In his address at a counter-terrorism meeting in Abuja, Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, highlighted significant strides in the country's security landscape, attributing them to government actions aimed at curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
Ribadu emphasized the effectiveness of these measures by noting a sharp increase in the price of AK-47 rifles, from less than N500,000 to N5 million, suggesting restricted access to these weapons and a promising development in the fight against insecurity.
He also underscored a substantial reduction in terrorism-related deaths, citing a decline from approximately 2,600 monthly fatalities to fewer than 200 presently. Despite challenges posed by factors like foreign terrorist fighters and organized crime, Ribadu expressed confidence in Nigeria's approach, combining military, economic, and regional strategies to comprehensively address security threats.
Additionally, he highlighted legislative efforts and the establishment of specialized centers to bolster the country's counter-terrorism capabilities. Social media reactions from Nigerians varied, with some expressing skepticism about the government's efforts in light of ongoing security challenges. Others criticized what they perceived as a disconnect between official statements and the reality of the security situation on the ground.
Additionally, some commended Ribadu's transparency in addressing the issue of small arms proliferation and acknowledged the complexity of addressing security threats in Nigeria.
