Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga says Nigeria’s swift military intervention in Benin Republic and the rescue of 100 abducted students in Niger State reflect President Bola Tinubu’s firm commitment to defending democracy and strengthening national security.
Speaking on Arise News, Onanuga said Benin President Patrice Talon personally requested Nigeria’s assistance as a coup attempt unfolded, first asking for fighter jets and later for ground troops. He said the intervention aligned with ECOWAS protocols and Tinubu’s pro-democracy stance in West Africa.
Onanuga added that the release of students kidnapped from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, showed the capability of Nigeria’s armed forces, though he warned that internal security operations remain complex because terrorists often use civilians as shields.
He confirmed that 100 students had regained freedom, while 115 others remain in captivity. He declined to comment on ransom issues, saying the focus was on securing more releases.
On police escorts withdrawal, he said the Inspector-General has begun implementing the directive, noting that many officers still seen with VIPs are “spy policemen”, not regular police personnel.
