‘Share intelligence, not allegations’ — Presidency tackles Ndume

The Presidency has cautioned Senator Ali Ndume against making sweeping claims about terrorism on television, urging him instead to channel any credible intelligence to relevant security agencies for action.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the advice on Tuesday while reacting to Ndume’s recent appearance on Channels Television, where the lawmaker alleged that terrorists operate with informants embedded within Nigerian communities.

Onanuga said any actionable intelligence regarding terrorist activities, informants, or planned attacks should be shared directly with the Chief of Defence Staff, the National Security Adviser, and other intelligence bodies.

“If Senator Ndume has credible intelligence beyond what security agencies already know, the appropriate step is to share it with with the Chief of Defence Staff, the National Security Adviser, or relevant intelligence bodies, not to discuss it on television,” Onanuga said, stressing that such information requires confidential handling to enable effective operational response.

Ndume, who represents Borno South, had claimed that insurgents use commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, to transport explosives and rely on informants within local communities to coordinate attacks.

“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.

He also criticised the government’s response, arguing that security agencies lack adequate training, equipment, ammunition, and motivation.

“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.”

However, Onanuga defended the administration of Bola Tinubu, noting that the government has taken significant steps to strengthen national security.

He cited increased defence spending in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, acquisition of military hardware from France and the United Kingdom, and the directive for security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri following recent attacks.

“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 added that while public commentary on security matters is legitimate, disclosing specific operational details in the media could be counterproductive.

The Presidency’s remarks come amid intensified military operations in Borno State after the March 16 suicide bombings in Maiduguri that left 23 people dead and over 100 injured, prompting renewed efforts to combat insurgency in the North-East.