Illiteracy, Proliferation Of Small Arms Fueling Insecurity In The North, Says NSA Ribadu

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has observed that Boko Haram and other extremist groups have over time exploited the menace of illiteracy among other vulnerabilities to lure youths and instigate insecurity in the region.

Ribadu also issued a stern threat, warning criminals to rethink, saying that the government would not fold its hands to allow disgruntled elements to disturb the peace of the nation.

He noted that the attendant illiteracy has made them susceptible to such groups who recruit them to drive insecurity in the region which was known for its peaceful nature.

Ribadu said: “These are driven by way of offering alternative narratives that promise belonging, purpose and at times financial benefits for coercion.”

Besides, Ribadu also identified in proliferation of small arms, corruption, and injustice are also responsible for insecurity.

He maintained that despite laws against unauthorized arms possession, the circulation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) was in the increase and rampant thus, fueling violence.

Ribadu stated on Thursday while delivering a pre- combined convocation lecture with the theme: Navigating the Maze: “Addressing Multi-Dimensional Insecurity Challenges in Northern Nigeria” at the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

Accordingly, the NSA and one-time EFCC Boss noted that educational disparities between the region and other parts of the region play a significant role in the dynamics of radicalization in the region.

Ribadu who observed that the educational gap in the region did not only restrict economic opportunities said it also heightened susceptibility to extremist ideologies and practices.

“This is why groups like Boko Haram and other extremist organizations exploit to take advantage to exploit vulnerabilities by offering alternative narratives that promise belonging, purpose, and at times financial benefits for coercion he stated.

“The only practical and reliable approach to address and possibly end the menace is to come up with a realistic template of bridging the gap in school enrollment.”

He said as he stressed was critical in countering radicalization and fostering a more stable and prosperous environment in the region.

While on the issue of farmers/ herders clashes, the NSA observed that the stigmatization of Fulani herders contributed to a circle of violence though, admitted that Nigeria’s security agencies were overstretched due to their limited number in the country while pointing out that security has tremendously improved under President Tinubu stressing that, a significant number of abducted school children had been successfully rescued without the payment of any ransom.

He disclosed: “It is a fact that the administration has improved security in the Niger Delta region which help in boosting oil production in the region.”