…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Retired police intelligence officer Nuhu Ribadu has been appointed as the new National Security Adviser (NSA), replacing Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd).
Initially appointed as a Special Adviser on Security by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ribadu’s position was upgraded to NSA.
Background and Profile of Nuhu Ribadu
Nuhu Ribadu was born on November 21, 1960, in Yola, Adamawa State.
He attended Aliyu Mustapha Primary School and Yelwa Government Secondary School in Yola during his formative years.
Following that, he pursued his A-level studies at the College of Preliminary Studies, CPS, Yola, from 1978 to 1980.
In 1980, Ribadu gained admission to study law at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, graduating in 1983.
After completing his studies at the Nigerian Law School, he was called to the bar in 1984.
Ribadu joined the Nigeria Police Force immediately after completing his national youth service.
Ribadu holds an LLM degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, focusing on the jurisprudence of corruption in Nigeria.
In 2008, he participated in a program on the strategic management of law enforcement agencies at the Harvard Business School.
Accomplishments and Contributions
Ribadu gained prominence both in Nigeria and internationally due to his distinguished record of public service and personal integrity.
As a trained lawyer and fearless crime fighter, he is known for his patriotism, passion, honesty, courage, and compassion.
He is widely recognized as the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he transformed the agency into one of the most effective and renowned anti-graft agencies in modern history.
Ribadu’s notable contributions to the fight against corruption include his selflessness, resilience, and exemplary conduct.
During his tenure, Ribadu diligently worked to combat graft and fraud, successfully prosecuting numerous fraudsters, high-profile looters, and economic saboteurs despite facing temptations, traps, and threats to his life.
Under his leadership, the EFCC built the highly regarded Crimes Training and Research Institute in the West African region and achieved over 200 criminal convictions.
Ribadu’s exceptional achievements led to his promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in March 2007.
He also served as a member of the African Union’s advisory board on anti-corruption matters and was invited to join the advisory board of the Friends of the World Bank/UNODC initiative on Stolen Asset Recovery.
Throughout his career, Ribadu has received numerous awards and accolades as a police officer, prosecutor, and EFCC chairman.
Notable newspapers and magazines in Nigeria have consistently recognized him as Man of the Year, acknowledging his outstanding contributions as a dedicated crusader against corruption and related crimes.
In addition to his law enforcement and anti-corruption work, Ribadu completed the senior executive course of the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in 2008, earning him the Membership of the National Institute (MNI).
He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Babcock University in Ogun State in June 2010, in recognition of his unwavering courage and fierce stance against corruption.
Political Involvement and Recent Appointment
Since 2010, Ribadu has been actively involved in politics while continuing his pursuit of a higher calling to serve the nation.
On June 19, 2023, he was named National Security Adviser (NSA), shortly after being appointed as the security adviser to the president.
Ribadu’s commitment to public service and his remarkable track record make him a highly esteemed figure in Nigeria, as he takes on the crucial role of National Security Adviser.