National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a stern warning to critics of President Bola Tinubu's administration, stating that those who underestimate the President do so "at their own peril."

Speaking at the National Cyber Security Conference 2025 in Abuja on Wednesday, Ribadu defended the administration's performance and criticized opposition figures who have been vocal in their disapproval of government policies.

"We have quality leadership today in our country," Ribadu told the audience of both Nigerian and international attendees. "Mr. President is a digital President and educated. Yes, he is very enlightened. He knows things. People under-estimate him at their own peril."

The NSA painted a positive picture of Nigeria's current state, contradicting narratives of insecurity and economic instability that have dominated some media outlets. "Things are changing. We are stabilising things. Forget about what some people are saying," he asserted. "Nigeria is getting safer and better every single day. Our economy is stabilising. Things are getting better day by day."

Ribadu highlighted specific improvements in regional security, claiming that "Niger Delta is safer than ever before" and that the "South-East is beginning to be normal." He also issued a warning to those he described as instigators operating from abroad, stating, "Those who are creating problems there and are outside the country, we are going to jail them there."

In a particularly pointed critique, the NSA characterized government critics as "desperate, expired people" who feel entitled to power. "They think it is their right to be in power, to be in our spaces. They go to Channels or Arise TV, they are shouting," he said. "They are outdated. These are people who looted and plundered this country before, they believe in entitlement, that is for them to continue to do what they like."

Addressing the conference's theme, "Building a Resilient Digital Future," Ribadu emphasized that cyber resilience is "the bedrock of national security and economic stability." He noted that public institutions, banks, schools, and markets are frequent targets of cyber attacks, and assured that the government has taken "decisive steps" to strengthen cybersecurity following the operationalization of the National Cyber Crime Centre.

The conference also featured Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, who announced plans to fully digitalize all Commission processes by the end of 2025. Olukoyede revealed recent successes in combating cyber fraud, including the arrest of 194 individuals in a single operation and securing convictions for 146 fraudsters.

Ribadu concluded by encouraging telecom companies and foreign investors to invest in Nigeria, describing the country as "the future of Africa."

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