The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a firm warning that any individual or group attempting to exploit communities, spread violence, or threaten national security will face decisive consequences. He stressed that the government remains fully committed to defeating terrorism and restoring stability across the country.

Newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), echoed this assurance, promising Nigerians that he is prepared to do whatever it takes to secure the nation. He pledged that visible progress will be recorded within a short period and appealed for public support as he begins his work.

At the same time, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, urged the new defence minister to prioritise flushing out terrorists and restoring normalcy nationwide. His remarks reflect the widespread expectation that the new leadership must deliver swift and meaningful results.

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues in Kwara State, where the kidnapped monarch of Bayagan-Ile community, Alhaji Rafiu Salami, remains in captivity five days after his abduction. Community leaders have expressed concern and called for restraint in spreading unverified information about his situation, noting that negotiations are ongoing.

However, there was a glimmer of hope from Rivers State as five kidnapped students of the Rivers State University regained their freedom. According to police authorities, the victims were rescued unharmed during a coordinated operation involving tactical teams, security agencies, and local support. They have since been taken for medical evaluation while efforts to apprehend the kidnappers continue.

Speaking at a dialogue on preventing violence in Northern Nigeria, NSA Ribadu highlighted Nigeria’s resilience despite facing one of the toughest security environments in the region. He disclosed that 775 terrorism-related convictions have been secured, each representing progress toward justice and community stability. He emphasised that sustainable peace requires collaboration between government agencies, security operatives, traditional leaders, and local communities.

Ribadu also noted that Nigeria remains the only functioning democracy in the Sahel, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard this achievement. He called for ongoing efforts to rebuild trust, strengthen local conflict resolution, and empower communities to prevent violence before it escalates.

During the formal swearing-in of General Musa as Minister of Defence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reinforced the importance of synergy among security agencies, transparency in defence procurement, and improved welfare for personnel. Senior government officials expressed confidence that Musa’s appointment marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s security landscape.

General Musa, responding to his new role, stated that his priority is to reposition the defence sector and ensure stronger collaboration across all security institutions. He reiterated the President’s mandate that Nigerians must be able to live, work, and move freely without fear. He assured citizens that visible results will follow shortly.

Bishop Kukah, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto at the ceremony, expressed confidence in Musa’s capability, stating that the country’s security challenges are now in experienced hands. He added that restoring peace and normalcy must remain the top national priority.

As security agencies continue their efforts, communities affected by kidnappings, such as those in Kwara and Rivers States, remain hopeful. Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation and to rely only on verified updates regarding sensitive situations.

Across the country, there is a renewed sense of urgency among government institutions and security leaders to work collectively toward restoring peace, rebuilding trust, and ensuring that citizens can live without fear.