馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Former Army Chief Tukur Buratai questions claims of inability to locate bandits
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai rtd, a former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, has challenged the assertion that security agencies cannot locate bandits and kidnappers, despite these criminals openly sharing videos and communicating from their hideouts. Speaking on TVC, Buratai stated his belief that authorities possess the capability to track such individuals, questioning why they can locate ordinary citizens but not criminals who publicize their activities. While not directly criticizing security agencies, he suggested there might be underlying reasons for their operational decisions. Buratai emphasized the need to strengthen Nigeria鈥檚 security architecture through continuous training, recruitment of more operatives, and improved welfare for security personnel, including better accommodation. He affirmed that the Nigerian armed forces have specialized units, such as the Nigerian Navy鈥檚 Special Boat Service and the Nigerian Army鈥檚 Special Forces, trained for high-risk hostage rescue and VIP protection missions. However, he acknowledged that operational decisions in kidnapping cases are often influenced by concerns for hostage safety and the risk of collateral damage. He also advocated for expanding the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, proposing the establishment of state branches equipped with advanced technology and operational facilities to enhance coordination among security agencies
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Must ReadGhanaian TikToker Camilla Alhassan has been sentenced to one year in prison for offensive conduct and publishing false news. The 43-year-old admitted to making unsubstantiated claims in a series of TikTok videos that President John Mahama sacrificed 32 cows in a ritual to secure victory in the 2024 presidential election. She also alleged that the government's distribution of sanitary pads to flood victims was a cover-up for this act. Prosecutors stated that Alhassan, who has over 70,000 followers, made false and defamatory allegations that were widely shared. The court denied her request for a lighter sentence, emphasizing the need to deter the spread of misinformation on social media. This case has sparked renewed debate in Ghana regarding the balance between combating misinformation and upholding freedom of expression. It follows another instance last year where TikToker David Kwodwo Prah Afful was jailed for making death threats against President Mahama and Members of Parliament. The Mahama administration has consistently warned against the dissemination of false information online and is considering legislation to address misinformation while safeguarding constitutional free expression.