Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), has stated that bandits and kidnappers who openly post videos and flaunt their activities online can be traced if security agencies fully utilize their operational capabilities.
Speaking during an interview on TVC, Newsconnect reports that Buratai dismissed suggestions that such criminals cannot be located, arguing that security authorities possess the necessary tools and resources to identify and track them when effectively deployed.
“I don’t think they failed to locate. If they can locate ordinary citizens or social media influencers, I don’t believe they can locate these bandits,” he said.
The former army chief called for enhanced capacity building within the security sector, including increased recruitment, regular training, and better welfare packages for personnel to improve the effectiveness of security operations nationwide.
Buratai also highlighted the existence of specialized military formations such as the Army Special Forces and the Special Boat Service, which are trained for rescue operations. However, he cautioned that hostage situations must be handled with extreme care to prevent unintended casualties.
He further advocated for the expansion of the National Counter Terrorism Centre through the establishment of state-level branches equipped with improved technology and stronger coordination mechanisms to bolster efforts against kidnapping and terrorism across the country.