Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has explained why security operatives cannot carry out direct attacks on bandits terrorising communities across northern Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on the ‘Prime Time’ programme on Arise Television on Monday, Onanuga said the security agencies are aware of the locations where the bandits operate, but cannot simply raid those areas.
He stated that the major obstacle is the high risk of collateral damage, as many of the bandits live and move among civilians, making it difficult for the military to strike without endangering innocent people. His remarks follow the recent surge in violent attacks by armed groups targeting communities and schools in the region.
During the discussion, Onanuga referred to the attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State, where 38 worshippers were abducted and some killed. President Bola Tinubu later confirmed that all 38 hostages had been rescued. He also mentioned the abduction of more than 200 schoolchildren from a Catholic private school in Niger State, noting that around 50 of the pupils had managed to escape and return to their families.
Reacting to the ongoing concerns, Onanuga stressed that security personnel must operate with maximum caution to avoid tragic mistakes. He recalled a previous incident in Borno State where the military, believing it had identified a terrorist hideout, mistakenly bombed innocent civilians. According to him, such risks make it crucial for the military to avoid launching strikes that could accidentally harm Nigerians.
He emphasised that while Nigerians demand swift action, the armed forces must ensure that in pursuing bandits, they do not inflict unintended casualties on the very people they are trying to protect.
