Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (born 1960) is a Nigerian politician, retired police officer, and the current National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is historically significant as the founding chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he gained a global reputation for his uncompromising pursuit of high-level corruption. As of January 9, 2026, he is the primary architect of Nigeria’s current multi-front security strategy.
Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Nuhu Ribadu (mni) |
| Born | November 21, 1960, Yola, Adamawa State |
| Current Office | National Security Adviser (since June 2023) |
| Former Office | Founding Chairman of the EFCC (2003–2007) |
| Rank | Assistant Inspector General of Police (Retired) |
| Status in 2026 | Managing the “US-Nigeria Security Working Group.” |
2026: The New Security Frontier
Entering 2026, Ribadu has shifted the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) toward a more “intelligence-led” and “collaborative” model, moving away from the purely military-heavy approaches of his predecessors.
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US-Nigeria Security Working Group: In late 2025, President Tinubu appointed Ribadu to lead a powerful multi-agency team to deepen cooperation with Washington. On January 5, 2026, Ribadu reportedly met with US military attaches to coordinate the fallout of recent precision airstrikes in the North-West, which the US conducted against ISIS-linked targets in Sokoto.
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The Forest Guards Initiative: A major focus for Ribadu this month is the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative (PFGI). On January 3, 2026, he oversaw the deployment of the first batch of 7,000 trained guards to the Sambisa and Kuyanbana forests. While the move has been welcomed by many, it has also sparked controversy; as of yesterday, January 8, 2026, Middle Belt leaders issued a statement opposing federal oversight of these guards, fearing a “centralization” of local security.
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Economic Security: Ribadu has expanded the NSA’s remit to include “economic sabotage.” He was the key official behind the 2024–2025 crackdown on cryptocurrency platforms (notably Binance) and current investigations into “trillions of Naira” allegedly stolen from local government funds, a move supported by the National Assembly in its January 3, 2026, session.
The EFCC Legacy and Political Rise
Ribadu’s current authority is built on his legendary (and often polarizing) past:
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The Graft Fighter: Under President Obasanjo, Ribadu famously rejected a $15 million bribe from a former governor (James Ibori) and prosecuted over 1,000 cases, including high-ranking ministers and police chiefs.
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The “Marathon” Politician: After a period of exile and a failed presidential run in 2011, Ribadu spent a decade as a “kingmaker” in Adamawa politics before becoming a core confidant of Bola Tinubu. He is the first person from a police (rather than military) background to serve as Nigeria’s NSA, a shift intended to prioritize internal policing over external warfare.
Professional Profile
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The “Slender Enforcer”: Known for his “slender but personable” carriage, Ribadu is described by colleagues as a “disruptive leader.” Having turned 65 in November 2025, he remains an active TED Fellow and a sought-after speaker on global poverty and anti-corruption jurisprudence.
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Security Continuity: Despite occasional calls from opposition factions for a change in security leadership, the consensus among experts in early 2026 is that Ribadu’s “stability and continuity” are crucial to the current administration’s long-term counter-terrorism goals.