Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Friday praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for steady progress in the fight against insecurity, during a meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.

Speaking after the talks, Bello highlighted the recent foiling of an attempted abduction of schoolchildren in Kogi State as evidence of continued federal support and improved security coordination.

“I want to use this opportunity to commend Mr President and our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his relentless efforts in tackling insecurity across the nation. I also want to commend him and your humble self on the recent foiling of an attempted abduction of schoolchildren in Kogi State, which underscores the level of support the state continues to receive from the Federal Government. I attribute the successful operation to the vigilance, professionalism and improved coordination among the nation’s security agencies, which is clear evidence that intelligence-driven security operations are yielding positive results,” he said.

Bello particularly lauded Ribadu for providing strategic leadership and fostering stronger collaboration among security and intelligence agencies. He said the synergy under the NSA’s coordination had strengthened the country’s capacity to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

He also commended Tinubu’s sustained investment in intelligence gathering, security coordination and operational support, noting that these efforts had boosted the morale and effectiveness of personnel protecting lives and property.

On the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, Bello applauded the President, the National Security Adviser and the security agencies for their professionalism and determination in securing the victims’ safe release. He paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the operation.

“Mr President also deserves commendation for the recent rescue of the abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State. I equally commend you, my brother, the National Security Adviser, and, of course, the security agencies for your painstaking efforts, professionalism and determination in securing the safe release of the victims. I also pay tribute to the brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the operation. Their courage and selflessness remain a testament to their unwavering commitment to the defence of our country,” he said.

Ribadu, welcoming the former governor, stressed that insecurity concerns every Nigerian and that collective action is essential.

“I want to warmly welcome you to my office this afternoon, my brother. The issue of insecurity concerns everyone in this country, and I believe that if we all play our part at our various levels, we shall overcome insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.

Bello urged citizens to remain vigilant and share timely, credible information with security agencies, emphasising that tackling insecurity requires sustained cooperation between the public and security institutions.

He expressed confidence that under Tinubu’s leadership and Ribadu’s strategic guidance, Nigeria would continue to record significant gains against criminality, with ongoing reforms and inter-agency collaboration laying a foundation for lasting peace, stability and national development.