The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, has revealed that bandits operating in different parts of Nigeria are using special technology to avoid being tracked by security agencies.
The minister made this known on Friday night during an interview with Seun Okinbaloye on Politics Today, a program aired on Channels Television. His comments come amid growing concern over rising insecurity across the country, especially in the northern region.
According to Tijani, tracking the communication of bandits is far more complex than many Nigerians believe. He explained that the criminals do not rely on regular mobile phone networks and towers used by ordinary citizens.
“The monitoring of bandits’ calls for intelligence purposes is more technical than people assume,” the minister said.
He explained that bandits use a special type of technology that allows them to bounce their phone calls across multiple communication towers. This method, he said, makes it very difficult for security agencies to trace their exact location.
“The reason why the president actually pushed us to invest in towers in those areas is that we realised there was a special kind of technology that they were using to make calls,” Tijani said.
“They were not using the normal towers. They bounce calls off multiple towers. That is why they enjoy living in areas that are unconnected.”
Tijani’s comments shed more light on why bandits often operate from remote forests and rural communities where communication infrastructure is weak or completely absent. According to him, these unconnected areas give criminals an advantage, as security agencies struggle to intercept their communications.
In recent years, banditry has become one of Nigeria’s biggest security challenges. Armed groups operating mainly in the North-West and parts of the North-Central have been responsible for mass kidnappings, killings, and attacks on villages, schools, and highways.
The minister said the federal government is now taking steps to close this gap by investing more in telecommunications infrastructure, especially in underserved and rural areas.
He disclosed that the government is also working on upgrading Nigeria’s satellites in space to strengthen surveillance and monitoring capabilities.
“Because if our towers are not working, our satellites will work,” Tijani said.
He explained that improved satellite technology would help security agencies monitor activities even in areas where mobile phone towers are not available or have been damaged.
According to the minister, the situation has shown clearly that Nigeria needs to make serious and long-term investments in digital and communication infrastructure, not just for economic growth, but also for national security.
Tijani compared Nigeria’s current telecommunications infrastructure with that of more advanced countries to show how far behind the country is.
“If you go to China, they have over four million 5G towers,” he said. “The total number of towers we have in Nigeria is just about 40,000.”
He said this wide gap limits Nigeria’s ability to effectively monitor communications and respond quickly to security threats.
The minister’s comments come at a time when insecurity has surged across the country. In recent weeks, there have been several reports of violent attacks, especially in northern states.
In Niger State, bandits abducted dozens of schoolchildren from their schools, causing panic among parents and communities. Similar incidents were reported in Kebbi State, where students were taken away by armed groups.
In the North-Central region, churches were attacked in parts of Kogi and Kwara states, leading to deaths and injuries. These attacks have increased fears among residents and raised questions about the effectiveness of current security measures.
The repeated attacks on schools have been particularly troubling. Since the mass abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, in 2014, Nigeria has witnessed several similar incidents. Bandits often target schools because they believe students can be easily kidnapped and ransomed.
Despite efforts by the government and security agencies, the problem has continued, with criminals becoming more organised and better equipped.
The latest wave of violence has also attracted the attention of labour unions. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) recently announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on December 17 to demand improved security and protection for citizens.
The NLC said the ongoing killings, kidnappings, and attacks on communities show that urgent action is needed to address insecurity across the country.
Many Nigerians have welcomed the minister’s explanation, saying it provides better understanding of why fighting banditry has been so challenging. Others, however, have called on the government to move faster in deploying technology to support security operations.
They also note that criminals are increasingly using technology to their advantage, forcing governments to constantly upgrade their own systems.
The federal government has, in recent years, announced several plans to expand broadband coverage and improve digital access across the country. The National Broadband Plan aims to increase internet penetration and improve connectivity, especially in rural areas.
Tijani said these efforts are now being closely linked to national security goals. According to him,improving connectivity is not just about business, education, or social interaction, but also about saving lives.
He stressed that investments in communication towers and satellites would help ensure that no part of the country remains completely cut off.