Hunger and Poverty Now a National Security Threat – NSA Ribadu and CDS Musa Warn Nigerians

 

Abuja, Nigeria — June 23, 2025: In a powerful call to action, Nigeria’s top security leaders have warned that hunger and poverty are no longer just economic or social issues, but have become serious threats to the country's national security. This revelation came during the National Security Seminar organized by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) in Abuja on Monday, June 23, 2025.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized that the worsening levels of hunger and poverty across the country are fueling insecurity, violence, and the breakdown of social order. In a speech delivered on his behalf by Major General Peter Mala, the Director of Defence Affairs in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Ribadu painted a dire picture of how deeply interconnected poverty and insecurity have become in Nigeria.

“Hunger and poverty are not merely social concerns; they are catalysts for insecurity, crime, violence, and social disintegration. These issues form a vicious cycle — poverty leads to insecurity, and insecurity, in turn, deepens poverty,” Ribadu said.

Understanding the Vicious Cycle of Poverty and Insecurity in Nigeria

This message from Ribadu comes at a time when millions of Nigerians are facing severe economic hardship. The cost of food has skyrocketed in recent months, with inflation affecting basic staples like rice, beans, garri, and yam. As a result, many Nigerians are struggling to survive, and some vulnerable individuals, especially youths, are being lured into criminal activities such as banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.

Ribadu explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is fully aware of this dangerous cycle and is working to tackle it from the root. According to him, the federal government is taking a multi-pronged approach that includes agricultural reforms, social investment programmes, and targeted security interventions.

“To provide a permanent solution, the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized agricultural reforms, social investment programmes, and security sector interventions aimed at breaking this cycle,” Ribadu added.

These reforms include support for farmers, improving access to fertilizer, strengthening local production systems, and empowering vulnerable communities to become economically self-reliant. The goal is not just to increase food supply, but to create jobs and reduce youth involvement in crime and violence.

Coordinated Efforts Against Insecurity

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), under Ribadu’s leadership, is coordinating both military (kinetic) and non-military (non-kinetic) strategies to combat Nigeria’s security challenges. This means that security agencies are not just fighting insurgents and bandits with weapons, but also addressing the root causes through intelligence gathering, public sensitization, and collaboration with civil society organizations.

“Despite the progress made, issues like unemployment, hunger, and youth disenfranchisement remain persistent and require deeper, long-term solutions,” Ribadu stressed.

The emphasis on long-term strategies reflects the understanding that military operations alone cannot eliminate insecurity if poverty and social inequality remain unaddressed.

Hunger and Poverty Are Now Security Threats — CDS Gen. Christopher Musa

Echoing Ribadu’s message, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, issued a strong warning that the country must begin to treat hunger and poverty as major threats to national security. His speech was delivered by Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shetimma, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations.

“Insecurity today is not only defined by weapons but also by economic deprivation, food insecurity, and social dislocation,” Musa said.

“Hunger and poverty are no longer mere social challenges – they have become national security threats. The North Central region, particularly Benue State, once considered Nigeria’s food basket, is a clear example of how banditry, displacement, and farmer-herder conflicts have devastated agricultural productivity,” he explained.

Benue State, which used to be one of Nigeria’s top producers of yam, rice, and other crops, has been severely affected by violent conflicts between herders and farmers. This has led to the abandonment of farmlands, forced migration, and economic collapse in many communities. Similar issues are affecting other states in the North West and North East, including Zamfara, Katsina, and Borno.

How Insecurity Impacts Food Production and the Economy

The disruption of farming communities has had far-reaching consequences. As farmers abandon their lands due to fear of attacks, food production drops, leading to scarcity and high prices. This, in turn, causes food inflation, which affects both rural and urban populations. When people cannot afford to feed their families, they may resort to desperate measures such as theft, illegal migration, or joining armed groups.

General Musa noted that the illegal occupation of farmlands by criminal elements has further worsened the problem, making it nearly impossible for displaced farmers to return to their homes. This displacement not only threatens food security but also affects Nigeria’s economic stability and national cohesion.

“The disruption of farming communities and illegal occupation of farmlands have contributed to food inflation, displacement, and mass migration, thereby destabilising both the economy and national cohesion,” Musa noted.

Community Involvement Is Key

Both Ribadu and Musa emphasized the need for community participation in the fight against insecurity. They urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support intelligence gathering efforts.

“We are calling on communities to deny criminals and terrorists sanctuary by supporting intelligence gathering, timely reporting, and community vigilance,” Musa said.

This means that beyond the efforts of the police, military, and other security agencies, ordinary citizens also have a critical role to play. When communities cooperate with law enforcement, it becomes easier to track down criminals, prevent attacks, and restore peace.

What This Means for Nigeria’s Future

The messages from NSA Ribadu and CDS Musa should not be taken lightly. Their statements reveal that Nigeria is at a crossroads — where insecurity, economic instability, and social unrest are feeding each other in a dangerous loop. Breaking this cycle will require sustained investments in education, job creation, agriculture, and healthcare, alongside strong security responses.

From the government’s side, it will mean continuing with reforms, eliminating corruption, and ensuring that interventions actually reach the people who need them most. From the citizens’ side, it will involve patience, vigilance, and cooperation with local authorities.

Conclusion: Nigeria Must Treat Hunger Like a National Emergency

As hunger and poverty become intertwined with violence, kidnapping, and terrorism, the government must treat food security and economic welfare as a national emergency. It is not just about ending crime; it is about protecting the very foundation of Nigeria’s unity and survival.

At NaijaRush, we urge all stakeholders — from government officials to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and everyday Nigerians — to understand the deep connection between hunger and insecurity. The time to act is now.