Nigeria Closing In on Banditry, Says Defence Minister

Nigeria Closing In on Banditry, Says Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, says the Armed Forces are steadily weakening banditry networks, even as the country witnesses a resurgence of school abductions in several northern states.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored in Kaduna, Badaru admitted that security challenges persist but described the current attacks as typical of guerrilla warfare, where criminal groups carry out sporadic assaults to instill fear.

“This is how guerrilla warfare works,” he explained. “There will be calm periods, then sudden attacks that shake the nation. We know their hideouts, but some locations pose risks to civilians, and some forested areas cannot be safely bombarded.”

Despite these constraints, he insisted that Nigerian troops are working “day and night” to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace across affected regions.

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Badaru expressed deep concern over the return of mass student abductions, noting that the government has ordered a full investigation into recent cases.

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

He also confirmed an investigation into reports that security personnel were withdrawn prior to the bandits’ attack on a girls’ school in Maga, Kebbi State. “If anyone is found culpable, they will be sanctioned,” the minister assured.

The minister further acknowledged complaints of bandit extortion in rural communities but stressed that military operations in such areas are carried out cautiously to avoid civilian casualties.

Responding to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested possible military action over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, Badaru said the Nigerian government is engaging with U.S. officials to clarify the situation.

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

Nigeria Closing In on Banditry, Says Defence Minister