The Presidency has defended the Federal Government’s decision not to publicly disclose details of ongoing rescue operations for abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, insisting that operational secrecy is necessary to ensure the safe return of victims, Peak Newspaper reports.
Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, stated this while responding to criticisms on social media over the government’s handling of recent school abductions. According to him, kidnappers actively monitor social media platforms, making it unsafe for authorities to reveal sensitive rescue plans.
Olusegun explained that security agencies must be allowed to carry out their duties without public interference, warning that excessive disclosure of operational details could jeopardize efforts to rescue the victims alive. He urged Nigerians to channel their anger toward the perpetrators of the attacks rather than security agencies working to secure the release of those abducted.
The presidential aide also clarified that his responsibility is limited to countering misinformation, while law enforcement agencies are responsible for investigating and prosecuting individuals who spread false information regarding security matters. He stressed that government officials must act responsibly to avoid compromising ongoing operations.
The clarification comes amid growing public concern over recurring school abductions across parts of the country. In response to the latest incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, President Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in forest corridors frequently used by armed groups.
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed that the recruitment exercise will commence in July 2026, with personnel to be drawn from local communities and deployed to enhance surveillance and support counter-banditry operations across the state.
