Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has revealed that Nigeria’s security agencies face major challenges in tracking bandits because the criminals rely on foreign internet services.
Newsonspot reports that Bwala made the explanation during an interview with Nigeriainfo FM, with a clip later shared on the radio station’s Instagram page.
According to him, while Nigerian security agencies have the tools to trace individuals using local social media platforms and internet services, the process becomes far more difficult when criminals use systems outside Nigeria’s regulatory network.
He explained:
“There is a regulatory body in Nigeria that keeps a database of citizens and their phone numbers. Another body also monitors internet service providers. If you are using an internet service within Nigeria, security agencies can trace you through your IP address.”
However, the challenge arises when criminals use foreign-based providers.
Bwala continued:
“If you are using Starlink, we cannot trace it because Starlink is not registered in Nigeria; it is in space. That is the same challenge they have in Ukraine and Russia. These terrorists mostly use cellular services from neighbouring countries, not from Nigeria, so it becomes tricky.”
His comments highlight the growing concerns over cross-border connectivity and the evolving methods criminals use to evade security surveillance.
