Bayo Onanuga, Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has already taken decisive steps in anticipation of reports that U.S. President Donald Trump may designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
In a statement posted on X, Onanuga wrote that “ahead of the orchestrated game unfolding in America,” President Tinubu had, during his inauguration, charged the newly appointed service chiefs with clear directives to confront emerging security threats across the nation.
He recalled Tinubu’s firm words to the military leaders:
“No more excuses,” he said. “Nigerians want results.”
Onanuga shared excerpts from the President’s address, emphasizing Tinubu’s call for proactive and innovative security measures:
“Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South.”
Tinubu had urged immediate and decisive action, stating:
“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.”
Reiterating his expectations, the President said:
“I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses. I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous.”
He further stressed the need for vigilance and technological advancement in security operations:
“Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer.”
President Tinubu concluded with a message of encouragement and commitment to the armed forces:
“I wish you success as you take up the challenge. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done.”
The statement from Onanuga underscores Tinubu’s proactive approach to internal security as international scrutiny over Nigeria’s human rights and stability intensifies.
