The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has called on Nigerians to take collective responsibility for the security of the country, stressing that the task should not be left to security agencies alone.

Onanuga made the remarks on Tuesday at the 8th edition of the Blueprint Newspapers Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards Ceremony held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

The event, themed “Security Challenges and the Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections,” brought together government officials, political leaders and other stakeholders to discuss security and the integrity of the electoral process.

The presidential spokesman emphasised that security was a shared responsibility involving government, security agencies and ordinary citizens.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and play an active role in helping security agencies prevent threats and respond to suspicious activities.

‘If you see something, say something’

Onanuga particularly stressed the importance of the principle of “if you see something, say something,” urging citizens to promptly report suspicious activities and information that could assist security agencies.

He said citizens have an important role to play in strengthening the country’s security architecture, especially as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Onanuga speaks on 2027 election security

The presidential spokesman’s remarks formed part of discussions at the Blueprint event on how to address security challenges that could affect the credibility and peaceful conduct of the 2027 elections.

His call for greater public vigilance and cooperation came alongside broader appeals by speakers at the event for stronger coordination among government institutions, security agencies, political actors, the media and citizens in protecting Nigeria’s democratic process.