Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has questioned suggestions that security agencies are unable to trace bandits and kidnappers who routinely publicise their activities through videos and online communications.
Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, maintained that the country’s security institutions possess the capacity to locate criminal elements operating from remote hideouts.
His comments come amid growing concern over worsening insecurity across the country, including the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where one of the kidnapped teachers was later killed.
Questions Over Criminals’ Online Presence
Speaking during an interview on TVC on Monday, the retired military officer reacted to concerns about the increasing use of social media and video recordings by bandit groups and kidnappers.
According to Buratai, he finds it difficult to accept claims that security agencies lack the capability to track individuals who openly share videos and communicate from their locations.
“I don’t think they failed to locate. If they can locate ordinary citizens or social media influencers, I believe they can locate these bandits that flaunt their loot or whatever activities they do,” he said.
While avoiding direct criticism of security agencies, Buratai suggested that operational considerations may influence decisions regarding when and how to act.
“I would not like to say it is a capacity-building challenge, but I think they may have their reasons,” he added.
Calls for Stronger Security Capacity
The former army chief emphasised the need for continuous investment in Nigeria’s security architecture through recruitment, training and improved welfare for personnel.
“There must be capacity building of all the security agencies, and continuously,” he said. “There is a need for more operatives. We need more troops to be recruited, more operatives and more policemen.”
Buratai also stressed the importance of regular retraining and better living conditions for security personnel, arguing that welfare remains a critical factor in enhancing operational effectiveness.
“They should be trained and retrained. Their welfare is very important. Let us have good accommodation. They must have good accommodation,” he said.
Military Has Specialised Rescue Units
Addressing concerns over the country’s ability to conduct high-risk hostage rescue operations, Buratai stated that the Nigerian military possesses specialised units trained for such assignments.
“I will not tell you exactly or be specific, but generally we have within the military specialised units trained for such rescue missions,” he said.
He identified the Nigerian Navy’s Special Boat Service and the Nigerian Army’s Special Forces as examples of units equipped for rescue operations and VIP protection duties.
“The Special Boat Service is trained for such rescue missions. Even the Nigerian Army has Special Forces. They have rescue and VIP protection capabilities,” he stated.
Hostage Safety Influences Operations
Despite the availability of specialised capabilities, Buratai noted that rescue operations involving kidnapped victims often require careful assessment due to the risks involved.
According to him, factors such as the location of hostages, the profile of those abducted and the possibility of collateral damage play a significant role in determining operational responses.
“The sensitivity of that type of kidnap, the location and those involved, and the danger of collateral damage may play a very important part,” he said.
Advocates Expansion of Counterterrorism Infrastructure
Buratai also called for the strengthening of the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, arguing that enhanced coordination and technological capabilities would improve the country’s response to terrorism and kidnapping.
“The Office of the National Security Adviser has a Counter Terrorism Centre. I think the commander there is a professional and highly strategic officer,” he said.
The former army chief proposed the establishment of state-level branches of the centre equipped with advanced technology, operational facilities and dedicated situation rooms to support intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination.
“If it can be further expanded to have state branches of the Counter Terrorism Centre with highly technical equipment and very good operations centres or situation rooms, they will be able to do a lot in coordination with the security agencies and the military,” Buratai said.
Renewed Focus on Security Challenges
Buratai’s remarks add to ongoing national discussions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security response to kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, particularly as criminal groups increasingly leverage digital platforms to publicise their activities.
His comments underscore calls for stronger intelligence capabilities, improved coordination among security agencies and sustained investment in personnel and operational resources as the country continues to confront evolving security threats.
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