Bandits can be tracked if security agencies are willing – Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has challenged claims that security agencies are unable to locate bandits and kidnappers who openly share videos and communicate from their hideouts across Nigeria.

Buratai, who also previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, said he believes security agencies have the capacity to track such criminals despite growing public concerns over their operational reach.

He made the remarks during an interview on TVC on Monday, while reacting to the increasing use of social media by criminal groups to showcase their activities.

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

The former army chief, however, said he would not conclude that the issue is one of capacity failure, suggesting that security agencies may have operational reasons for their approach.

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

Buratai emphasised the need for stronger investment in Nigeria’s security architecture, including continuous training, recruitment, and improved welfare for personnel.

“There must be capacity building of all the security agencies, and continuously. We need more operatives. We need more troops, more policemen,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of proper welfare and accommodation for security personnel to improve efficiency and morale.

On Nigeria’s counter-terrorism structure, Buratai noted that specialised military units such as the Nigerian Army Special Forces and the Navy’s Special Boat Service are trained for high-risk operations, including rescue missions.

He added that operational decisions in kidnapping cases often depend on location, intelligence, and the need to avoid collateral damage.

Buratai further called for the expansion of the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, suggesting that state-level branches equipped with modern technology and command centres would significantly improve coordination and response to insecurity.

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