"If Security Agencies Can Trace Cybercriminals, They Can Also Locate Bandits" — Ex-Army Chief Buratai

 By Kehinde Awosina 




Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has expressed doubts over claims that security agencies are unable to trace bandits and kidnappers who openly publicize their activities online.


Speaking during an interview on TVC, Buratai argued that criminals who regularly share videos, messages, and other materials from their hideouts should be within the reach of security operatives.


According to him, if authorities possess the technological capacity to track cybercriminals, social media users, and other individuals operating online, they should equally be capable of identifying and locating bandits who openly flaunt their activities on digital platforms.


The retired military officer, however, stopped short of accusing security agencies of incompetence, suggesting that operational considerations may influence decisions regarding the pursuit of such criminal elements.


“I do not believe it is a question of inability. There may be strategic or operational reasons behind certain actions taken by security agencies,” he said.


Buratai stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through sustained investment in manpower development, recruitment, training, and improved welfare for personnel across the armed forces and other security institutions.


He noted that the country requires more troops, police officers, and security operatives to effectively tackle growing security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.


The former army chief also highlighted the existence of specialized military units trained for hostage rescue operations, citing the Nigerian Army Special Forces and the Nigerian Navy’s Special Boat Service as examples of elite formations capable of conducting high-risk missions.


Despite these capabilities, he explained that security agencies often weigh the safety of hostages and the possibility of collateral damage before launching rescue operations in kidnapping cases.


Buratai further called for the expansion of the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser. He proposed the establishment of state-level branches equipped with advanced technology, intelligence-gathering tools, and operational command centres to enhance coordination among security agencies.


He maintained that strengthening such structures would significantly improve Nigeria’s ability to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping while ensuring a more coordinated national security response.


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