Why security agencies can’t bomb bandit enclaves — Presidency

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, says security agencies know the identities and locations of bandit groups behind recent mass abductions, including the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State.

However, he explained that direct airstrikes or heavy assaults are often avoided to prevent civilian casualties.

Speaking on ARISE News’ Prime Time on Monday, Onanuga said security operatives possess adequate intelligence but are constrained by the high risk of harming hostages held by the bandits.

“The security people know the bandits operating in that axis. They know where they operate,” he said.

“But our people are living around those areas. You can’t just go there and start bombing.

“They must ensure they don’t harm innocent Nigerians while pursuing these criminals.”

He referenced a past incident in Borno State where the military mistakenly struck civilians due to faulty intelligence, stressing that such errors must be avoided.

Onanuga also noted inconsistencies in the school’s records, saying authorities still do not have an exact figure of the abducted students.

He claimed the school principal “disappeared,” hindering verification efforts.

“For now, authorities are in the dark about how many people are missing.

“We need the names of the students so we know who we are looking for,” he said.

He pointed out that bandits often use abducted civilians as human shields, making immediate military raids risky.

“That is what restrains security forces from going after them directly,” he said, adding that the criminals understand the consequences of holding onto captives for too long.

On President Tinubu’s directive redeploying police officers from VIP protection to frontline duties, Onanuga said the move would boost security in vulnerable areas.

“I read today that about 100,000 policemen are guarding VIPs. If you deploy them to critical locations, it will make a lot of difference,” he said.

Responding to criticism from religious leaders, he maintained that the administration fully acknowledges the seriousness of the security crisis.

“This government has never denied that Nigerians are being killed.

“We know we have problems, and we are working to stem them,” he said.

Onanuga added that the President is expected to address the nation soon following ongoing security consultations.

“I think he will do so very soon,” he said.