Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has alleged that parts of the Nigerian media are creating a misleading impression that insecurity has overwhelmed the country.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Onanuga acknowledged the existence of security challenges but insisted that the situation does not amount to the nation being under siege. According to him, media reports often give the impression that insecurity affects every part of Nigeria, which he described as inaccurate.
He argued that many Nigerians continue to travel safely across the country and cited examples of individuals completing long-distance road trips without encountering security threats. Onanuga also noted that several kidnapping and attack incidents occur at night, despite repeated warnings from security agencies advising against nighttime travel.
The presidential aide further referenced a conversation with a government official who reportedly travelled a considerable distance by road without any security issues, saying such experiences contradict claims that movement across the country has become impossible.
Addressing discussions about statistics on terrorism-related fatalities between 2015 and 2026, Onanuga defended figures released by the Federal Government. He maintained that the Presidency relies on data provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
His remarks followed the presentation of data from independent security organisations, including Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited and the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), which reportedly suggested an increase in terror-related deaths over the years. The figures appeared to differ from President Bola Tinubu’s recent claim that insecurity-related fatalities had reduced significantly.
Onanuga questioned the certainty of the alternative figures and insisted that government data should not be dismissed. He argued that while independent organisations may provide their own statistics, the government’s figures are based on information supplied by the nation’s security authorities and should be considered equally valid.
