The Presidency has defended the cautious approach of security agencies in tackling rising banditry, explaining that operational limitations, particularly the risk of collateral damage, prevent immediate airstrikes on known criminal hideouts.
Speaking in an interview, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, confirmed that security agencies possess intelligence regarding the identities and locations of the bandit groups responsible for recent mass abductions, including the attack in Niger State.
However, Onanuga stated that a direct military assault, such as bombing the bandit enclaves, is deliberately avoided due to the certainty that innocent Nigerians and hostages are often held in those same areas. The government is prioritizing the safety of non-combatants.
“Our people are living around where they operate, so you can’t just go there,” Onanuga explained, emphasizing the need for caution to avoid bombing innocent Nigerians. He cited a past incident in Borno State where a military operation mistakenly resulted in civilian casualties, highlighting the need to prevent such errors in the current counter-terrorism strategy.
Regarding the recent Niger State abductions, the Special Adviser also noted the challenge of verifying the exact number of missing students, stating that authorities are seeking full cooperation from the affected school and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to ascertain the facts on the ground. This complex operational environment requires a measured response to the Nigeria insecurity crisis.
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