The Presidency has cautioned Senator Ali Ndume to take any credible information on terrorism directly to security agencies instead of discussing it publicly.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the advice while reacting to the senator’s recent comments on television about terrorist activities and the role of informants within communities. According to him, sensitive intelligence should be handled through the proper security channels to ensure effective action.
Onanuga explained that if the senator has useful or actionable intelligence beyond what security agencies already know, it should be shared with the Chief of Defence Staff, the National Security Adviser, or other relevant authorities, rather than being aired publicly.
He stressed that intelligence gathering and operations rely heavily on confidentiality, and public disclosures could interfere with ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.
Ndume had earlier alleged that terrorists depend on informants within communities and often use hit-and-run tactics, sometimes moving around with commercial tricycles. He also criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, saying security personnel lack adequate training, equipment, and motivation.
Responding to this, Onanuga defended the administration, stating that President Bola Tinubu has taken steps to strengthen security, including increasing defence funding in the 2026 budget, procuring military equipment from countries like France and the United Kingdom, and directing security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to oversee operations.
He added that while public discussions on national security are important, revealing operational details could undermine efforts to combat terrorism.
The exchange comes amid ongoing military operations in Borno State following recent attacks in Maiduguri, which left several people dead and many others injured.
