If Security Agencies Can Trace Cybercr+minals, They Can Also Locate B@ndits Who Publicize Their Activities Online — Ex-Army Chief, Tukur Buratai

Ex- Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has questioned claims that security agencies are unable to trace b@ndits and kidn@ppers who openly share videos and communicate from their hideouts.

Speaking during an interview on TVC, Buratai said he does not believe authorities lack the capacity to track such criminals.

“I don’t think they failed to locate. If they can locate ordinary citizens or social media influencers, I don’t believe they can’t locate these b@ndits that flaunt their loot or whatever activities they do,” he said.

While avoiding direct criticism of security agencies, Buratai suggested there may be operational reasons behind their decisions, saying, “I would not like to say it is a capacity-building challenge, but I think they may have their reasons.”

The retired army chief called for continuous capacity building across security agencies through increased recruitment, regular training and improved welfare for personnel.

“There is a need for more operatives. We need more troops to be recruited, more operatives and more policemen,” he said.

Buratai also stated that the military has specialised units capable of carrying out hostage rescue missions, including the Nigerian Navy’s Special Boat Service and the Nigerian Army’s Special Forces. However, he noted that concerns over hostage safety and potential collateral damage often influence operational decisions in kidn@pping cases.

He further advocated expanding the National Counter Terr+rism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, proposing state branches equipped with advanced technology and operations centres to strengthen coordination and improve the f+ght against terr+rism, b@nditry and kidn@pping across the country.

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