Insecurity: Troops can track bandits if they can locate ordinary citizens – Buratai
Former Army Chief Addresses Military’s Capacity to Combat Banditry
Former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai stated that the Nigerian military has the capability to track bandits, emphasizing that if they can locate ordinary citizens, they should also be able to find criminal elements.
Buratai made these remarks during an interview on TVC on Monday, where he was questioned about the military’s ability to rescue schoolchildren and teachers recently kidnapped in Oyo State. The incident involved armed assailants abducting students and staff, one of whom was later beheaded.
“I don’t believe security agencies cannot locate bandits if they can locate ordinary citizens and social media influencers,” Buratai said. He acknowledged that while there may be underlying reasons for the challenges faced by security forces, there is a clear need for capacity building across all security agencies.
He further stressed the importance of enhancing personnel strength, stating, “We need more troops to be recruited, more operatives, and more policemen who need to be recruited, trained, and retrained.”
