We Know Bandits’ Hideouts But Here’s Why We Can’t Attack – Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, says the military is fully aware of several locations used by bandit groups across the country but cannot always launch immediate attacks due to the risk to civilian lives.

The minister made the disclosure during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, where he addressed public concerns following a fresh wave of school abductions and coordinated assaults in rural communities.

Badaru explained that many of the criminals operate in difficult terrains, often hiding in thick forests and settlements where civilians live side by side with armed groups.

He noted that direct airstrikes are sometimes avoided to prevent unintended casualties.

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

According to the minister, troops are currently engaged in several operations aimed at breaking the supply lines and mobility of the gangs responsible for the attacks.

He stressed that security forces are “working day and night” and that the recent incidents do not suggest that the government has lost control.

He acknowledged public frustration over the resurgence of mass kidnappings, especially those involving schoolchildren, saying the government has ordered full investigations into all new cases.

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

Badaru disclosed that the security architecture introduced over the last two years—including the deployment of special units and community-based intelligence—had previously helped reduce attacks on schools.

He added that the government is reviewing why the recent incidents escaped early detection.

On the case of the abducted girls in Maga, Kebbi State, the minister confirmed that his office is probing allegations that security personnel stationed near the school were withdrawn shortly before the bandits struck. He assured the public that any officer found negligent will face disciplinary actions.

Beyond school attacks, he raised concerns about the extortion of farmers and villagers by criminal networks.

He explained that military operations in such areas require a careful balance to protect residents who are exposed to retaliation whenever troops advance.

Badaru also reacted to comments credited to former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding alleged religious persecution in Nigeria. He said that Nigerian officials are already engaging with the U.S. government to clarify the situation.

“Our leaders have been there, and discussions are ongoing. By God’s grace, there will be understanding,” he said, noting that Nigeria maintains strategic defence partnerships with multiple countries.