Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, has raised alarm over reports that bandits are increasingly fearful of military air strikes and may be resorting to the abduction of children to use them as human shields.
Speaking on the worsening security situation, Gana noted that the intensified aerial bombardments by the Nigerian military have forced bandits to adopt desperate tactics. He cautioned that this development poses grave risks to innocent civilians, particularly schoolchildren, and called for urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities.
Security analysts say the claim underscores the complexity of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and banditry, where criminal groups often exploit civilians to evade military operations. Human rights advocates are urging the government to strengthen intelligence gathering and prioritize the safe rescue of abducted children.
