…Terrorism, cyber threats, food insecurity top agenda

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday 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 reflects 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 that would 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 that required a coordinated and 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 was comprehensive, realistic and capable of guiding national security policy.

He said the Office of the National Security Adviser would provide the necessary administrative, technical and other support required for the committee to complete its assignment.

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

Speaking on behalf of the committee, its deputy chairman, retired Major General E.V. Onumajuru, thanked Ribadu for the confidence reposed in the members and pledged their commitment to delivering a strategy that would 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.

Onumajuru said the transformation of Nigeria’s domestic, regional and global security environment since 2019 demanded a thorough strategic realignment.

He noted that conventional security threats, including terrorism, insurgency and banditry, had become increasingly intertwined with non-kinetic vulnerabilities such as cyber threats, economic pressures, food insecurity and climate change.

According to him, the country needed a framework that would move beyond reactive security measures and provide an inclusive, forward-looking and actionable blueprint for addressing emerging threats.

He said the strategy must integrate national defence with human security, economic prosperity and good governance, adding that the priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda should be reflected in the proposed framework.

“The National Security Strategy 2026 must be an inclusive, forward-looking and highly actionable blueprint,” he said.

The deputy chairman said the committee’s membership brought together expertise from the armed forces, intelligence agencies, government ministries, civil society and academia, which he described as essential to developing a holistic national security framework.

Onumajuru said the four-week timeline required immediate action, adding that the committee’s work would commence with its inaugural session.

He urged members to contribute rigorous analysis, professional integrity and constructive debate to the assignment, stressing that the final document must reflect Nigeria’s core national interests.