The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has defended the Federal Government’s cautious approach to communicating details of kidnapping incidents, insisting that public disclosure of rescue operations could jeopardise ongoing security efforts and endanger victims.
Olusegun made the remarks on Monday amid mounting criticism on social media over the Federal Government’s handling of recent abduction cases involving schoolchildren and residents in different parts of the country. Many Nigerians had accused authorities of failing to provide timely updates and assurances to worried families and citizens.
Responding to the criticism through his X handle, the presidential aide argued that security operations require a high level of secrecy because kidnappers and criminal gangs also monitor online conversations and public statements issued by government officials.
According to him, revealing operational details or rescue strategies in real time could compromise security agencies’ efforts and potentially place abducted victims in greater danger.
“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,” Olusegun stated.
His comments have since generated mixed reactions across social media platforms, with supporters agreeing that intelligence-driven operations should not be openly discussed, while critics argued that the government still owes citizens regular communication during periods of national anxiety.
The latest debate comes against the backdrop of persistent kidnapping incidents across several parts of Nigeria, particularly in northern states where schools and rural communities have increasingly become targets for armed groups seeking ransom payments.
In recent years, mass abductions have sparked outrage both locally and internationally, placing immense pressure on the Federal Government and security agencies to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen local policing, and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities.
Despite repeated assurances from authorities, many Nigerians remain worried about the growing insecurity in parts of the country, with concerns that criminal gangs have become more coordinated and emboldened.
However, security experts have often maintained that successful rescue missions frequently depend on confidentiality, strategic deception, and careful intelligence operations, especially in cases involving heavily armed kidnappers.
Some analysts noted that public pressure on the government is understandable given the emotional nature of abduction cases, particularly those involving children. They added, however, that excessive demand for minute-by-minute updates could unintentionally interfere with rescue efforts.
Supporters of the government’s position also argued that operational secrecy is a standard practice globally, especially in hostage situations where premature disclosure may alert criminals, provoke retaliation, or alter negotiation dynamics.
Nevertheless, civil society groups and opposition voices continue to call for greater transparency and accountability in the management of insecurity, insisting that citizens deserve reassurance and credible information during emergencies.
The discussion surrounding the government’s communication strategy reflects the broader tension between national security concerns and public demand for openness in times of crisis.
As insecurity continues to dominate national discourse, many Nigerians are expected to keep pressing the government for stronger action, improved intelligence capabilities, and faster responses to kidnapping incidents across the country.
