The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has defended the federal government’s approach to tackling insecurity in northern Nigeria while sharply criticising former presidential candidate Peter Obi for comments suggesting he would welcome US military intervention in the country.
Speaking on ARISE News’ Prime Time on Monday, Onanuga said that security agencies have detailed intelligence on bandit groups responsible for mass abductions, including the recent attack on St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State. He explained, however, that operational risks and the presence of abducted civilians prevent immediate military strikes.
“The security people, they know all the bandits that are operating in that axis. They know them. They know where they operate,” Onanuga stated. He stressed that past military operations, such as in Borno State, had accidentally harmed civilians, highlighting the need for caution.
Challenges in Addressing Banditry
Onanuga pointed to difficulties in verifying abduction reports, saying authorities often lack full information about missing individuals. He noted the disappearance of school principals and other key figures further complicates rescue efforts.
The presidential aide also described measures by the government to reinforce frontline security, including redeploying officers from VIP protection to vulnerable communities. “If you share out officers guarding VIPs to vulnerable areas, that will make a lot of difference,” he said.
Peter Obi’s Comments Draw Sharp Criticism
Onanuga condemned remarks by Peter Obi, who was recorded saying he would welcome potential US military intervention following a directive from President Donald Trump. Obi reportedly stated:
“If Donald Trump said he will invade Nigeria, I will welcome it with open arms because security is my priority.”
The presidential aide described these statements as undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and warned that the government would not forgive such comments, especially during a period of escalating banditry and school closures in northern states.
Nigeria has rejected claims by US President Trump that the country is experiencing “Christian genocide.” Foreign Ministry spokesman Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa emphasised that violence affects citizens of all faiths and is not sanctioned by the state.
President Tinubu, in a defence briefing in Abuja, highlighted the appointment of a Christian as Chief of Defence Staff and ongoing engagement with religious leaders to strengthen interfaith stability.
Adviser Daniel Bwala added that Nigeria would only accept foreign assistance that respects the nation’s territorial integrity.