The Presidency has suggested that Nigeria’s lingering security challenges may be influenced by external forces, citing developments it believes point to foreign involvement in the country’s terrorism and instability.

Speaking on The Link Up Podcast, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, said certain international claims and incidents indicate that Nigeria’s security crisis may extend beyond domestic factors.

Bwala referenced the display of Russian flags by some protesters during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in parts of northern Nigeria as one of the indicators of possible foreign influence in the country’s internal affairs.

He also argued that rivalry between the Nigerian Army and the Air Force during the previous administration weakened counterterrorism efforts, affecting the country’s ability to respond effectively to security threats.

According to the presidential spokesman, the Tinubu administration remains committed to strengthening security institutions and tackling terrorism through improved coordination among security agencies while addressing both internal and external factors contributing to insecurity.