The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, says security agencies know the identities and hideouts of bandits responsible for recent mass abductions, including the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, but cannot launch airstrikes due to the risk of killing civilians.
Speaking on ARISE News’ Prime Time on Monday, Onanuga said security operatives have sufficient intelligence but are restrained because the criminals often hold hostages within communities.
“You can’t just go and start bombing.
“Our people are living around those areas,” he said.
“Security forces must ensure they don’t harm innocent Nigerians while pursuing these criminals.”
He recalled past military errors, including a mistaken strike in Borno State, as reasons for caution.
Onanuga also raised concerns about discrepancies in the school’s records, noting that authorities still cannot determine the exact number of abducted students.
He claimed the school principal has “disappeared,” complicating verification.
He added that bandits frequently use abductees as human shields, making direct raids risky.
On President Tinubu’s directive to redeploy police officers from VIP protection to frontline security duties, Onanuga said the move would significantly strengthen safety in vulnerable areas.
He insisted that the administration recognizes the gravity of the security situation.
“This government has never denied that Nigerians are being killed.
“We know we have problems, and we are working to stem them,” he said.
Onanuga noted that the President is expected to address the nation soon following ongoing security meetings.
