The Minister of Defence has revealed that Nigerian forces are aware of the whereabouts of armed bandits, but operations are constrained by the risk to civilians.
“This is how guerrilla warfare works. There are periods of calm, then attacks that shake the nation. Yes, we know their locations, but some are in areas where direct strikes could endanger civilians, or in forests where bombs cannot penetrate,” he told BBC Hausa.
He stressed that troops are working “day and night” to dismantle the networks behind the violence, assuring the public that significant progress is being made.
“We never said the problem is over. But the renewed kidnapping of schoolchildren is deeply concerning. We are reviewing what went wrong and how to prevent a recurrence,” he said.
The minister credited a school security framework with reducing abductions over the past two years but confirmed an investigation into reports that security personnel were withdrawn before a bandit attack on a girls’ school in Maga, Kebbi State.
“We will uncover what happened. Anyone found culpable will be sanctioned,” he added.
He also raised concerns about bandit groups extorting rural communities, noting that military operations in these areas are carefully conducted to avoid civilian casualties.
