Criminals’ use of international internet services is creating serious obstacles for Nigerian security agencies trying to track bandits, according to Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to Bola Tinubu.
Speaking in an interview with Nigeria Info FM, Bwala noted that while authorities can trace users of local internet platforms, tracking criminals becomes far more complicated when they use services beyond Nigeria’s regulatory jurisdiction.
“There is a regulatory body in Nigeria holding the database of Nigerians and their phone numbers. There is also an internet service regulator, so if someone uses a service within Nigeria’s domain, security can trace the person via IP address,” Bwala explained.
However, he pointed out that criminals often rely on satellite based or foreign internet services for instance, Starlink which are outside Nigeria’s tracing reach. “If you are using Starlink, we cannot trace it because it isn’t registered in Nigeria; it’s in space,” he said.
According to Bwala, these terrorists frequently use mobile networks from neighbouring countries rather than Nigerian ones, further complicating efforts to track them.
This disclosure underscores the technical constraints security agencies face in combating banditry and terrorism across Nigeria, particularly in regions plagued by escalating attacks, kidnappings, and raids.
Recent reports have also highlighted that some criminal groups exploit social media and digital platforms such as TikTok to flaunt weapons, ransom payments and propaganda — a trend that further complicates surveillance and intervention efforts.
