Onanuga says security agencies know bandit intelligence and locations but are constrained by risks to civilians during rescue operations

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in Abuja on Monday that security agencies have full intelligence on the identities and locations of the bandit groups behind recent mass abductions, including the attack on St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.

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Speaking during an interview on Prime Time, the flagship programme of ARISE News, Onanuga said the government’s response is constrained by the risk of civilian casualties, particularly while handling what he described as sensitive bandit intelligence.

Onanuga stated that security operatives have mapped the enclaves of the armed groups responsible for the latest attacks. He noted that launching an immediate air assault could endanger residents who live around the bandits’ hideouts as well as those already abducted.

He recalled a past strike in Borno State in which the military mistakenly hit civilians after relying on faulty coordinates, describing it as a stark reminder of the need for caution.

The presidential aide said there is still no verified list of abducted pupils, teachers or staff from the Catholic school. He explained that security agencies have struggled to obtain clear records because neither the school authorities nor the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State has provided an accurate headcount.

Onanuga added that investigators were concerned by the sudden absence of the school principal, which he said had complicated efforts to confirm the missing persons.

He argued that bandit groups deliberately use abducted civilians as human shields to slow military action. He said this tactic has forced the armed forces to consider the danger posed to captives before carrying out any offensive operations.

Despite this restraint, Onanuga insisted that the groups understand the consequences of refusing to release those they have taken, warning that prolonged standoffs could trigger full-scale military action.

Onanuga also highlighted the President’s directive redeploying officers from VIP protection to frontline duties. He said the decision would significantly bolster security in vulnerable areas, noting reports that around 100,000 police personnel are currently assigned to guard high-profile individuals rather than the wider population.

Responding to criticism from church leaders, Onanuga maintained that the government fully recognises the gravity of the security situation. He said the administration is neither dismissive of the killings nor unaware of the growing distress in affected communities.

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He also disclosed that President Tinubu is expected to address the nation after ongoing security consultations, describing the anticipated statement as part of broader moves to strengthen public confidence.