Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has accused parts of the Nigerian media of creating the impression that insecurity has engulfed the entire country, arguing that while security challenges remain serious, Nigeria is not under total siege.
Speaking during a television interview, Onanuga said media coverage of violent incidents often gives the impression that every region of the country is unsafe, a portrayal he believes does not reflect reality.
According to him, many Nigerians continue to travel across different parts of the country without encountering security threats, despite the existence of isolated incidents of violence, kidnapping, and criminal attacks.
He maintained that security breaches are real and should not be ignored but cautioned against narratives that suggest movement and daily activities have become impossible nationwide.
Onanuga also pointed to the timing of many reported attacks, noting that a number of kidnapping and security incidents occur during late-night travel. He recalled longstanding advice from security agencies urging Nigerians to avoid unnecessary journeys at night due to increased risks.
The presidential aide further referenced accounts of individuals who have undertaken lengthy road trips across the country without incident, arguing that such experiences challenge claims that insecurity has completely crippled movement within Nigeria.
His remarks came during a discussion on security statistics and terrorism-related fatalities recorded in the country over the past decade.
During the interview, data from independent security-monitoring organisations were cited, suggesting that fatalities linked to terrorism, banditry, separatist violence, and armed attacks had increased over the years. The figures appeared to differ from recent government claims regarding significant reductions in insecurity-related deaths.
Responding to the discrepancy, Onanuga defended the Federal Government’s position, stating that the Presidency relies on information provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser when assessing security trends across the country.
He questioned the reliability of alternative datasets and argued that government-sourced figures should not be dismissed simply because they differ from those produced by independent organisations.
While acknowledging that different institutions may arrive at different conclusions, Onanuga insisted that the administration’s assessments are based on official security reports and intelligence available to government authorities.
The comments have added to the ongoing debate over the state of security in Nigeria, with discussions continuing over how best to measure insecurity and evaluate the effectiveness of efforts aimed at tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
As concerns over security remain a major national issue, the contrasting interpretations of available data are likely to fuel further conversations about the country’s progress in addressing longstanding security challenges.
