The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has clarified why Nigerian security agencies often face difficulties tracking armed bandits who openly display ransom cash on platforms like TikTok and other social media channels.

During an interview on Nigeria Info FM, Bwala was asked why ordinary Nigerians who express anger or frustration online are quickly traced and arrested, while terrorists who have terrorized communities for years remain elusive despite boldly showcasing illicit money online.

Bwala explained that the major challenge lies in the type of internet services bandits rely on.

According to him, Nigerians who post online typically use local internet providers, making it easy for security agencies to trace their SIM-registered details and IP addresses through domestic regulatory bodies. Bandits, however, operate outside this digital footprint.

He said: “There is a regulatory body in Nigeria that has the database of Nigerians and their phone numbers. There is also an agency responsible for monitoring internet service providers, so if you are using a service within Nigeria, your IP address can be tracked.”

Bwala added that many criminals intentionally avoid Nigerian networks altogether.

“If you are using Starlink, we cannot trace it because Starlink is not registered in Nigeria; it operates from space. The same challenge is being faced in Ukraine and Russia.

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Most of these terrorists use cellular networks from neighbouring countries, not Nigeria. That is why tracking them becomes very tricky.”

His comments come amid widespread frustration over the brazen online activities of militant groups who continue to kidnap, extort, and spread fear while security agents struggle to pinpoint their locations.