Nigeria’s decisive military action in Benin Republic and the rescue of 100 kidnapped students in Niger State prove President Bola Tinubu is “fully committed to defending democracy and securing the nation,” according to presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga.
Speaking on Arise News, Onanuga said the intervention in Benin was swift, lawful and carried out strictly at the request of President Patrice Talon.
“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.”
He revealed that Talon reached out twice, first asking for fighter jets to crush coup plotters, then requesting ground troops.
“The government of Benin, President Talon’s government, sent two notifications to Nigeria… the first one was that Nigeria should send fighter jets… And after that was done, they again requested ground troops,” he said.
Onanuga insisted the move aligns with ECOWAS protocols and Tinubu’s longstanding push to defend democratic rule across 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.”
He dismissed claims that Talon failed to acknowledge Nigeria’s role.
“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.”
Onanuga contrasted the swift Benin response with Nigeria’s complex fight against bandits and terrorists at home.
“The internal war is more of an asymmetric war… You have ragtag bandits and terrorists sometimes holding our people as shields,” he said, warning that the military cannot unleash airstrikes domestically like it did in Benin.
“It’s different. These are like a guerrilla force. Even the almighty America couldn’t fight guerrillas in Afghanistan.”
He confirmed that 100 of the abducted St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri students had been rescued, but many remain in captivity.
“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.”
On ransom payments, he declined details.
“I don’t know… All I am aware of is that they got the children out… This is the result that really matters.”
He said the NSA had already explained that the remaining victims would be released in batches.
On the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs, Onanuga insisted enforcement had begun.
“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, noting that many officers still seen with elites are not regular police.
Onanuga rounded off with a message of strength, saying, “This government is committed to protecting democracy… and our security people are up to the task of helping to protect this country.”
