Falana to Tinubu: Get briefing from DHQ, not Trump

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has urged President Bola Tinubu to seek briefing from the Defence Headquarters instead of relying on foreign claims about counter-insurgency operations in the country.

Falana faulted Tinubu’s confirmation of United States President Donald Trump’s report on the reported killing of a terrorist commander in Nigeria, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, describing it as improper.

Speaking with our correspondent in Abuja on Saturday, Falana said, “Our attention has been drawn to President Bola Tinubu’s confirmation of President Donald Trump’s claim that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki has just been killed.

“As the Commander of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Tinubu should contact the Defence Headquarters on the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and other terrorists.”

Falana maintained that Tinubu should avoid “relying on President Donald Trump’s erroneous claims on the prosecution of the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria.”

The remarks highlight growing concerns over the management and verification of security information in Nigeria’s prolonged battle against insurgency.

Nigeria has spent more than a decade fighting insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, particularly in the North-East, where thousands of civilians and security personnel have been killed and millions displaced.

The Nigerian military routinely releases updates on major offensives, arrests and the killing of terror commanders.

Falana’s comments also come amid broader debates about the role of foreign governments and international figures in shaping narratives around Nigeria’s internal security operations.

Deborah Tolu-Kolawole is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria’s vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. She blends rigorous reporting with digital storytelling to bring clarity and insight to complex issues affecting learners, educators, and policymakers. Deborah was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize in Journalism, recognising her impactful reporting and contributions to Nigerian media. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism. In addition to her reporting, she is fluent in multiple languages and serves as a contributing member of The Punch editorial board.

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