Former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd) has expressed doubt that Nigerian security agencies lack the ability to locate bandits who regularly post videos and share their activities on social media. Buratai made the remarks during an interview on TVC on Monday, challenging the widely held view that tracking criminal groups operating openly online is beyond the capacity of Nigeria's security apparatus.
Buratai's reasoning on tracking bandits
His reasoning was straightforward: if authorities can identify and locate ordinary citizens through their social media activity, the same should apply to criminals who publicly flaunt their operations. 'If they can locate ordinary citizens or social media influencers, I don't believe they cannot locate these bandits that flaunt their loot or whatever activities they do,' he said.
Operational reasons for not acting
Asked to explain why the bandits remain at large despite their visible online presence, Buratai refused to draw firm conclusions. He ruled out capacity as the limiting factor but said security agencies may have operational considerations that inform their decisions. 'I would not like to say it is a capacity-building challenge, but I think they may have their reasons,' he said.
Specialized military units for hostage rescue
Buratai confirmed that Nigeria's military has specialized units trained for hostage rescue operations, without disclosing specific details. He cited the Nigerian Navy's Special Boat Service and the Nigerian Army's Special Forces as examples of units with that capability, while noting that decisions around intervention are often shaped by concerns over hostage safety and the risk of collateral damage.
Structural improvements needed
Beyond the immediate security situation, Buratai called for structural improvements across Nigeria's security agencies, including more recruitment, continuous retraining, and better welfare and accommodation for personnel. He also proposed expanding the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser into state-level branches, arguing that better coordination infrastructure and advanced technology would strengthen the overall response to kidnapping and terrorism.
Context of school abductions
The interview comes as public pressure over the Oyo State school abductions continues to grow, with schools shut across the area and children still in captivity more than two weeks after the attack on May 15.
