Presidential Aide Explains Why Security Agencies Cannot Bomb Bandit Enclaves

Security agencies are fully aware of the identities and locations of the bandit groups responsible for recent mass kidnappings, including the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State, according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Advisor to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.

Onanuga revealed the information on Monday in an interview with Prime Time on ARISE News.

According to him, although security officers have the requisite intelligence, their operations are often hampered by the potential of collateral damage to citizens being held by the bandits.

“Every bandit working on that axis is known to the security personnel. They are familiar with them. “They are aware of where they work,” he remarked.

Onanuga emphasized that the government cannot just attack the designated enclaves with airstrikes.

“Where they operate, our people reside. Therefore, you can’t simply get there. They must exercise extreme caution to avoid bombing innocent Nigerians while pursuing these bandits, he stated.

The presidential assistant brought up a previous instance in Borno State where civilians were erroneously hit by the military.

“The military bombed the wrong people in Borno State a few years ago because they believed they had the correct satellite link. They have to steer clear of that kind of error,” he stated.

He continued by saying that because neither the school nor the Christian Association of Nigeria’s Niger State branch had produced comprehensive records, there is still uncertainty on the precise number of kidnapped pupils.

The number of those that are truly missing is currently unknown to the authorities. You mentioned that pupils are absent; please provide their names. Tell us what you’re looking for,” he said.

Additionally, Onanuga asserted that the principal of the school had “disappeared,” making the verification procedure more difficult.

“The security felt that their lack of cooperation was quite odd. “What is the agenda?” he inquired.

He went on to explain why, following kidnappings, security agents do not instantly raid bandit camps.

Sometimes the possibility of collateral damage keeps them from pursuing them. He claimed, “They kidnap our people and use them as a shield so they won’t be attacked.”

The bandits are aware of the repercussions of resisting government pressure, Onanuga continued.

He stated, “They understand that the government will launch a kinetic action and attack their base if they hold those people and refuse to release them.”

Onanuga stated that the President’s order to reassign personnel from VIP protection to front-line responsibilities will greatly enhance security in high-risk regions.

“I read today that VIPs are protected by 100,000 police officers. It will make a big impact if you distribute them to areas that are susceptible, he said.

Onanuga stressed that the administration acknowledges the gravity of the current security situation in response to criticism from church leaders.

The fact that Nigerians are being slain has never been denied by this government. We are working to make sure that we stop all of these issues, even though we are aware of our shortcomings,” he stated.

The presidential aide revealed that after continuing security consultations, the president is anticipated to address the country shortly.
He stated, “I believe he will do so very soon.”