Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, says Nigeria’s rapid military response in Benin Republic and the recovery of 100 abducted students in Niger State highlight the Tinubu administration’s determination to uphold democracy and confront insecurity.
Speaking on ARISE News on Monday, Onanuga emphasised that Nigeria intervened in Benin strictly at the request of the Beninese government during last week’s attempted coup, while confirming that efforts were ongoing to secure the remaining abducted students.
He said the recent developments “only showed that this government is committed to protecting democracy, not just in Nigeria, but also among our neighbours,” adding that the successful rescue of some of the Papiri schoolchildren demonstrates that “our security people… are up to the task.”
Onanuga explained that Nigeria’s involvement followed direct appeals from President Patrice Talon, recounting that Benin first requested fighter jets and later sought ground troops. He noted that the response aligned with ECOWAS principles and President Bola Tinubu’s established stance on defending constitutional order in West Africa.
Addressing perceptions that Talon had not acknowledged Nigeria’s support, he said available records indicated otherwise.
He also contrasted the Benin operation with Nigeria’s internal security challenges, noting that domestic threats involve an “asymmetric war” in which terrorists and bandits often use civilians as shields — making foreign-style military tactics impossible.
On the Papiri school abductions, Onanuga confirmed the release of 100 students and reiterated that security agencies were pursuing the freedom of the remaining victims. He declined to address speculations about ransom payments, stressing that “this is the result that really matters.”
He clarified that 215 students and 12 teachers were originally abducted, leaving 115 students and 12 teachers still in captivity.
On whether rescue operations or negotiations were ongoing, he referred to the National Security Adviser’s earlier remark that the children would be freed in batches.
He dismissed debates over whether the perpetrators were bandits or jihadists, saying the groups operating in the region “are terrorists… either they belong to Ansaru or they are just terrorists operating there.”
Onanuga also reaffirmed that the President’s directive on withdrawing police escorts from VIPs was being enforced, noting that many uniformed escorts seen with high-profile individuals were actually “spy policemen,” not regular officers.
Reacting to a recent US congressional fact-finding visit, he rejected claims that it reflected doubt in Nigeria’s security or religious freedom records, insisting foreign lawmakers had been misled by false narratives and had now heard “the other side.”
Onanuga concluded that Nigeria’s actions both domestically and regionally confirmed the administration’s resolve: “This government is committed to protecting democracy… and our security people are up to the task of helping to protect this country.”