Bandits can be located if security agencies want to, says Buratai

Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, a former Chief of Army Staff, has expressed doubt over assertions that security agencies are incapable of locating bandits and kidnappers who openly share videos and communicate from their hideouts. Buratai, who also served as Nigeria's former Ambassador to Benin Republic, stated that authorities possess the capability to track such criminals.

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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.

His remarks come in response to concerns about criminal groups increasingly using social media and video recordings to publicize their activities. Buratai indicated that if ordinary citizens or social media influencers can be located, he doesn't believe bandits can evade tracking. He suggested that security agencies might have "reasons" for their operational decisions rather than a lack of capacity.

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I would not like to say it is a capacity-building challenge, but I think they may have their reasons.

To enhance security, Buratai stressed the importance of strengthening Nigeria's security architecture through continuous training, recruitment of more personnel, and improved welfare for existing security staff. He specifically mentioned the need for better accommodation and regular retraining for operatives. Buratai also confirmed that the armed forces have specialized units, such as the Nigerian Navy's Special Boat Service and the Nigerian Army's Special Forces, trained for high-risk hostage rescue operations and VIP protection.

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There must be capacity building of all the security agencies, and continuously. There is a need for more operatives. We need more troops to be recruited, more operatives and more policemen.