NSA Ribadu reacts to El-Rufai’s allegations, 2031 presidential ambition

In a decisive rebuttal to recent political allegations, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has firmly dismissed rumors suggesting he is plotting a presidential bid for 2031.

Ribadu reiterated that his entire focus remains on the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and national security efforts, and he has no interest in political distractions.

The controversy erupted after Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, accused Ribadu of being behind a plot to tarnish his reputation.

In an interview with Arise TV, El-Rufai claimed that Ribadu, along with Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was orchestrating a smear campaign against him, allegedly driven by Ribadu’s supposed ambition to vie for the presidency in 2031.

Responding to the accusations, Ribadu took to his X platform to clarify the situation.

“I am too preoccupied with my national assignment to engage in a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else,” Ribadu stated.

“If my silence is misunderstood as consent, I would have ignored him entirely. However, I believe it’s essential to set the record straight.”

Ribadu explained that, despite frequent provocations, he has always refrained from speaking ill of El-Rufai out of respect for their past professional relationship and their families.

“I have never spoken negatively about Nasir on record. I will not begin today. I urge the public to ignore El-Rufai’s unfounded claims,” he added.

The NSA also addressed the presidential ambition rumours head-on.

“To be clear, I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anyone. My energy is entirely focused on the success of President Tinubu’s administration and ensuring the advancement of Nigeria,” Ribadu emphasised.

In his defense, Ribadu called on El-Rufai to allow him to continue his national duties uninterrupted. “I urge Nasir El-Rufai to let me focus on my important responsibilities. I, in turn, do not involve myself in his affairs,” Ribadu concluded.

Despite El-Rufai’s persistent accusations, including claims that Ribadu was the mastermind behind a political agenda to undermine him, the NSA claims to remain steadfast in his commitment to national security and governance, urging the public to disregard such political distractions.

Four gunmen killed as NSCDC operatives engage armed bandits in gun duel

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Katsina Command has killed four suspected terrorists in Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, SC Buhari Hamisu, confirmed this in a statement on Monday. He said two separate attacks were repelled.

According to him, operatives repelled an attack by suspected armed bandits who stormed the permanent site of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) on Feb. 21.

“The gallant men of NSCDC attached to the university successfully neutralised three criminals, including the notorious Ayuba Buzaru, who stormed the institution as their route,” he said.

The team also rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered some rustled goats, the NSCDC spokesman revealed.

He added that NSCDC personnel, in a joint operation with the police, repelled another attack on Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve (Silo) in Darawa.

Hamisu stated, “The valiant operatives overpowered the criminals, neutralising one suspected armed bandit, while others fled with gunshot wounds.”

He confirmed that the body of the suspected criminal had been deposited at General Hospital Dutsinma.

“The armed bandits have been attempting to attack the Silo, which stores grains distributed to people in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto,” he added.

The Corps personnel also dispersed another group of suspected armed bandits at Gago Village, near Isah Kaita College of Education in Dutsinma.

“The Command remains dedicated to promoting safety and security for the people of the state and Nigeria as a whole, while protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure,” he said. (NAN)

At Senior officers Conference, IGP orders CPs AIGs others to reduce crime rates by 50%

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all commands of the Force to implement a comprehensive plan to reduce crime rates by 50 per cent in 2025.

He gave the directive at the 5th Edition of the Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Abeokuta on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is with the theme ‘Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing.’

Over 1,000 senior police officers are attending the three-day conference, which runs from Feb. 24 to 26.

Egbetokun noted that the theme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s security vision and reinforces the commitment to tackling insecurity.

“The theme highlights the President’s plan to build a professionally competent, intelligence-driven police force capable of addressing emerging threats proactively,” he said.

According to him, intensified operations and cooperation with the military and other security agencies are yielding significant results in the fight against organised crime.

Also speaking, Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Chiedu Ebie, urged the Federal Government to conduct periodic evaluations and vetting of police officers.

“A regular and comprehensive health check, including psychiatric assessments, must not be overlooked,” he said.

He also commended the police for their efforts to improve security in the country.

“However, Nigerians do not always appreciate the police force enough.

“As it stands, only 370,000 officers are responsible for the security of over 230 million people,” he stressed.

He promised that the commission would support the police in all capacities.

A senior police officer, speaking anonymously to NAN, said many commands are implementing the directive to reduce crime by 50 per cent.

“This is why the country is witnessing a higher rate of prosecutions in the courts,” he said. (NAN)