Presidency Confirms Detention Of Foreign Nationals Over Alleged Links To Insecurity

The Presidency has confirmed that Nigerian troops have arrested some foreign nationals suspected of having links to insecurity in parts of the country, but their identities have been withheld to avoid affecting ongoing diplomatic discussions.

According to Ireporter Online, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Daniel Bwala, disclosed this during an appearance on The Link Up Podcast, a panel programme hosted by EchoRoom.

Bwala explained that foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs was a matter of national security, adding that such actions were often connected to strategic interests, including economic considerations and the country’s natural resources.

Speaking on protests that occurred in some northern states, particularly Kano, Bwala recalled that certain government decisions were followed by the emergence of foreign symbols during demonstrations.

He stated that Nigerian security forces had apprehended foreign nationals within the country, but their identities and nationalities were intentionally concealed by the military for security and diplomatic reasons.

According to him, the government had engaged with the countries linked to the arrested individuals, noting that such situations could involve diplomatic negotiations, including possible exchanges depending on circumstances.

Addressing the activities of terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Bwala said the threats had expanded beyond their traditional bases in the North-East, spreading toward the North-West and creating concerns about possible movement toward the North-Central region.

He assured that the Federal Government was taking measures to contain the security challenges and prevent further expansion of terrorist activities into other parts of the country.

Bwala also praised the administration of President Tinubu, highlighting what he described as improvements in Nigeria’s foreign reserves and government revenue. He added that Nigerians would ultimately determine whether the President merits another term in office based on his performance.