The National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday admitted that Nigeria is going through “painful times” but said the country would not give up on the fight against terrorism.
Ribadu, who noted that Nigeria is the only country with a functioning democracy in the Sahel region, vowed that terrorism would be defeated.
He spoke at the ‘Dialogue on role-of-society approach to the prevention of violence and conflict in Northern Nigeria’, organised by the National Peace Committee, The Kukah Centre and the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, in Abuja.
According to Ribadu: “We are going through painful times, but this phase will pass. Nations across our region — from the Sahel to East Africa and South Asia — face similar or even more protracted challenges.
“Nigeria remains the only functioning democracy in the entire Sahel, and we must protect that achievement. We will defeat terror. We will restore order. We will not give up, and we will not surrender.
“Communities, religious leaders, traditional rulers, local government authorities and state governments have critical roles to play. When communities are empowered to resolve their own disputes and prevent violence, the need for deployment of armed forces reduces significantly.
“Nigeria desires peace. Our people deserve peace. And together, with sincerity and shared responsibility, we can build the stable, prosperous and united society we all long for.”