Tinubu’s Spokesman Onanuga Calls for ‘Shoot at Sight’ Order on Vandals, Thieves

By Tgnews Reporter

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has sparked widespread debate after advocating for the immediate shooting of vandals and thieves caught damaging public infrastructure projects.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Onanuga reacted strongly to a video showing individuals allegedly cutting and removing starter bars and shoulder rods at the ongoing reconstruction site of the Ibadan-Ilesa/Ife federal highway.

The original video, shared by user @salawueedris1, highlighted the repeated vandalism despite government efforts to improve road infrastructure, with the poster expressing frustration over what they described as “pure wickedness.”

Onanuga quoted the post and wrote: “Just shoot these unconscionable vandals/thieves at sight. They are the worst specie of citizenships.”

His comment quickly drew attention, with many interpreting it as a call for a “shoot on sight” policy against those sabotaging national development projects.

Onanuga, a former journalist and key figure in the Tinubu media team, positioned the vandals as a severe threat to public progress, labeling them the “worst species of citizens.”

The remark has ignited controversy, with critics questioning whether it reflects official government policy or a personal opinion from the president’s aide. Some commentators have accused it of promoting extrajudicial measures and jungle justice, while others have supported tougher action against economic sabotage amid persistent infrastructure vandalism across the country.

The incident underscores ongoing challenges in protecting public assets during major construction works, particularly federal road projects aimed at improving connectivity and economic activity. No official response from the presidency clarifying if Onanuga’s view represents administration policy has been issued as of this report.