By Festus Damilare Ukolo | Fact Frontier.
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Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has asserted that Nigeria's security agencies possess the capacity to locate and dismantle bandit networks if they are fully committed to doing so, arguing that the country's security apparatus has sufficient technological and intelligence resources to track criminal groups operating across the country.
Buratai made the remarks during a recent interview while addressing the persistent security challenges posed by armed bandits and kidnappers, particularly in Nigeria's North-West and North-Central regions. His comments come amid growing public concern over the rising wave of kidnappings, attacks on rural communities, and the apparent inability of security agencies to permanently neutralize criminal groups operating from forest hideouts.
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According to the retired military officer, the widespread belief that bandits cannot be traced or located is inaccurate. He maintained that Nigerian security agencies have access to modern surveillance technologies, intelligence-gathering systems, and trained personnel capable of identifying and tracking criminal elements.
Buratai questioned why security institutions are able to monitor ordinary citizens, public figures, and online activities, yet often claim difficulties in locating bandits who frequently operate openly, travel in groups, and sometimes publicize their activities through videos and online communications.
He emphasized that criminal groups leave behind numerous traces that can be exploited by security operatives. These include digital footprints, communication records, supply routes, informant networks, and identifiable movement patterns. According to him, such evidence should make it possible for intelligence agencies to pinpoint the locations of bandit camps and disrupt their operations.
Drawing from his experience as Chief of Army Staff between 2015 and 2021, Buratai noted that the military successfully conducted extensive counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram insurgents in difficult terrains across the North-East. He argued that similar intelligence-driven strategies could be deployed against bandit groups currently operating in forests and remote communities.
The former army chief referenced military operations carried out in areas such as the Sambisa Forest during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, noting that security forces were able to identify and attack insurgent strongholds despite the challenging environment. He insisted that if such operations were possible against insurgents in the North-East, locating bandits in forests such as Rugu and Kuyambana should not be beyond the capabilities of Nigerian security agencies.
Buratai further stated that bandits are not invisible or untouchable adversaries, describing them as ordinary criminals who can be tracked and neutralized through effective intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations. He suggested that the primary obstacles may not be technological limitations but rather issues relating to political will, operational commitment, and sustained follow-through.
His remarks have generated discussion among security analysts and observers. While some experts view his comments as an honest assessment of existing security capabilities, others argue that banditry presents unique challenges, including local support networks, mobility across state boundaries, and decentralized operational structures that differ from conventional insurgent groups.
Despite differing opinions, Buratai maintained that security agencies must maximize the use of available intelligence assets and focus on achieving tangible results. He stressed that Nigerians are increasingly demanding effective action against insecurity and expect security institutions to deliver solutions rather than explanations.
As of the time of filing this report, the Defence Headquarters had not issued an official response to Buratai's comments. However, his remarks are likely to resonate with many Nigerians who continue to seek decisive measures to address the country's ongoing security challenges.
