The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has officially declared that the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari “bankrupted” Nigeria.

Speaking at the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference, Ribadu, a key figure in the government, stated that the current government led by President Bola Tinubu inherited a financially depleted country.

He asserted that the federal government is now “paying back what was taken” or stolen.

In a candid statement, Ribadu stopped short of explicitly saying that the previous administration emptied the nation’s treasury, emphasizing the serious budgetary constraints faced by the current government.

“We are facing very serious budgetary constraints. It is okay for me to tell you. It is fine for you to know. We have a very serious situation.

“We have inherited a very difficult country, a bankrupt country to the extent that we are paying back what was taken. It is serious.

“But this administration is doing its best to meet our requirements, including that of the armed forces,” he lamented.

He praised the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their performance in maintaining national peace and acknowledged the constraints faced by the administration.

Despite the financial challenges, Ribadu noted improved security, crediting the armed forces for their efforts.