Daniel Bwala, who serves as the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has explained why technology-based tracking of bandits remains difficult.
He noted that many of the criminals operate using foreign internet services and communication platforms, creating a barrier for security agencies trying to trace their movements or intercept their signals.
Bwala, speaking during an interview with Nigeria Info FM and shared on the station’s Instagram page on Friday, explained that the growing reliance of criminal groups on foreign internet services has made it increasingly challenging for Nigerian security agencies to effectively track bandits.
According to him, the use of external digital platforms places key communication channels outside the country’s control, complicating surveillance and intelligence efforts.
He explained that security operatives can easily track individuals using platforms and internet services that operate within Nigeria’s regulatory framework.
According to him, agencies already maintain databases that link citizens to their phone numbers, and internet providers within the country can help trace users through their IP addresses.
However, once criminals switch to foreign-based platforms and services outside Nigeria’s control, tracing their activities becomes far more difficult.
Security analyst Daniel Bwala explained that tracking criminals becomes difficult when they rely on communication tools outside Nigeria’s regulatory reach.
According to him, individuals using Starlink, which operates from satellite infrastructure and is not registered locally, cannot be easily traced. He added that a similar challenge has played out in conflict zones such as Ukraine and Russia.
Bwala further noted that many of these criminal groups often depend on cellular networks from neighbouring countries rather than Nigerian service providers, making surveillance far more complicated.
His remarks underline the technological barriers security agencies face as they work to combat banditry and terrorism nationwide.
Nigeria has recently witnessed a rise in security challenges, with frequent cases of kidnappings affecting women, children, and entire communities.
Last month, at least 24 schoolgirls were abducted by bandits in Kebbi State, though they were later reported to have regained their freedom.
In a similar incident, armed men believed to be bandits stormed a Catholic private school in Niger State and kidnapped more than 200 pupils. About 50 of the children were said to have escaped and have since been reunited with their families.