Presidency Explains Why Security Forces Can’t Bomb Bandit Hideouts Despite Knowing Their Locations!

Presidency Explains Why Security Forces Can’t Bomb Bandit Hideouts Despite Knowing Their Locations!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Presidency of Nigeria has revealed why, despite claims of having identified the locations and identities of bandit camps behind recent mass abductions and attacks, security forces are often unable to carry out aerial strikes or bombing operations. The explanation was given by presidential aide , during a television interview on November 25, 2025.

“The security people, they know all the bandits that are operating in that axis. They know them. But they can’t just go there because our people are living around where they operate.” — Bayo Onanuga

Reasons Given

• Risk to civilians: Onanuga explained that many of the known bandit hideouts are adjacent to or within communities where civilians live. He said that indiscriminate bombing could lead to mass civilian casualties — a scenario the military and government are keen to avoid.
• Past mistakes warn against airstrikes: He referenced earlier incidents — particularly a documented air strike in Borno State that mistakenly hit civilians rather than intended targets — as cautionary precedents. According to him, such errors reinforce the need for caution before ordering air operations. [1]
• Use of human shields by bandits: Onanuga said that abducted victims — including schoolchildren and villagers are often used as human shields by terrorists. This complicates rescue operations and makes aerial attacks extremely risky. [4]
• Uncertainty over missing persons’ identities: In the case of recent school kidnappings (e.g., at a Catholic school in Niger State), the presidency said authorities still lack verified lists of missing persons. The absence of precise data complicates operations that might endanger either hostages or innocent civilians. [3] Context & Background
• According to documentation, the Nigerian government has invested in military air assets over the years, including combat aircraft and helicopters — but such assets alone haven’t resolved the insurgency and banditry crisis, partly due to the complex, often civilian-heavy environments in which these groups operate.
• The decision to withhold airstrikes does not necessarily signal lack of will, but rather a strategic choice aimed at protecting innocent lives while security agencies explore alternative rescue and tactical options. Onanuga emphasised that human life is a priority even as the government remains committed to restoring peace. [4]

What It Means

• The explanation underlines a major constraint in Nigeria’s fight against terror: knowing where the criminals are is not the same as being able to attack them safely.
• It highlights a shift from kinetic action toward intelligence‑led, precision operations, hostage‑rescue protocols, and efforts to avoid civilian harm.
• It also raises questions about alternative strategies: can ground operations, community policing, or negotiation strategies do what air strikes cannot — especially in heavily populated or mixed‑use areas?

What to Watch

• Whether security agencies will adopt more advanced surveillance and targeting technology to improve strike precision without harming civilians.
• If the government will release detailed after‑action reports of past air‑strike mistakes to build accountability and public trust.
• How communities will respond — especially in regions where bandit enclaves overlap civilian settlements.
• Whether complementary measures (community defense initiatives, early‑warning systems, better rescue protocols) will scale up to offset limitations of aerial strikes.

Citations:

1. Tribune Online: tribuneonlineng.com/why-security-agencies-cant-bomb-bandits-hideouts-presidency/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. National Trail Newspaers: nationaltrailonline.com.ng/presidency-explains-why-security-forces-cant-launch-direct-attacks-on-bandits/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Opinion Nigeria: www.opinionnigeria.com/why-security-forces-cant-bomb-bandit-hideouts-presidency/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Abuja Press: www.abujapress.com/2025/11/why-military-cant-launch-airstrikes-on.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. Sahara Reporters: saharareporters.com/2021/03/29/exclusive-why-fighter-aircraft-acquired-buhari%E2%80%99s-government-have-failed-stop-insurgency?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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