The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has inaugurated a 33-man committee to review Nigeria's National Security Strategy and develop a new framework for addressing emerging security threats. The committee, chaired by retired Major-General Sarkin Bello, comprises representatives from government ministries, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, law enforcement bodies, civil society organisations, and academics. This move aims to produce a comprehensive, realistic, and actionable document that reflects the country's changing security environment.
The last review of Nigeria's national security strategy was conducted in 2019. Since then, the domestic, regional, and global security landscapes have undergone significant changes. Ribadu, represented by Major-General Bello, noted that the national security landscape is undergoing rapid and profound transformations. He identified terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cyber threats, misinformation, economic challenges, food insecurity, and environmental problems as some of the threats the new strategy must address.
The new National Security Strategy 2026 is expected to provide an overarching framework for coordinating national security, resilience, and sustainable development. The Office of the National Security Adviser will provide the necessary administrative, technical, and logistical support to ensure the successful completion of the assignment. The committee's task is to produce a document that reflects the country's current security needs and provides a roadmap for addressing emerging threats.
The committee comprises representatives from various institutions, including the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Defence Intelligence Agency, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. This diverse representation is expected to bring a wide range of expertise and perspectives to the review and development of the national security strategy.
Ribadu charged all members of the committee to produce a comprehensive, realistic, and actionable document. He emphasized the need for the new strategy to reflect the country's changing security environment and address emerging threats. The committee's output is expected to be a critical tool for guiding Nigeria's national security efforts in the coming years.
The inauguration of the committee marks a significant step towards reviewing and updating Nigeria's national security strategy. The new strategy is expected to provide a framework for addressing the country's current security challenges and promoting sustainable development. The committee's work will be crucial in shaping Nigeria's national security landscape in the years to come.
The National Security Adviser's office will monitor the committee's progress and provide necessary support to ensure the successful completion of the assignment. The new National Security Strategy 2026 is expected to be a comprehensive document that addresses Nigeria's current security needs and provides a roadmap for future development.
Key points
- The committee is chaired by retired Major-General Sarkin Bello and comprises 33 members from various government ministries, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, law enforcement bodies, civil society organisations, and academics.
- The new National Security Strategy 2026 aims to provide a framework for coordinating national security, resilience, and sustainable development.
- The last review of Nigeria's national security strategy was conducted in 2019.
