A notable shift is underway in Nigeria’s South-East as the grip of separatist-imposed sit-at-home orders continues to weaken.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu confirmed this development at a recent security briefing, declaring that intensified security operations and grassroots resistance are driving a return to normalcy in the region.
The once-paralyzing directive—enforced through fear and violence—is now being increasingly challenged by both residents and local authorities.
Ribadu attributed the progress to strategic collaboration between community leaders, state governments, and security agencies. Key to this success, he said, has been the deployment of intelligence-driven military operations, sustained surveillance, and targeted psychological campaigns aimed at dismantling the propaganda of non-state actors. “People are beginning to feel safer, and businesses are gradually reopening on days that were once locked down by fear,” Ribadu noted, signaling a rise in public confidence.
Despite these positive developments, the NSA cautioned that the work is far from over. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and urged continued public cooperation, especially in reporting suspicious activities.
Civil society organizations and human rights advocates have also acknowledged the decline in violence, but they emphasize that true stability will require a comprehensive long-term approach—one rooted in dialogue, economic revitalization, and inclusive governance that addresses the underlying causes of unrest.
