Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), has expressed confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s security agencies to locate and apprehend bandits and terrorists, arguing that the same mechanisms used to track ordinary citizens and social media personalities can be deployed against criminal elements.
Buratai made the remarks during an interview on TVC while reacting to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, an attack that claimed the life of one teacher who was reportedly killed by the kidnappers.
Speaking on the country’s security challenges, the former army chief maintained that security operatives possess the capability to trace criminal networks but stressed the need for continuous strengthening of the nation’s security institutions.
“I don’t believe security agencies cannot locate bandits if they can locate ordinary citizens and social media influencers,” Buratai said during the interview.
He, however, emphasized the importance of improving operational capacity across security agencies through increased recruitment, training, and retraining of personnel.
According to him, the country requires more military personnel, police officers, and other security operatives to effectively confront the growing security threats across different regions.
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“There must be capacity building of all the security agencies. We need more troops to be recruited, more operatives, more policemen need to be recruited, trained and retrained,” he stated.
His comments have generated debate among Nigerians, particularly as the country continues to grapple with recurring incidents of banditry, kidnappings, and insurgent attacks affecting several communities.
Buratai served as Chief of Army Staff between 2015 and 2021, a period marked by intense military operations against Boko Haram insurgents and other armed groups. His tenure also attracted public scrutiny over allegations relating to military spending and arms procurement, allegations he has consistently denied.
The former army chief’s latest intervention comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity following the Oyo school abduction, with many Nigerians calling for stronger measures to protect lives and secure the release of victims held by criminal groups.
As discussions continue over the best approach to tackling insecurity, Buratai insists that expanding the manpower and capabilities of security agencies remains a critical step toward improving the country’s response to emerging threats.