US commendation: CSOs hail Tinubu, Ribadu over anti-terror efforts

A coalition of civil society organisations under the auspices of the Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Nigeria’s security agencies over what it described as decisive action against terrorism.

The commendation followed a statement by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs praising Nigeria’s response to recent attacks in the Middle Belt and urging sustained protection of communities in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State.

In a post on its official X account, the bureau said the United States commended Nigeria’s “strong response” to recent attacks and would continue working with the Nigerian government to protect Christians in the Middle Belt.

It also urged Nigeria to maintain the momentum and specifically protect communities in Barkin Ladi.

Reacting to the statement, the coalition said the US acknowledgement showed that efforts by the Tinubu administration, coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser, were beginning to yield results.

Convener of the forum, Dr Danladi Ceceko Dangana, said the fight against terrorism was not yet over but that victory was within reach.

He urged Nigerians to support the government and security agencies in their efforts to make the country safer for all citizens.

Dangana also called on the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies to sustain operations against bandits, kidnappers and Boko Haram.

He cautioned that the US commendation should not be treated as evidence that the security challenges had been resolved.

“This commendation is welcome, but it is not a certificate of completion,” Dangana said.

“More work remains if every part of Nigeria is to be safe, and if every person, regardless of religion or ethnicity, is to live and work anywhere in this country without the fear of being attacked or killed by terrorists.”

Group commends Ribadu

The forum singled out Ribadu for commendation, citing his role in coordinating the security agencies and engaging with the United States.

It said the NSA’s engagement had helped sustain US-Nigeria security relations despite Washington’s concerns over attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

According to the coalition, Ribadu was backing his commitment to a safer country with concrete action.

The group said it would continue to work with the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies until the fight against terrorism is brought to an end.

The US statement came amid renewed violence in parts of Plateau State, particularly Barkin Ladi, where several attacks and reprisals have been reported in recent weeks.