The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has stated that Nigeria’s recent military intervention in Benin Republic and the successful rescue of 100 abducted students in Niger State underscore President Bola Tinubu’s firm commitment to defending democracy and strengthening national security.
Speaking to Arise News on Monday, Onanuga said Nigeria’s swift and coordinated response to last week’s attempted coup in Benin was carried out at the direct request of the Beninese government.
“What happened on Sunday and what happened today only showed that this government is committed to protecting democracy, not just in Nigeria, but also among our neighbours,” he said. “And what you have also seen in the release of the Papiri children is that our security people, the armed forces, the air force, the ground troops, they are up to the task of helping to protect this country.”
Onanuga explained that President Patrice Talon personally requested Nigeria’s assistance, initially through fighter jets, followed by a deployment of ground troops. He emphasised that the intervention complied with ECOWAS rules and reflected Tinubu’s longstanding advocacy for democratic governance in West Africa.
“Since he came in in 2023, he’s been the greatest advocate of democracy in the West African sub-region… Whatever command he gave to our military to support Benin is in consonance with that,” Onanuga said.
He also addressed comparisons with Nigeria’s domestic fight against terrorists and bandits, noting that internal security operations are more complex due to asymmetric warfare and the use of civilians as human shields. “You have to be very careful not to go and bomb those they are holding as collateral. These are like a guerrilla force. Even the almighty America couldn’t fight guerrillas in Afghanistan,” he said.
On the successful rescue of students abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Onanuga confirmed that 100 children had been freed, with security agencies working to release the remaining victims. He declined to comment on whether ransom payments were involved, emphasising that the result—the safe return of the children—was what mattered most.
According to official records, 215 students and 12 teachers were abducted, leaving 115 students and 12 teachers still in captivity. Onanuga stated that the National Security Adviser had indicated that the remaining students would be released in batches.
He also addressed speculation over the perpetrators, describing them generally as terrorists, possibly affiliated with groups such as Ansaru. Onanuga dismissed concerns regarding President Tinubu’s directive for the withdrawal of VIP police escorts, saying implementation was underway and clarifying that some officers still seen with prominent figures were not conventional police personnel.
Concluding, Onanuga said, “This government is committed to protecting democracy… and our security people are up to the task of helping to protect this country,” highlighting both domestic and regional security efforts as evidence of Nigeria’s capacity and resolve.
