If security agencies can locate social media influencers, bandits can be tracked if they want to- Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), says Nigerian security agencies have the technological capacity to track bandits and kidnappers operating openly, questioning why they are not being swiftly located despite their online visibility.

Former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd), has stated that Nigerian security agencies possess the technological capacity to track down bandits and kidnappers operating openly across the country. He made the remarks during an interview on TVC on Monday, expressing doubt over claims that authorities are unable to locate criminal groups who publicize their activities on social media.

Buratai questioned why security agencies are able to locate ordinary citizens and social media influencers but struggle to track armed groups who openly share videos and communicate from their hideouts. “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,” he said.

While stopping short of directly criticizing security institutions, the former Army Chief suggested that operational decisions could explain the perceived inaction. He emphasized the need for sustained capacity building within the security sector. “There must be capacity building of all the security agencies, and continuously,” he said, adding that increased recruitment and improved welfare for personnel were also necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

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