Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has provided crucial insights into the complex challenges facing military operations against bandits across the country. In an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa Service, the minister detailed the tactical difficulties in neutralizing terrorist elements while prioritizing civilian protection.
The Guerrilla Warfare Challenge
The Defence Minister characterized the conflict as a classic example of asymmetric warfare. "This is how guerrilla warfare works," Minister Abubakar explained. "There will be periods of calm, and then they launch an attack that shakes the nation." This pattern has become increasingly familiar to communities affected by bandit violence.
Contrary to public perception, the military possesses intelligence about bandit locations but faces significant operational constraints. "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," the minister revealed, highlighting the delicate balance between offensive action and civilian protection.
School Security Under Scrutiny
The recent kidnapping of schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State has prompted serious concern within defence circles. Minister Abubakar acknowledged the setback, stating "We never said the problem was completely over. But this renewed kidnapping of schoolchildren worries us."
An official investigation has been launched into disturbing reports that security personnel were withdrawn shortly before the attack. "We will uncover what happened. If anyone is found culpable, they will be sanctioned," the minister assured, emphasizing accountability within security operations.
The minister noted that an established framework for school security had previously yielded positive results, contributing to reduced kidnapping cases over the past two years. Security forces are now "studying what went wrong and how to prevent a recurrence" following the Kebbi incident.
Sustained Military Efforts
Despite the challenges, Minister Abubakar maintained that Nigerian troops remain fully committed to dismantling bandit networks. "Our troops are working day and night to dismantle the networks responsible for the violence," he stated, while assuring the public that the military continues to make significant progress in its operations.
The minister also addressed the concerning phenomenon of bandit groups extorting rural communities. Military operations in these areas are conducted with extreme caution to avoid civilian casualties, sometimes limiting the effectiveness of immediate responses against extortion rackets.
As Nigeria continues its battle against banditry, the Defence Ministry's revelations highlight the complex interplay between intelligence capability, tactical limitations, and the paramount importance of civilian safety in conflict zones.
