Why Security Forces Can’t Bomb Bandit Hideouts — Presidency

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

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News’ Prime Time, Onanuga said security operatives possess the required intelligence but face operational limitations due to the presence of civilians held by the bandits.

“The security people, they know all the bandits that are operating in that axis. They know them. They know where they operate,” he stated.

He explained that the government could not simply order airstrikes on the known hideouts because civilian populations live close to the targeted areas.
“Our people are living around where they operate, so you can’t just go there. They need to be very careful that in the course of chasing these bandits, they don’t go and bomb innocent Nigerians,” he said.

Onanuga also referenced a previous case in Borno State where the military accidentally struck civilians.
“Some years ago in Borno State, when the military thought they had the right satellite connection, they bombed the wrong people. They must avoid that kind of mistake,” he recalled.

He further noted that authorities still lack clarity on the exact number of abducted students, as neither the school nor the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has provided a full list.

“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 said.

Onanuga also alleged that the school principal had “disappeared,” making verification more difficult.
“For the security, they found it very strange that they are not cooperating. What is the agenda?” he asked.

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