA, Dr. Denshell Kenton, stated that the implementation principles are not new, noting that they have been tested and proven effective.

“These are not quick fixes. The focus is on long-term, sustainable, positive changes that lead to communities becoming much better places to live.

“Because each person and family, one, have enough good quality food, and two, respectable incomes and living conditions that leads to the overall community being stable and prosperous. And when we have many communities, or all communities, in an area that are improved, then we have success.