In a rare display of bipartisan and regional solidarity, a coalition of influential stakeholders from Nigeria’s core Northern states and Southern Kaduna has thrown its weight behind Senator Ali Ndume’s impassioned plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain and empower the nation’s Service Chiefs. This emerging consensus, cutting across ethnic, religious, and political divides, signals a growing recognition of the progress made in combating Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal violence. The coalition’s endorsement underscores the need for continuity, professionalism, and strategic investment in the country’s security architecture at a critical juncture in its history.
The group of stakeholders, comprising seven prominent figures from the North—Alhaji Musa Danlami (Kano), Hajia Zainab Abdullahi (Katsina), Alhaji Usman Bello (Sokoto), Hon. Ibrahim Shehu (Bauchi), Dr. Kabiru Mohammed (Zamfara), Mallam Sani Abdulkadir (Kebbi), and Barr. Aisha Abdullahi (Borno)—has lauded Senator Ndume’s “TEAM” initiative. This framework, an acronym for Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Motivation, is being championed as a pragmatic blueprint to consolidate the gains recorded in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insecurity. The stakeholders’ support aligns with a broader call for unity and strategic focus to sustain the momentum in addressing the nation’s security woes.
A Unified Call for Continuity
In a detailed communiqué issued on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the coalition expressed unwavering confidence in the leadership of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. The group described the current security architecture as one of the most professional, inclusive, and effective frameworks Nigeria has seen in recent years. This vote of confidence comes at a time when the country is grappling with a complex web of security threats, including Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, rampant banditry in the Northwest, and ethno-religious tensions in parts of the North-Central region.
The communiqué highlighted tangible improvements in the security landscape, noting that the coordinated efforts of the Service Chiefs have yielded measurable results. “The security atmosphere today is markedly better than it was over the past eight years,” the statement read. “Farmers are returning to their fields, local markets are bustling with activity, and communities in the North are experiencing a gradual restoration of confidence and normalcy.” These gains, the stakeholders argued, are a testament to the professionalism and strategic vision of Ribadu and General Musa, who have worked to harmonize military and civilian efforts in tackling insecurity.
The coalition’s endorsement of Senator Ndume’s position is particularly significant given the diverse representation within the group. By uniting voices from Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Bauchi, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Borno—states that have borne the brunt of Nigeria’s security challenges—the coalition is sending a powerful message of regional solidarity. The inclusion of Southern Kaduna leaders further amplifies the call for unity, bridging the historical divide between the predominantly Muslim core North and the predominantly Christian Southern Kaduna region, which has often been a flashpoint for communal violence.
Ndume’s TEAM Initiative: A Roadmap for Security
At the heart of this growing consensus is Senator Ali Ndume’s TEAM initiative, which emphasizes four critical pillars: Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Motivation. Ndume, a vocal advocate for improved security measures and a former Senate Leader, has argued that these elements are essential for sustaining Nigeria’s progress against terrorism and banditry. His initiative calls for regular and specialized training programs for security personnel to enhance their operational effectiveness, the procurement of modern equipment to match the evolving tactics of insurgents and bandits, adequate ammunition supplies to ensure sustained combat readiness, and improved welfare packages to boost troop morale.
In an earlier statement, Ndume cautioned against what he described as “unguarded attacks” on the Service Chiefs, warning that such criticisms could undermine the morale of frontline troops. He emphasized that the welfare of soldiers, including timely payment of allowances, provision of adequate housing, and access to quality healthcare, remains a critical priority for the Tinubu administration. Ndume’s remarks reflect a broader concern among security analysts that public criticism of military leadership, if not constructive, risks demoralizing personnel who are risking their lives to secure the nation.
The TEAM initiative has resonated with stakeholders who see it as a practical and actionable framework for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. By focusing on capacity building and troop welfare, the initiative aligns with global best practices in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations. For instance, countries like the United States and Israel have long prioritized advanced training and cutting-edge equipment for their armed forces, enabling them to maintain a strategic edge over adversaries. Nigeria, with its unique challenges, stands to benefit from a similar approach, particularly given the asymmetry of its conflicts, where non-state actors employ guerrilla tactics and exploit ungoverned spaces.
Progress Amid Challenges: A Regional Perspective
The stakeholders’ communiqué pointed to specific improvements in the security situation across several regions of Northern Nigeria. In the Northwest, areas like Birnin Gwari, Giwa, and Katsina have witnessed a significant reduction in banditry-related incidents, allowing farmers to resume agricultural activities and local markets to thrive. In Southern Kaduna, which has historically been plagued by ethno-religious clashes, communities in Chikun and Kajuru are experiencing relative calm, with residents able to travel and conduct business with greater confidence.
Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai, Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, echoed the stakeholders’ sentiments in a separate statement. Bobai commended the Service Chiefs for their “creditable performance” despite the daunting challenges they face, including limited resources, vast ungoverned territories, and the proliferation of small arms. “From Birnin Gwari to Southern Kaduna, the evidence of progress is undeniable,” Bobai stated. “Farming has resumed, markets are vibrant, and people are moving freely. Those calling for the removal of the Service Chiefs are either unaware of these gains or are deliberately ignoring them for political reasons.”
Bobai’s remarks highlight a growing frustration among some leaders with what they perceive as politically motivated attacks on the security leadership. He argued that critics of the Service Chiefs are failing to acknowledge the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges, which require long-term strategies rather than knee-jerk reactions like leadership changes. Instead, Bobai advocated for increased investment in border security, including the construction of physical barriers along Nigeria’s porous borders, which have long served as conduits for arms smuggling and cross-border banditry.
The Political Dimension: Lessons from History
The coalition of stakeholders also sounded a note of caution, accusing certain opposition elements of politicizing the security discourse in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. They drew parallels with the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, during which relentless criticism of security appointments, particularly the removal of the late General Andrew Azazi as National Security Adviser, was seen by some as a factor that weakened the government’s ability to address insecurity effectively.
The politicization of security issues is a recurring challenge in Nigeria, where ethnic and regional considerations often influence public discourse. The stakeholders’ warning underscores the need for a unified national approach to security, free from partisan agendas. By rallying behind Ribadu and General Musa, the coalition is signaling its belief that the current security leadership has struck a delicate balance in navigating Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape.
Senator Ndume, in his earlier remarks, praised the Tinubu administration for maintaining an ethno-religious balance in security appointments, describing it as a departure from the approach of the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari. Critics of the Buhari government had often pointed to what they perceived as a lopsided concentration of security appointments in favor of certain regions, a factor that fueled mistrust and exacerbated tensions in some parts of the country. The Tinubu administration’s efforts to ensure inclusivity in security leadership have been widely acknowledged as a step toward fostering national unity and trust in the security apparatus.
Strategic Recommendations for Long-Term Stability
Beyond endorsing the retention of the Service Chiefs, the stakeholders and Southern Kaduna leaders have put forward several recommendations to consolidate Nigeria’s security gains. Chief among these is the prioritization of border security, as highlighted by Hon. Bobai. Nigeria shares extensive borders with countries like Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, which have been exploited by insurgents, bandits, and arms smugglers. The construction of border fences, coupled with enhanced surveillance and patrols, could significantly reduce the inflow of illicit weapons and the movement of criminal elements.
The coalition also called for sustained investment in modern equipment, including drones, armored vehicles, and advanced communication systems, to enable security forces to respond more effectively to threats. Regular training programs, both domestically and through international partnerships, were identified as critical to building a highly skilled and adaptable military. The stakeholders emphasized that Nigeria must look to global examples, such as the United States’ use of technology-driven counterterrorism strategies, to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated adversaries.
Motivation, the final pillar of Ndume’s TEAM initiative, was also a focal point of the stakeholders’ recommendations. The welfare of frontline troops, including competitive salaries, access to quality healthcare, and support for their families, was described as non-negotiable. Low morale among soldiers, often exacerbated by delayed allowances or inadequate living conditions, can undermine even the best-laid security strategies. The coalition urged the federal government to prioritize budgetary allocations for troop welfare, arguing that a motivated military is essential for sustaining Nigeria’s security gains.
A National Call for Unity and Professionalism
The collective endorsement of Ribadu, General Musa, and the broader security leadership by Northern stakeholders, Southern Kaduna leaders, and Senator Ndume represents a clarion call for unity and professionalism in Nigeria’s security sector. At a time when the country faces persistent threats from terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, the need for continuity and strategic focus cannot be overstated. The coalition’s message is clear: Nigeria’s stability hinges on the professionalism of its security forces, the unity of its people, and the sustained support of its leaders.
The rare convergence of voices from across Nigeria’s regional and political spectrum underscores the urgency of this moment. By rallying behind the Service Chiefs and advocating for the TEAM initiative, the stakeholders are not only endorsing the current security leadership but also articulating a vision for a safer, more prosperous Nigeria. Their call for continuity is a reminder that security is a shared responsibility, requiring the collective efforts of government, citizens, and institutions to achieve lasting peace.
As Nigeria navigates the complexities of its security challenges, the coalition’s message resonates as a beacon of hope. By prioritizing training, equipping the military with modern tools, ensuring adequate ammunition, and boosting troop morale, the country can build on its recent successes and move closer to a future where all Nigerians can live and thrive without fear. For now, the focus remains on sustaining the momentum, fostering unity, and supporting the men and women who stand on the frontlines of Nigeria’s fight for peace.
