Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has expressed confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s security agencies to track down those responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, insisting that the perpetrators are not beyond the reach of security operatives.
Buratai made the remarks during an interview on TVC on Tuesday while reacting to the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State an incident that has sparked outrage and intensified calls for urgent intervention.
Questioning claims that security agencies may be unable to locate the abductors, the former Army chief argued that institutions capable of tracing ordinary citizens and monitoring social media personalities should also possess the capacity to identify and track criminal groups.
“I don’t believe security agencies can’t locate the bandits. If they can locate ordinary citizens and social media influencers, I don’t believe they can’t locate these bandits that flaunt their loots,” he said.
Despite his confidence in the agencies’ capabilities, Buratai stressed the need for continuous investment in operational efficiency and personnel development across security institutions.
“What I know is that there must be capacity building of all security agencies continuously,” he added.
He also advocated increased recruitment into the armed forces and the police to strengthen the country’s response to rising security challenges.
“More troops need to be recruited, even the police,” he said.
Buratai further noted that Nigeria already has specialised forces trained for rescue operations, including kidnap response missions.
“We have special forces that are trained for such rescue missions,” he stated, adding that the Nigerian Army maintains dedicated rescue and VIP protection units.
According to him, rescue operations involving schoolchildren and vulnerable victims require careful planning to avoid unnecessary casualties.
“But the sensitivity of that kind of kidnap, and those involved, is to avoid collateral damage,” he said.
His comments come amid growing pressure on security agencies to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oyo State on May 15.
The incident has triggered protests, industrial action by teachers, and increasing public concern, while the Federal Government has continued to assure Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of the victims.
