National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has credited President Bola Tinubu with rescuing Nigeria from the brink of collapse, saying the country was facing a multi-dimensional crisis until the President took office in 2023.

Speaking in Abuja at the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 18 Regular Course, Ribadu said Nigeria in 2022 was at a dangerous crossroads, battling crises that threatened its unity and stability.

In a lecture titled “Veterans As Significant National Assets”, Ribadu proposed a National Veteran Security Initiative to harness the expertise of retired officers for intelligence, training, and peacebuilding.

He noted that Nigeria had faced severe insecurity across all regions—from insurgency in the North-East and banditry in the North-West, to militancy in the Niger Delta and separatist agitations in the South-East.

Ribadu said the Tinubu administration had inherited entrenched security challenges but was making “bold strides” to restore peace and national confidence. He disclosed that counter-insurgency efforts had led to the neutralisation of over 13,500 terrorists and criminals, while more than 124,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their families had surrendered.

The NSA stressed the value of veterans in modern security operations. “Security is not just the job of soldiers and police. It is everybody’s business,” he said. “Veterans are being called back—not to the battlefield, but to the strategy room, the classroom, and the community.”

Ribadu praised the NDA’s 18 Regular Course for its distinguished record in national service. He emphasised that veterans were not just to be honoured but engaged as strategic partners.

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, endorsed the initiative and urged NDA alumni to emulate the dedication of the Course 18 cohort. He also assured veterans of improved welfare support from the government.

Chairman of the occasion, retired Major General Ike Nwachukwu—who once served as Adjutant and Commander of Course 18—praised the cohort’s contributions to national development. He commended Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, a Course 18 alumnus and former Chief of Army Staff, for spearheading vital counterinsurgency operations and expanding military formations between 2010 and 2014.

In his remarks, Ihejirika called for compulsory military training to promote patriotism and unity. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar—also of Course 18—urged veterans to lead in fostering civic responsibility and national cohesion.