A former Niger Delta militant leader and key member of the third phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Osaanya Ossanya, has accused certain politicians of attempting to discredit the efforts of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Ossanya alleged that these politicians and their allies are uncomfortable with the progress being made in the fight against terrorism, which has seen a significant reduction in the activities of bandits, herdsmen, kidnappers, and other violent criminals across the country.
According to him, their frustration has led them to resort to blackmail and propaganda against Ribadu, despite his impressive record in improving Nigeria’s security situation.
He cited Nigeria’s improved Global Terror Index score, which moved from 8.065 in 2023 to 7.575—the country’s best rating in over eight years—as evidence of Ribadu’s effective leadership.
Yet, he lamented that instead of being commended, the NSA is facing unwarranted attacks.
Ossanya dismissed speculations linking Ribadu to a 2031 presidential ambition, describing them as baseless and an attempt to create friction between the NSA and President Bola Tinubu.
He warned those behind the smear campaign to desist, emphasizing that people in the Niger Delta and beyond support Ribadu’s commitment to national security.
He highlighted Ribadu’s successes, including the elimination of key terrorist figures, which has led to safer travel along previously dangerous routes such as the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist, Ossanya urged Nigerians to support the NSA and the Tinubu-led administration in their efforts to rid the country of criminal elements.
Beyond physical security, he praised Ribadu’s strategic approach to national stability, which includes monitoring farm produce transportation to prevent diversion and cracking down on fuel smuggling to neighboring countries.
He concluded, “Our National Security Adviser, one of the finest security experts Nigeria has produced, remains focused on his duty. The continuous media attacks against him by destabilizing agents are unjustified. Nigerians should commend his efforts rather than be misled by false narratives.”
