Criminals are now turning to advanced foreign technologies, and this has made the work of security agencies in Nigeria far more difficult. According to Daniel Bwala, bandits use foreign internet services to avoid detection and escape monitoring by local authorities. As a result, tracking these criminal networks has become a major challenge.
Bwala, who serves as the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, revealed this during a recent interview. He explained that while many digital activities in Nigeria can be monitored, foreign-based services operate outside the country’s control. Therefore, criminals take advantage of this gap to hide their movements and communications.
How Bandits Use Foreign Internet Services in Nigeria
Bwala stated that regulatory bodies in Nigeria maintain a database of registered phone numbers. In addition, local internet service providers can help trace users through their IP addresses. However, when bandits use foreign internet services, such as unregistered satellite networks or foreign SIM cards, the ability to trace them becomes extremely limited.
For instance, satellite-based networks that are not officially registered in Nigeria do not fall under local monitoring systems. Consequently, Nigerian security agencies cannot track users connected to those networks.
Furthermore, many of these criminals rely on mobile networks from neighbouring countries. Because of this, their online activities remain hidden from Nigeria’s surveillance framework, making investigations more complicated.
Bandits Use Foreign Internet Services to Coordinate Attacks
In recent times, criminal groups have expanded their operations to digital spaces. Bandits use foreign internet services alongside social media platforms to plan attacks, send threats, share propaganda, and communicate with accomplices.
These online activities sometimes include videos that display weapons, large amounts of cash, and hidden locations. In some cases, criminals also use these platforms to intimidate the public and recruit new members into their groups.
As a result, digital platforms — instead of promoting social connection — have been turned into tools for crime, fear, and psychological warfare.
Rising Insecurity Fuels Digital Crime
Across several parts of the country, insecurity has increased over the past year. Armed attacks, kidnappings, ambushes, and village raids continue to threaten lives and livelihoods. Consequently, communities in the northwest and northeast are among the most affected.
Many residents now live in constant fear. In addition, economic activities have slowed as people reduce travel and limit business operations. Schools and markets have also been disrupted in some areas.
Although security agencies are making efforts to respond, Bwala believes that the use of uncontrolled foreign technology gives criminals a tactical advantage.
Why Regulation and Cooperation Are Needed
To tackle the problem, Bwala urged the government to strengthen regulations around digital communication. More importantly, he stressed the need for international cooperation with foreign internet and satellite providers.
He believes that tighter monitoring and global collaboration will reduce the ways bandits use foreign internet services to evade security forces. In the long term, this will improve intelligence gathering and make it easier to dismantle criminal networks.
Additionally, investing in improved local technology and cybersecurity systems will help Nigeria regain control over its digital space and strengthen national security.
