Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, has drawn criticism from Nigerians after he likened Nigeria’s terror crisis to a disagreement between brothers.
Ribadu made the remark during a press briefing at the High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting held in Abuja.
Ribadu Advocates Dialogue
In a press interview, which has since gone viral on X, the NSA said authorities were making efforts to “reach an understanding” to end the violence.
“If your own brother that you live in the same house with and something happen to him, would you say he is no longer your brother? Or if your hand starts hurting, would you cut it off?” he asked.
He added that many of those involved in the violence want peace and that Nigeria was not fighting an external war.
“We are not fighting another country. We are not fighting an external war. It is a calamity that has come into our own home. With God’s help, there will be an understanding,” Ribadu said.
He argued that dialogue and understanding were necessary to resolve the crisis.
Backlash on Social Media
However, several Nigerians criticised the analogy, saying it appeared to humanise terrorists.
An X user, Dr. Hidima, rejected the comparison.
“The bandits and terrorists terrorising us can never be our brothers. Being Fulani or Hausa, or any other tribe, doesn’t make one a brother if he turns out to be one that kills us and attacks our homes,” the user wrote.
Another user, Obiasogu David, linked the remark to broader security concerns under the ruling party.
“Yesterday, it’s the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, calling Boko Haram terrorists ‘our brothers.’ Will terrorism ever end under APC?” he posted.
Similarly, Olusegun Bakare wrote: “Those your terrorists are not my brothers.”
The reactions come amid continued attacks in parts of the country, with citizens expressing frustration over insecurity and government responses.
Ribadu has yet to publicly respond to the criticism as of the time of filing this report.
