Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has challenged the notion that Nigerian security agencies are unable to track down bandits and kidnappers who openly share videos and communicate from their hideouts online.
Buratai, who also previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin Republic, said security agencies possess the capability to locate such criminals, questioning claims that they are beyond the reach of state intelligence.
His remarks come amid rising security concerns following recent abductions in Oyo State, where gunmen kidnapped pupils and teachers from schools in Orire Local Government Area and reportedly killed one of the victims.
Speaking during a television interview, Buratai said he does not believe security agencies lack the capacity to trace criminals who publicly display their activities on social media. However, he suggested that operational decisions may be influenced by other strategic considerations.
He emphasised the need for continuous capacity building within the country’s security architecture, including improved training, recruitment, and welfare for personnel. According to him, strengthening manpower and providing better living conditions are essential to improving operational effectiveness.
Buratai also noted that Nigeria’s armed forces already possess specialised units capable of handling hostage rescue operations, including the Navy’s Special Boat Service and the Army’s Special Forces, which are trained for complex missions such as rescue operations and VIP protection.
However, he explained that such operations are often constrained by the need to protect hostages and avoid collateral damage, which can influence tactical decisions in kidnapping cases.
The retired general further called for the expansion of the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, recommending the establishment of state-level branches equipped with advanced technology and operational command centres to improve coordination among security agencies.
He stressed that enhanced inter-agency collaboration and better technological infrastructure would significantly improve Nigeria’s response to terrorism and kidnapping threats.
