Daniel Bwala warns foreign internet services help criminals evade Nigerian security agencies, complicating tracking of bandits and terrorists

Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has warned that criminals’ use of foreign internet services is complicating efforts to track bandits in Nigeria.

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Daniel Bwala spoke in an interview with Nigeriainfofm, posted on their Instagram page on Friday, saying that while local platforms allow security agencies to trace Nigerian users, foreign services make surveillance far more difficult.

“There is a regulatory body in Nigeria that has the database of Nigerians and their phone numbers. There is also a body that deals with internet service provision, where if you are using an internet service within Nigeria, they can trace through the IP address,” Daniel Bwala explained.

He added, “If you are using Starlink, we cannot trace it because Starlink is not registered in Nigeria; it is in space. These terrorists often use cellular services from neighbouring countries, so it becomes tricky.”

His comments highlight the technological challenges facing Nigerian security agencies in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnappings.

Communities in the northwest and northeast have increasingly suffered attacks, abductions of schoolchildren and highway raids.

Recent reports show some criminal groups are using social media platforms such as TikTok to post videos of weapons, cash and hideouts.

Analysts warn that such posts may recruit youth, spread fear and flaunt ransom payments, further complicating enforcement.

In May 2025, The Guardian reported jihadists in the northeast using TikTok to spread propaganda and display their arsenals, increasing risks of radicalisation.

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Daniel Bwala emphasised that addressing these challenges requires stronger digital intelligence, regulatory reform and regional cooperation to counter criminals exploiting foreign networks.