Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has raised questions about why bandits and kidnappers who openly share videos and communicate from their hideouts continue to evade arrest despite Nigeria’s security capabilities.
Speaking during an interview on TVC, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic said he finds it difficult to believe that security agencies are unable to trace criminal groups that regularly publicise their activities online.
His comments come amid growing public concern over insecurity, including the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Oyo State’s Orire Local Government Area. One of the abducted teachers was later reportedly killed by the kidnappers.
Addressing the issue of criminals releasing videos and making public communications, Buratai argued that security agencies possess the capacity to track individuals operating online. He noted that if ordinary citizens and social media personalities can be located through digital footprints, bandits should not be beyond the reach of law enforcement.
“I don’t think they failed to locate. If they can locate ordinary citizens or social media influencers, I don’t believe they can locate these bandits that flaunt their loot or whatever activities they do,” Buratai said.
While avoiding direct criticism of security agencies, the retired military officer suggested that operational considerations may influence how authorities handle such cases. He declined to describe the situation as a capacity problem but acknowledged that security agencies may have reasons for their decisions.
Buratai also called for significant investment in Nigeria’s security architecture. He stressed the need for increased recruitment across the military, police, and other security agencies, alongside continuous training and retraining of personnel.
According to him, improving the welfare of security operatives is equally important. He urged government authorities to provide better accommodation and living conditions for security personnel, arguing that welfare remains a key factor in effective service delivery.
On the issue of hostage rescue operations, Buratai said Nigeria’s armed forces already have specialised units trained for high-risk missions. He cited the Nigerian Navy’s Special Boat Service and the Nigerian Army’s Special Forces as examples of elite formations capable of conducting rescue operations and VIP protection assignments.
However, he explained that rescue missions involving kidnappers are often complicated by concerns over the safety of hostages and the possibility of collateral damage. These factors, he said, frequently influence operational decisions taken by security agencies.
Buratai further advocated expanding the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser. He proposed establishing state-level branches equipped with advanced technology, situation rooms, and intelligence capabilities to improve coordination among security agencies and strengthen the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country.
