By Zayyad I. Muhammad
One can accuse Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, of anything but incompetence. From his days in the Nigeria Police Force to his role as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and now in his current position, he has consistently exhibited exceptional qualities in the execution of his duties.
As the pioneer Chairman of the EFCC (2003–2007), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu transformed what was then a new and fragile institution into Nigeria’s most feared anti-corruption agency. Under his leadership, high-profile investigations and prosecutions were initiated against the so-called “untouchables”, something unprecedented at the time.
He institutionalized financial crime investigation standards that brought Nigeria international recognition and cooperation. The EFCC under Ribadu was not just active; it was bold, systematic, and globally respected.
– A careless man does not build institutions that outlive his tenure.
One can accuse Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of anything, but not carelessness. If Mallam Nuhu were that careless, the American and Western world would not have trusted him as a key contact point with the President Tinubu administration.
Security cooperation at the highest level is built on trust, intelligence discipline, and credibility. The United States and other Western partners do not share sensitive intelligence with officials they consider careless, politically reckless, or unreliable.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s long-standing engagement with international institutions; from the United Nations, World Bank to global anti-corruption networks; reflects institutional trust built over decades. That trust is earned through professionalism, discretion, and consistency.
– Intelligence diplomacy is not for the careless.
As Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu occupies one of the most sensitive offices in the country. The role requires coordination across the military, intelligence services, police, and international security partners.
Every briefing, every directive, and every strategic decision carries national consequences. A man entrusted with such responsibility operates under constant scrutiny. In such a role, carelessness is not just dangerous , it is disqualifying.
Yet remains in office, trusted at the highest levels of government.
One can accuse Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of anything, but not poor judgment in selecting his team. Mallam Nuhu is known for choosing and working with competent professionals. Insubordination or incompetence to the extent of sabotaging their boss is not something associated with his leadership.
One can accuse Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of anything, but not stooping low to use his office for personal or political fights. If Mallam Nuhu had such tendencies, he would not have reached this level of success and influence.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has served as:
• Prosecutor/Government Prosecutor in the Nigeria Police Force
• Head, Legal and Prosecution Department, Nigeria Police Force
• Pioneer/Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) (2003–2007)
• Chairman of the Petroleum Special Revenue Task Force (PSRTF) (2012–2014)
• Presidential Candidate for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2011 presidential election
• And today, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser
– A careless or negligent man cannot attain such heights so consistently.
These positions were not ceremonial decorations. They were of institutional recognition, courage, and global impact.
For performance as a police officer, anti-corruption czar, the faces of future Nigeria, Mallam Nuhu won:
• Inspector General of Police Awards (1997, 1998, and 2000)
• Special Commendation by President Olusegun Obasanjo (2005)
• World Bank’s Jit Gill Memorial Award for Outstanding Public Service (2008)
