‘’We know their locations, but these areas are places where direct strikes could endanger civilians” – Minister of Defence speaks on the challenges of fighting bandits

Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has shed light on the military’s challenges in confronting bandit groups, saying the main obstacle is the risk posed to civilians in areas where the criminals operate.

Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service, Badaru explained that the military often identifies the locations of bandits but cannot launch immediate attacks due to the danger to nearby communities.

“This is how guerrilla warfare works. There will be periods of calm, then an attack that shakes the nation. Yes, we know their locations, but some areas are places where direct strikes could endanger civilians, or forests where our bombs cannot penetrate,” he said.

The minister stressed that troops are working “day and night” to dismantle the networks fueling violence and insurgency, assuring Nigerians that progress is being made.

“We never said the problem was over. But this renewed kidnapping of schoolchildren worries us. We are studying what went wrong and how to prevent a recurrence.”

Badaru said an existing school-security framework had helped reduce abductions in the last two years. He also confirmed an investigation into reports that security personnel were withdrawn shortly before bandits attacked a girls’ school in Maga, Kebbi State.

“We will uncover what happened. If anyone is found culpable, they will be sanctioned,” he said.

He acknowledged the ongoing extortion of rural communities by bandit groups, adding that operations in such areas must be handled with caution to avoid civilian casualties.