…security agencies “know all the bandits operating in that axis.”
Abuja, Nigeria — The iNews Times, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has revealed that Nigerian security agencies have full intelligence on the identities and hideouts of the bandit groups behind recent mass abductions – including the attack on St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on ARISE News Prime Time, Onanuga said security agencies “know all the bandits operating in that axis,” but are severely constrained by the risk of killing innocent civilians who are often used as human shields.
“The security people know them. They know where they operate,” Onanuga stated.
He explained that while the military has precise intelligence, the government cannot simply launch airstrikes on the enclaves due to the presence of civilians living nearby.
According to him, a past mistake in Borno State, where the military accidentally bombed civilians, remains a warning that guides current operations.
Onanuga also disclosed that uncertainties persist regarding the actual number of abducted students, noting that neither the school management nor the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has submitted a complete record.
“As of now, the authorities are in the dark. If students are missing, let us have their names,” he said.
He added that the school principal has “disappeared,” raising concerns among security agencies about a possible agenda.
On the delay in storming bandit camps, Onanuga said the criminals intentionally surround themselves with abducted hostages to prevent direct military attacks.
“They use our people as shields so they will not be attacked,” he explained.
He also noted that the bandits understand the consequences of resisting government pressure, warning that prolonged detention of hostages may trigger “kinetic action” by the military.
Commenting on President Tinubu’s directive withdrawing thousands of police officers from VIP security duties, Onanuga said redeploying them to vulnerable areas would significantly improve national security.
He also pushed back against criticisms from religious leaders, asserting that the Tinubu administration acknowledges the seriousness of the insecurity crisis.
“This government has never denied that Nigerians are being killed. We know we have problems,” he said.
Onanuga revealed that President Tinubu is expected to address the nation soon following ongoing security briefings.
