Nigerian Security Agencies Aware of Bandits, Risks Slow Action

The Nigerian government is aware of the identities and locations of bandit groups responsible for recent mass abductions, according to Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. He emphasized that while security agencies possess this intelligence, the risk of civilian casualties often hampers military operations aimed at neutralizing these threats.

In an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Onanuga highlighted the complexities involved in addressing the banditry crisis. He specifically referred to the attack on St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, where recent abductions have raised serious concerns. “The security people, they know all the bandits that are operating in that axis. They know them. They know where they operate,” he stated.

Onanuga articulated the caution exercised by military forces, noting, “Our people are living around where they operate. So you can’t just go there.” He underscored the importance of avoiding collateral damage, recalling a prior incident in Borno State where civilians were mistakenly targeted. “Some years ago in Borno State, when the military thought they had the right satellite connection, they bombed the wrong people,” he said. “They must avoid that kind of mistake.”

The exact number of missing students from the recent abduction remains unclear, as neither the school nor the Niger State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has provided complete records. Onanuga expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation, stating, “As of now, the authorities are in the dark as to how many people are really missing. You said students are missing — let us have their names. Let us know what we are looking for.” He further alleged that the school principal had “disappeared,” complicating efforts to verify the situation.

Onanuga explained why security forces do not always act immediately after abductions. “What sometimes restrains them from going after them is the risk of collateral damage,” he noted. Bandits often use captives as shields, making it more difficult for security forces to engage without endangering innocent lives. “They know that if they keep those people and refuse to release them, the next thing will be for the government to embark on a kinetic action and attack their base,” he added.

Regarding President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to redeploy officers from VIP protection to frontline duty, Onanuga indicated that this shift would enhance security in vulnerable communities. He remarked, “I read today about 100,000 policemen guarding VIPs. If you share them out to vulnerable areas, that will make a lot of difference.”

Responding to criticism from church leaders about the government’s handling of the security crisis, Onanuga affirmed the administration’s awareness of the severity of the situation. “This government has never denied that Nigerians are being killed. We know we have problems, but we are making efforts to ensure that we stem all these things,” he stated.

Onanuga also informed that President Tinubu is expected to address the nation soon regarding security consultations. “I think he will do so very soon,” he said, as the government continues to grapple with the ongoing challenges posed by banditry and insecurity in Nigeria.