The Presidency has defended the Federal Government’s cautious approach to providing updates on kidnapping incidents, arguing that revealing details of rescue operations could put victims and security personnel at greater risk.
Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, made the clarification on Monday amid criticism from some social media users who accused the government of not communicating enough about efforts to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren.
According to Olusegun, security agencies cannot afford to publicise operational plans because kidnappers actively monitor online discussions and could use such information to frustrate rescue missions.
“The Kidnappers are on social media with us and follow the trends to get updates. You cannot possibly expect the government to update rescue plans on social media if you really have the interest of those kids at heart, and it is not just for performative purposes. Concerned, we must. Reckless, we mustn’t,” he said.
He maintained that the focus of authorities remains the safe recovery of victims, stressing that emotional reactions should not lead to actions capable of endangering lives.
“I understand your anger, but a large bulk of it should be reserved for the cowardly terrorists who use kids as human shields. These kids have to be rescued alive. It serves no purpose for our armed forces to charge in headfirst and hope for the best. They are kids, fgs!” he added.
Olusegun also responded to concerns about individuals who circulate unverified security information online, saying decisions on arrests or prosecution are the responsibility of law enforcement agencies, not his office.
“It is not my job to arrest or publicly state with authority that anyone will be arrested for sharing false information. Everyone does their part. Mine is to debunk, yours is to amplify, while the law enforcement will do theirs,” he said.
The remarks come at a time of heightened public anxiety over recurring school abductions across parts of Nigeria and increasing demands for more transparency regarding rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State as part of measures aimed at improving security in forest areas often used as hideouts by armed groups.
The approval followed the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, an attack that also claimed the life of a teacher.
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed that the recruitment exercise will commence in July 2026. He said those selected would be drawn from local communities and deployed to strengthen surveillance and support ongoing efforts against banditry and other security threats.