Assuming his position as NSA, Ribadu promises to stabilize Nigeria.
The position of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA) has officially been assumed by former Assistant Inspector General of Police Nuhu Ribadu from Maj-Gen Babagana Monguno (retd).
At a brief event on Monday in Abuja, Ribadu made the assumption that he would live up to Nigerians’ aspirations and protect the nation from all types of insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, among others.
As he took office, Ribadu declared, “We will stabilize this nation, we will secure our nation, and we will make Nigeria peaceful because we believe the time has come for this nation to enjoy peace, restore order, and rule of law just like any other country in the world.”
“Securing the country is a never-ending process. We’ll evaluate what has already been accomplished and expand on it. In order to fulfill our obligations, we shall rely on your assistance.
“Mr. President is deeply committed to protecting every square inch of our nation. To realize this objective, we’ll collaborate with all interested parties.
He reportedly said, “This enormous task of securing our country is that of all Nigerians, and all friends of Nigeria,” according to a statement by the NSA Office.
On June 15, 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Ribadu, a pioneering Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as his Special Adviser on Security.
But four days later, in an unprecedented reorganization of the nation’s security system, the President fired Monguno as NSA and elevated Ribadu to take his place.
With the assumption of the newly appointed heads, there has been a change of leadership in all security agencies impacted over the past week.
Alkali Usman, the former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Lucky Irabor, the former Chief of Defence Staff, Faruk Yahaya, the former Chief of Army Staff, Awwal Gambo, the former Chief of Naval Staff, and Isiaka Amao, the former Chief of Air Staff, are among those who were impacted by the historic shakeup.
Maj. Gen. C.G. Musa has been named the new chief of the defense staff, while Maj. Gen. T. A. Lagbaja has been named the new chief of the army staff, Rear Admiral E. A. Ogalla has been named the new chief of the naval staff, AVM H.B. Abubakar has been named the new chief of the air staff, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has been named the new acting inspector general of police, and Maj.
Hameed Ali was replaced as acting comptroller general of customs by Adeniyi Adewale.
Ribadu, who was born in Adamawa State on November 21, 1960, presided over the EFCC from 2003 to 2007.
From 1980 to 1983, Ribadu pursued legal studies at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State, earning a Bachelor of Laws degree. In 1984, after spending a year at the Nigerian Law School, he received his bar admission. He also received his Master of Laws from the same college.
As the head of the EFCC, Ribadu brought charges against Tafa Balogun, the former inspector general of the police, who was convicted, sentenced to prison, and ordered to pay back roughly £150 million as part of a plea agreement.
AIG Farida Waziri (ret.) took over as EFCC head when Ribadu was ousted in 2007.
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