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, an ARISE News show.
He claims that even though security personnel have the required intelligence, the possibility of collateral damage to people being held by the bandits frequently limits their ability to carry out their duties.
“The security personnel are aware of every bandit working along that axis. They’re acquainted. He stated, “They are aware of where they operate.”
The government cannot only carry out attacks on the designated enclaves, Onanuga emphasized.
“They operate in an area where our people reside. Thus, you cannot simply go there. They must use extreme caution to avoid bombing innocent Nigerians while pursuing these outlaws, he said.
The presidential assistant mentioned a previous instance in Borno State where civilians were accidentally hit by the military.
The military bombed the wrong people in Borno State a few years ago when they believed they had the correct satellite connection. They need to steer clear of that kind of error,” he stated.
The precise number of kidnapped kids is still unknown, he continued, because neither the institution nor the Christian Association of Nigeria’s Niger State branch have produced comprehensive documents.
The authorities are now unaware of the true number of missing persons. You mentioned that some students are absent; please provide their names. Tell us what you have in mind,” he remarked.
Additionally, Onanuga asserted that the principal of the school had “disappeared,” making the verification procedure more difficult.
The security viewed their lack of cooperation to be rather peculiar. He questioned, “What is the agenda?”
He went on to explain why, following kidnappings, security personnel do not immediately raid bandit camps.
The potential for collateral damage is what occasionally prevents them from pursuing them. They kidnap our people and use them as a shield to keep others from attacking them,” he claimed.
According to Onanuga, the robbers are aware of the repercussions of resisting official authority.
“They understand that the government will launch a kinetic action and attack their base if they hold those individuals and refuse to release them,” he stated.
Onanuga stated that the President’s order to reassign police from VIP protection to front-line responsibilities will greatly increase security in high-risk regions.
“I read today that VIPs are being guarded by 100,000 police officers. It will make a big difference if you distribute them to areas that are susceptible,” he stated.
In response to church leaders’ criticism, Onanuga emphasized that the administration acknowledges the gravity of the current security situation.
“Nigerians are being killed, and this government has never denied that.” We are aware of our issues, but we are working to make sure that they are all resolved,” he stated.
After continuing security talks, the president is anticipated to address the country shortly, the presidential adviser revealed.
“I believe he will do so shortly,” he stated.
