Former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), has dismissed claims that security agencies are unable to locate armed bandits operating across parts of the country, insisting that the capacity to track them exists but may not always be fully utilised.
Buratai argued that suggestions portraying bandit groups as “untraceable” are misleading, stressing that modern military and intelligence systems are capable of identifying and monitoring such criminal networks when there is sufficient operational commitment.
He maintained that Nigeria’s security architecture possesses the tools and intelligence reach required to confront armed groups, but questioned the consistency and effectiveness of their deployment in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.
The former army chief’s remarks come amid continued public concern over rising attacks and kidnappings in several regions, with debates ongoing about the effectiveness of current security strategies.
Buratai did not provide specific details on ongoing operations but urged a reassessment of how intelligence and tactical resources are being applied in tackling insecurity.
