The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has lauded the Chief of Defence Staff and heads of security and intelligence agencies for the renewed synergy aimed at tackling the nation’s security challenges.
Ribadu gave the commendation at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS), on Thursday in Abuja.
The NSA said the Military, Police, DSS and other agencies were working together effectively at operational levels in different fronts to defend the nation from the adversaries.
According to him, for the first time you see a military man leading, a policeman by the side, DSS on one side, all others working as one.
“Even right now, I can assure you that our men and women are collectively fighting to defend us as one,” he said.
Ribadu, however, expressed disappointment to hear that the Canadian High Commission denied the defence chief and other top military officers a visa to attend an event in Canada on Wednesday.
His comments came after Gen. Christopher Musa, revealed that he and his team were invited to Canada for an event to honour war veterans, but half of the delegation was denied visas.
Musa who described the incident as “disappointing”, said it serves as a reminder for Nigeria to “stand strong as a nation” and not be taken for granted.
Ribadu commended Musa for speaking out about the incident.
“Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas.
“In spite of the disappointment, Nigeria is peaceful and strong and we must work hard to overcome such challenges.”
Ribadu praised Musa for providing purposeful leadership in the war against insecurity, adding that all security agencies were collaborating in many parts of the country to address the challenges facing Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the President of the Alumni association, Mr Mike Ejiofor, said the association was established to unite graduates of the institute.
He said it was a step in fostering synergy among members, security agencies, and strategic government institutions to promote national security and unity.
Ejiofor said it leverages the expertise, experience, and professionalism of its diverse membership drawn from the military, security, intelligence, regulatory and other strategic agencies and stakeholders to achieve its objectives.
According to him, the nation is indeed grappling with numerous security issues, including regional separatist movements, kidnapping, banditry, farmers/herders conflicts, terrorism, arms deals, cybercrimes, and human trafficking.
“These challenges have continued to threaten our unity, undermine development, retard economic growth, and create enormous humanitarian and social problems.
“We hope, therefore, that by the end of this discourse, we will not only be better informed and educated but also equipped to create a more practical, effective and inclusive network to tackle these security challenges head-on,” he said.
