Defence Minister Badaru Says Nigeria Is Close to Defeating Banditry, Despite Fresh Security Setbacks

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has insisted that the country is moving steadily toward eliminating banditry, even as recent mass abductions raise fresh concerns about the nation’s security landscape. Speaking during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored from Kaduna, the minister acknowledged that insecurity remains a persistent challenge but maintained that the Armed Forces have made “significant progress” in dismantling criminal networks across the country.

Badaru described the renewed attacks—especially the resurgence of school kidnappings—as part of a predictable pattern typical of guerrilla-style warfare. According to him, the fluctuating nature of the conflict, where weeks or months of relative peace are suddenly interrupted by a large-scale assault, is a common strategy used by insurgent and bandit groups to create fear and give the impression that they remain potent.

“This is how guerrilla warfare works,” the minister explained. “There will be peace for some time, and then they strike again in a way that shakes the nation. We know where many of them are, but some of these places are too close to civilian settlements, and some forests are areas where our aerial strikes cannot penetrate effectively.”

He emphasized that the military continues to work tirelessly, conducting round-the-clock operations aimed at disrupting the logistics, communication channels, and leadership structures of the armed groups responsible for violence across multiple states. According to him, soldiers are “working day and night,” and the nation is “inches away” from achieving a decisive breakthrough.

However, the minister expressed deep concern over the reappearance of mass school abductions, a trend that had reduced notably over the past two years under what he described as a structured school-protection framework. The recent kidnapping of students in parts of northern Nigeria has prompted the Federal Government to launch an investigation into lapses in security arrangements.

“We never claimed that the problem had been completely resolved,” Badaru clarified. “But the renewed kidnapping of schoolchildren worries us. We are examining the situation to understand what went wrong and how to ensure it does not happen again.”

One of the most troubling reports under investigation involves allegations that security operatives were withdrawn shortly before bandits raided a girls’ school in Maga, Kebbi State. Badaru assured the public that the truth would be uncovered and that any individuals found responsible for negligence or complicity would face strict sanctions.

The minister also addressed rising cases of rural extortion, where bandit groups force communities to pay levies or risk violent attacks. He explained that counter-operations in these areas must be conducted with extreme caution to prevent collateral damage, especially in densely populated farming communities and forested terrains where civilians could be caught in the crossfire.

In addition to domestic concerns, Badaru was questioned about recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested the possibility of military intervention over allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria. The minister dismissed any alarm, stating that Nigerian officials are already engaging with the U.S. government to clarify the situation.

“Our leaders have visited, and discussions are ongoing. By God’s grace, there will be understanding,” he said, adding that Nigeria continues to maintain active defence partnerships with several allied nations.

Despite the government’s assurances, public reactions remain mixed. Many Nigerians argue that similar promises—phrased as being “close” or “inches away” from victory—have been repeated since 2015 without substantial change. Others emphasize that security issues continue to escalate in certain states, with bandit groups displaying increased boldness, mobility, and coordination.

Still, Badaru insists that the current administration is committed to resolving the crisis once and for all. The minister urged citizens to remain patient and to continue supporting the military as it intensifies operations aimed at restoring peace in all affected regions.