Bandits Can Be Tracked If Security Agencies Want To, Says Buratai
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has questioned claims that security agencies are unable to trace bandits and kidnappers who openly share videos and communicate from their hideouts, insisting that the authorities possess the capacity to track such criminals.
Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Benin Republic, made the remarks during an interview on TVC on Monday while reacting to concerns over the growing use of social media and video recordings by criminal groups operating across the country.
His comments come amid renewed outrage over insecurity following the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was recently confirmed dead after his captors reportedly beheaded him.
The retired Army chief dismissed suggestions that security agencies lack the technological capability to locate criminals who frequently publicise their activities online.
“I don’t think they have failed to locate them. If security agencies can trace ordinary citizens or social media influencers, I do not believe they cannot locate bandits who flaunt their loot and publicise their activities,” he said.
While refraining from directly criticising the security agencies, Buratai suggested that operational considerations may influence their actions.
“I would not like to say it is a capacity challenge, but I believe they may have their reasons,” he added.
Buratai stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through continuous recruitment, training and retraining of personnel across all security agencies.
“There must be sustained capacity building for all security agencies. We need more operatives, more troops and more police officers to effectively tackle the country’s security challenges,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of improving the welfare and living conditions of security personnel, noting that adequate accommodation and motivation are essential for effective service delivery.
“They should be trained and retrained regularly. Their welfare is very important. They must have decent accommodation and the necessary support to perform their duties effectively,” he stated.
Speaking on Nigeria’s ability to conduct hostage rescue operations, Buratai said the military possesses specialised units trained for such missions, although operational details cannot be disclosed publicly.
“I will not go into specifics, but generally, we have specialised military units trained for rescue missions,” he said.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy’s Special Boat Service and the Nigerian Army’s Special Forces are equipped and trained for rescue operations, hostage recovery and VIP protection assignments.
“The Special Boat Service is trained for rescue missions, while the Nigerian Army’s Special Forces possess both rescue and VIP protection capabilities,” he explained.
However, Buratai noted that decisions surrounding rescue operations are often influenced by concerns about the safety of hostages and the possibility of collateral damage.
“The sensitivity of a kidnapping incident, the location, those involved and the danger of collateral damage are critical factors that security agencies must consider before taking action,” he said.
The former Army chief also advocated the expansion of the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, arguing that stronger coordination and technological advancement would enhance Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
“The National Counter Terrorism Centre is headed by a highly professional and strategic officer. If its operations are expanded and replicated at the state level with advanced technology and modern situation rooms, it will greatly improve coordination among security agencies and strengthen national security,” Buratai said.
