A former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has posited that Nigerian security agencies possess the technological capacity to track down bandits and kidnappers operating openly across the country.
Buratai questioned how authorities can swiftly locate ordinary citizens, bloggers, and cybercriminals, yet fail to find bandits who openly flaunt their loot, display weapons, and broadcast videos from their hideouts.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic spoke during an interview on TVC on Monday.
“I don’t think they failed to locate. If they can locate ordinary citizens or social media influencers, I don’t believe they can’t locate these bandits that flaunt their loot or whatever activities they do,” he said.
Buratai emphasised that security operatives repeatedly demonstrate their capability to monitor communications and track individuals when required.
While refraining from directly criticising current leaders, he suggested that operational considerations, rather than a lack of tools, explain why these enclaves have not been cleared.
He added that Nigeria’s security architecture must be strengthened through continuous training, recruitment, and improved welfare for personnel.
“There must be capacity building of all the security agencies, and continuously,” he said, adding that more operatives and policemen are needed.
Buratai also highlighted that Nigeria’s military possesses specialised units capable of conducting high-risk rescue operations, citing the Navy’s Special Boat Service and the Army’s Special Forces.
“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.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy’s Special Boat Service and the Nigerian Army’s Special Forces are equipped and trained for rescue operations and VIP protection assignments.
“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 said.
However, Buratai noted that operational decisions in kidnapping cases are often shaped by concerns over hostage safety and the risk of collateral damage.
“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 added.
Buratai also advocated the expansion of the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, saying improved coordination and technological capacity would strengthen the fight against 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.
He proposed the establishment of state branches of the centre equipped with advanced technology and operational facilities.
“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.
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