Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s security agencies have the capability to locate and rescue the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, saying he does not believe the kidnappers are beyond the reach of security authorities.
Speaking during an interview on TVC, Buratai argued that if security agencies can successfully track ordinary citizens, public figures, and social media influencers, they should also be able to identify and monitor criminal groups responsible for high-profile kidnappings.
The retired military officer stressed that Nigeria’s security institutions possess the expertise and intelligence tools required to tackle such threats, but noted that continuous investment in training, equipment, and manpower remains necessary to strengthen operations across the country.
Buratai also called for increased recruitment into the armed forces and the police, insisting that the growing security challenges facing Nigeria require more personnel and improved operational capacity.
According to him, the military already has specialised units trained specifically for rescue operations and hostage recovery missions. However, he explained that operations involving abducted schoolchildren and other vulnerable victims must be handled with extreme caution to avoid putting lives at greater risk.
His comments come amid mounting pressure on security agencies to secure the release of dozens of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident has triggered nationwide outrage, protests, and calls for urgent government action.
While assuring Nigerians that rescue efforts are ongoing, Buratai maintained that the country must continue strengthening its security architecture to effectively combat kidnapping, banditry, and other security threats.
Source: TVC
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