Theft of NSA Ribadu’s Vehicle
The recent theft of a black Toyota Hilux allegedly belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) during Friday prayers in Abuja has once again exposed the glaring vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s security architecture. That such a brazen act could occur in broad daylight—within the heart of the Federal Capital Territory, no less—raises alarming questions about the competence and vigilance of those entrusted with safeguarding the nation.
The incident unfolded around 1:05 pm in Area 10, a high-security zone flanked by key government institutions and security installations. The vehicle, reportedly parked near the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex while its occupants attended prayers at a nearby mosque, simply vanished. The fact that this could happen in a supposedly fortified area, under the nose of security operatives, is not just an embarrassment—it is an indictment.
Preliminary accounts suggest a combination of lapses: inadequate surveillance, lax operational discipline, or perhaps even willful negligence. If a vehicle linked to one of Nigeria’s most sensitive security agencies can be stolen so effortlessly, what does that say about the safety of ordinary citizens?
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The symbolism is damning. At a time when Nigerians grapple with rampant kidnappings, armed robberies, and insurgent attacks, this incident erodes whatever dwindling confidence remains in the state’s ability to protect its own. If Area 10—a stone’s throw from the seat of power—is not secure, then where is?
The irony is bitter. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, is a figure renowned for his anti-corruption crusades and intelligence expertise. His office should epitomize operational excellence. Yet, the fact that criminals could target an ONSA asset so audaciously suggests either shocking complacency or deliberate sabotage. Either way, it is a metaphorical punch to the gut of Nigeria’s security establishment.
This is more than a crime; it is a wake-up call. Nigeria’s security challenges are not merely about firepower or funding—they are about accountability, professionalism, and a culture of diligence that must be enforced at all levels. The ONSA must conduct a swift, transparent investigation, and those responsible for this lapse must face consequences. Anything less will only reinforce the perception of a system in decay.
The question now is whether this incident will be dismissed as another fleeting scandal or serve as the catalyst for long-overdue reforms. Nigeria cannot afford indifference. The stakes are too high.
Zekeri Idakwo Laruba is the Assistant Editor with PRNigeria and the Fact-check team. He can be reached via [email protected]
