Nigeria’s Military Action In Benin Reflects Tinubu’s Commitment To Democracy — Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said Nigeria’s swift military support to Benin Republic following a foiled coup attempt, alongside the successful rescue of 100 abducted students in Niger State, reflects President Bola Tinubu’s strong commitment to defending democracy and improving national security.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday night, Onanuga explained that Nigeria’s response to last week’s attempted coup in Benin Republic was prompt, well-coordinated and carried out strictly at the request of the Beninese authorities.

“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.

“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,” he said.

He disclosed that the President of the Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, personally sought Nigeria’s assistance when the coup plot unfolded.

“The government of Benin, President Talon’s government, sent two notifications to Nigeria, actually in quick succession, because the first one was that Nigeria should send fighter jets to help them dislodge the coup plotters. And after that was done, they again requested ground troops,” Onanuga said.

According to him, the intervention aligned with ECOWAS protocols and President Tinubu’s longstanding advocacy for democratic governance within the West African subregion.

“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. That is what he believes in,” he said.

Addressing claims that President Talon had not openly acknowledged Nigeria’s support, Onanuga dismissed the suggestion, insisting appreciation had been shown.
“I also read some accounts where he acknowledged Nigeria’s support. He needed Nigeria, and it was wise for them to have called on Nigeria to help them.”

He contrasted the Benin operation with Nigeria’s internal security challenges, noting that combating terrorism and banditry at home is far more complex.

“The internal war is more of an asymmetric war… You have ragtag bandits and terrorists sometimes holding our people as shields,” he said.

Onanuga explained that this reality makes military operations within Nigeria more delicate.

“You have to be very careful not to go and bomb those they are holding as collateral. It’s different. These are like a guerrilla force. Even the almighty America couldn’t fight guerrillas in Afghanistan,” he added.

On the kidnapping of students from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Onanuga confirmed that 100 abducted students had been rescued, noting that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.

“We have wound all of them out. We are hoping the others will soon be released. Security agents are making all kinds of efforts to get those children out,” he said.

Asked whether ransom was paid, he declined to comment.
“I don’t know. I don’t want to talk about security people and the way they do their work. All I am aware of is that they got the children out… This is the result that really matters,” he said.

He also avoided commenting on the legality of ransom payments, saying, “I don’t want to talk about the modus operandi of security people. They have a way of getting results.”

Citing official figures, Onanuga noted that more abductees remain with the terrorists. “The final figure they gave was that 215 students and 12 teachers were abducted. We are grateful that we have 115 students and 12 teachers remaining,” he said.

He added that the National Security Adviser had earlier explained how the rescue operations would proceed.

“The NSA said those children will be released in batches. I’m sure they must have found a way around it. I’m not a security man, I don’t want to talk about security,” he said.

Onanuga dismissed speculation about the identity of the abductors, describing those operating in the area as terrorists.

“Generally, the people operating along that axis are terrorists. Either they belong to Ansaru and all these gangs, or they are just terrorists operating there,” he said.

He also spoke about the President’s directive to withdraw police escorts from VIPs, stressing that implementation was already underway.

“The IG came out to say he has withdrawn them… about 12,000 policemen doing VIP work. I rarely see policemen outside like before,” he said.

According to him, some security personnel still seen around prominent individuals are not regular police officers.

“There are those they call spy policemen. They wear police-like uniforms, but they are not really part of the workforce of the Police,” he said.

Onanuga concluded that the Tinubu administration’s actions at home and across the sub-region demonstrated both capacity and resolve.

“This government is committed to protecting democracy and our security people are up to the task of helping to protect this country,” he said.