Nigeria’s military is struggling to combat a surge in kidnappings by armed gangs in the north of the country, according to Defence Chief General Chris Musa.
He blames faulty intelligence from informants for hampering operations against these groups, known locally as bandits.
General Musa’s comments come after the successful rescue of 137 students abducted earlier in March from Kaduna state. While celebrating the rescue, Musa revealed the military’s heavy reliance on informants, often with unreliable results.
“They mislead troops, sending them on wild goose chases while the bandits carry out their crimes elsewhere,” he stated.
The lack of direct confrontation during the Kaduna rescue raises further questions. General Musa refused to disclose details about the operation or any potential arrests of the kidnappers.
This incident is just one example of a growing problem. According to SBM Intelligence, there have been at least 68 mass kidnapping incidents in the first three months of 2024, primarily concentrated in northern Nigeria.
The vast, ungoverned forests of the region pose a significant challenge. Once bandits retreat into these areas, pursuit becomes difficult due to the dense terrain and limited visibility for aerial support.
The situation is further complicated by Nigeria’s extensive, poorly patrolled northern border.
In response to the escalating kidnappings, some state governments have begun recruiting “community guards.”
General Musa expressed concern over this practice, highlighting the lack of training for these individuals and the potential dangers it poses.
