Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, says bandits and terrorists are retreating deeper into forests to avoid ongoing military airstrikes.
Badaru disclosed this during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored in Gusau, Zamfara State.
He said recent attacks, including the renewed kidnapping of schoolchildren, follow a pattern of guerrilla warfare in which armed groups strike unexpectedly to create fear across communities.
“This is how guerrilla warfare operates. There are quiet periods, and then they strike with an attack that shakes the country,” the minister said.
Badaru explained that although security forces know many of the group’s locations, some hideouts are close to civilian areas where airstrikes could pose risks. He added that certain forests are so dense that aerial bombs cannot penetrate them.
“We never said the problem was completely resolved. But this renewed kidnapping of schoolchildren worries us. We are studying what went wrong and how to prevent a recurrence,” he said.
The minister confirmed that troops are pushing forward with operations to dismantle criminal networks across the North-West and North-Central regions. He also said the government has opened a full investigation into reports that security personnel were withdrawn shortly before the recent attack on a girls’ school in Maga, Kebbi State.
“We will uncover what happened. If anyone is found culpable, they will be sanctioned,” he stated.
Badaru acknowledged that some bandit groups continue to extort rural communities, but stressed that the Armed Forces are conducting operations carefully to avoid civilian casualties.
Responding to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, the minister said officials are engaging with American authorities to address the concerns.
“Our leaders have visited the United States, and discussions are ongoing. By God’s grace, there will be understanding,” he said, adding that Nigeria maintains defence partnerships with several countries.
The minister expressed confidence that ongoing operations will further weaken the criminal groups, despite the challenges posed by their shifting tactics and deep forest hideouts.