- Bandit Locations Known, But Airstrikes Risk Civilians – Onanuga
- Slams Obi over US invasion comments
- President Tinubu highlighted the appointment of a Christian as Chief of Defence Staff
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has defended the federal government’s handling of insecurity in northern Nigeria while criticizing opposition figure Peter Obi over remarks seen as welcoming potential United States military intervention in the country.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that during an interview on ARISE News’ programme Prime Time on Monday, Onanuga said security agencies are fully aware of the identities and locations of bandit groups responsible for mass abductions, including the attack on St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State. He explained, however, that operational constraints and the risk to abducted civilians prevent immediate military strikes.
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“The security people, they know all the bandits that are operating in that axis. They know them. They know where they operate,” Onanuga said. He cautioned against launching attacks that could endanger innocent lives, citing past military operations in Borno State where civilians were unintentionally harmed.
Onanuga also highlighted challenges in verifying abduction cases. “As of now, the authorities are in the dark as to how many people are really missing. You said students are missing—let us have their names. Let us know what we are looking for,” he said, adding that the disappearance of the school principal has further complicated security efforts. He noted that abducted civilians are often used as human shields, limiting the options of security forces.
The presidential aide further pointed to measures by the government to strengthen security, including redeploying officers from VIP protection to frontline duties. “I read today about 100,000 policemen guarding VIPs. If you share them out to vulnerable areas, that will make a lot of difference,” he said, assuring that the administration is fully aware of the severity of the security challenges and that President Tinubu would address the nation soon after consultations with security agencies.
In a related matter, Onanuga condemned remarks by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who appeared to welcome potential US military intervention following a post by former US President Donald Trump directing preparations for possible action in Nigeria.
“If Donald Trump said he will invade Nigeria, I will welcome it with open arms because security is my priority,” Obi was recorded saying in a video online. Onanuga described the comments as a disregard for Nigeria’s sovereignty and warned that the government would not forgive such statements.
The resurfaced footage comes after Trump labeled Nigeria a site of “Christian genocide” and directed the Pentagon to prepare for potential military action, claims Nigeria has officially rejected. Foreign Ministry spokesman Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa emphasized that attacks in Nigeria affect citizens of all faiths and are not condoned by the state.
Speaking at a defense briefing in Abuja, President Tinubu highlighted the appointment of a Christian as Chief of Defence Staff and noted ongoing engagement with religious leaders to strengthen interfaith stability. Presidential adviser Daniel Bwala added that Nigeria would only accept foreign assistance that respects its territorial integrity.
While Obi’s comments, recorded on 23 November, were consistent with his prior calls for constructive diplomatic engagement and coordinated approaches to tackle insecurity, Onanuga said the government views such statements as undermining national authority, particularly at a time when banditry and armed attacks have forced school closures and disrupted education for thousands of children in northern states.
