Terrorism, cyber threats, food insecurity top agenda

National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday inaugurated a committee to review Nigeria’s 2019 National Security Strategy and formulate a new framework for 2026.

This came amid evolving security threats ranging from terrorism and banditry to cybercrime, food insecurity and climate change.

Ribadu, who was represented by the Chairman of the committee, Major General Sarkin Yakin Bello (Rtd), said Nigeria’s domestic, regional and global security environments had changed significantly since the last review in 2019.

He said this made it necessary to develop a strategy that would reflect current realities.

Ribadu noted that the review was critical to strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to complex security challenges, noting that the threats facing Nigeria were no longer limited to conventional military operations but also included economic vulnerabilities, misinformation, cyber threats and environmental challenges.

According to him, the National Security Strategy 2026 is expected to provide an overarching framework for national security, resilience and sustainable development, while supporting the country’s broader national objectives.

He said the new strategy must address the interconnected nature of security challenges and provide practical responses to protect lives, safeguard national interests, and promote economic prosperity.

Ribadu said the document must also align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of human security, economic transformation and national peace.

“The National Security Strategy 2026 will serve as an overarching compass for our national security, our resilience and sustainable development for Nigeria.

“It must reflect our current realities and directly support the realisation of our national objectives and Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda by filling in the areas of human security, economic transformation and national peace,” he said.

The NSA said the assignment was particularly important because the country was confronting multiple threats requiring a coordinated, forward-looking response from government institutions and other stakeholders.

He noted that the panel’s composition reflected the need for cooperation among the armed forces, government ministries, civil society organisations and academic institutions.

Ribadu urged members to approach the assignment with diligence, professionalism, and commitment, stressing the need to consult relevant institutions and stakeholders to ensure that the final document is comprehensive, realistic, and capable of guiding national security policy.

He set Friday, November 27, 2026, as the target date for submitting the committee’s work, urging members to make effective use of the limited time available.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, its Deputy Chairman, Major General E.V. Onumajuru (rtd), thanked Ribadu for the confidence reposed in the members and pledged the committee’s commitment to delivering a strategy to address Nigeria’s security needs.

He described the assignment as a national responsibility that required humility, patriotism and a collective determination to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.