By Deborah Sanusi
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has announced a significant decrease in terrorism-related deaths and the availability of AK-47 rifles in the country.
Ribadu stated this while highlighting the developments in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism at the High-Level African Counter-Terrorism meeting in Abuja on Monday.
He stated that the number of deaths related to terrorism in Nigeria has dropped from 2,600 to less than 200 per month.
He also said that the price of the AK-47 has skyrocketed from less than N1 million to over N5 million in the past year.
He said, “We are working, and I think we’ve done fairly well. One of the things that we have seen as an indication that things are beginning to look different is the cost of, for example, AK47.
“Last year, it used to be less than N1 million; in fact, it was going down to less than N500,000. Now it’s N5 million, which means it’s not available. We’re taking them out; we’re destroying them.
“A lot of difference is taking place in Nigeria. That is why I can assure you that in the last one year, we have reduced deaths as a result of violent crimes and the use of arms by over 90%.
“On average, we used to record 2,600 or so a month; now we do have less than 200. It’s an indication that we are getting results for the work done.”
He further acknowledged the role of the armed forces, security agencies, and governors.
He added, “A lot of it people don’t really see, but behind a lot is ongoing. We salute our armed forces and security forces. Our governors are doing extremely well.”
PUNCH reported in February that the NSA called on security agencies in the country to adopt a holistic and forward-looking approach that addresses the causes of security challenges confronting Nigeria.
Source: The Punch
