Presidential adviser Daniel Bwala has come under intense scrutiny after asserting that terrorist groups in Nigeria remain undetectable because they rely on Starlink satellite internet and foreign mobile networks. His explanation quickly fell apart during a live radio interview, raising questions about the government’s security accountability.

Bwala Claims Terrorists Evade Detection Using Starlink

The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication made the statement while addressing why criminals flaunting ransom payments on social media appear to operate without consequence.

On Nigeria Info’s Hard Facts with host Mimi Eyo, Bwala was asked why authorities can easily apprehend frustrated citizens online, yet seemingly cannot trace terrorists openly sharing kidnapping proceeds on platforms such as TikTok.

Bwala explained that while local regulatory and telecom systems allow tracing of IP addresses and phone numbers, terrorists exploit Starlink and cross-border cellular networks. He said:

If you’re using Starlink, we cannot trace it because Starlink is not registered in Nigeria, it in the space… These terrorists, most of the time, they are using cellular service and internet from neighbouring countries, not Nigeria. So it becomes tricky.”

Starlink Claim Quickly Challenged

The host pressed Bwala on the credibility of his argument:

“How convenient that they’re using Starlink… When did Starlink come into Nigeria? Did it come after the Tinubu administration or before?”

Bwala admitted:

“I know Starlink, I’ve been using Starlink before President Tinubu was sworn in.”

This acknowledgment undermined his claim, showing that Starlink has been available prior to the current administration and cannot fully explain intelligence shortcomings.

Policy Initiatives Overshadowed by Controversy

Bwala made the comments while defending the administration’s security record after the U.S. designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations. He highlighted initiatives including:

• Recruitment of 50,000 new police officers
• Recruitment of 20,000 new military personnel
• Revival of the Safe Schools Initiative

Despite these efforts, his stumbling justification for intelligence failures dominated the conversation and intensified scrutiny of the government’s security operations.

Broader Implications for Security Accountability

The interview raised serious questions about transparency and operational effectiveness within Nigeria’s intelligence and security agencies. Analysts stress that blaming satellite internet or foreign networks does not absolve authorities from addressing the country’s persistent terrorist threats.