Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has alleged that foreign interests are contributing to Nigeria’s ongoing security problems.
Speaking on The Link Up Podcast hosted by Echoo Room on July 19, 2026, Bwala said instability in Nigeria’s Sahel neighbors is spilling over. He explained that terrorists operating in those border states often launch attacks in Nigerian communities before retreating across the border.
Bwala also raised concerns about the role of some foreign actors in the crisis. He cited the early years of Boko Haram in Borno State, noting that certain NGOs arrived and signed long-term house leases of 10 to 15 years.
“How do you know you will need to stay for 10 to 15 years? What kind of projection did you do?” he asked.
According to him, the military has arrested Boko Haram suspects that included foreign nationals. He said such involvement makes it harder to end the conflict.
“The army on many occasions has arrested Boko Haram members, and in their midst you will find foreign nationals,” Bwala said. “These are some of the elements that are not only fuelling the crisis, but they make the end to the crisis difficult.”
He added that the military withholds the nationalities of arrested foreigners for security reasons.
Bwala’s comments come amid continued debate over insecurity in Nigeria’s northern region and border areas.
