Boko Haram Attacks: Presidency Asks Senator Ndume To Share Intel With Military, Not On TV

The Bola Tinubu-led Presidency on Tuesday advised Senator Ali Ndume to channel any actionable intelligence on terrorism to security agencies rather than making public disclosures on television.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the advice while reacting to the senator’s recent appearance on Channels Television where he spoke on terrorist activities and informants within communities.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, Onanuga said intelligence of such nature should be handled through appropriate security channels for effective response.

“If Senator Ndume has credible intelligence about terrorist informants or their mode of operation beyond what is already known to security agencies, the appropriate step is to share this with the Chief of Defence Staff, the National Security Adviser, or relevant intelligence bodies, not to discuss it on television,” Onanuga stated.

He added that actionable intelligence requires confidentiality to enable security agencies take necessary operational steps.

Ndume had, during his television appearance, alleged that terrorists rely on informants within society and adopt hit-and-run tactics, including the use of commercial tricycles.

“What they do is hit and run. They gather, share information among themselves, and most dangerously, they get information from some citizens, too. They have informants within society,” the senator had stated.

The lawmaker also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity, raising concerns over the capacity of security personnel.

“The government, I must say, are not walking the talk. Security agencies and soldiers still do not have the training, equipment, ammunition, and motivation they need.”

In response, Onanuga defended the administration’s efforts, noting that President Bola Tinubu had taken steps to strengthen security operations across the country.

“The President has demonstrated commitment by approving the highest budgetary allocation to defence in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, securing military equipment from France and the United Kingdom, and directing security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri,” Onanuga stated.

He, however, cautioned that while public commentary on security matters is legitimate, revealing specific operational details could undermine ongoing efforts.

The Presidency’s response comes amid ongoing military operations in Borno State following the March 16 suicide bombings in Maiduguri which killed 23 people and injured 108 others.

President Tinubu had directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to oversee operations, while Vice President Kashim Shettima visited victims at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital on March 18, assuring continued support for security forces.