Presidential Adviser Daniel Bwala Faces Backlash Over Starlink Claim in Explaining Nigeria’s Security Failures
Presidential adviser Daniel Bwala has come under scrutiny after claiming that terrorist groups in Nigeria remain untraceable because they use Starlink satellite internet and foreign mobile networks, a statement that quickly unravelled during a live radio interview.
Bwala’s Starlink Explanation Questioned
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication made the claim while attempting to explain why criminals publicly displaying ransom proceeds on social media continue to operate with impunity.
During a live session on Nigeria Info’s Hard Facts with host Mimi Eyo, Bwala was pressed about why security agencies can swiftly arrest frustrated citizens criticising the government online, yet seemingly fail to track terrorists posting kidnapping ransoms on platforms like TikTok.
Bwala argued that regulatory and telecom infrastructures allow authorities to trace local IP addresses and phone numbers, but he claimed terrorists evade detection by using Starlink and foreign 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 Collapses Under Questioning
The interviewer immediately challenged the assertion:
“How convenient that they’re using Starlink… When did Starlink come into Nigeria? Did it come after the Tinubu administration or before?”
Caught off guard, Bwala admitted:
“I know Starlink, I’ve been using Starlink before President Tinubu was sworn in.”
This acknowledgement undermined his explanation, as it revealed that Starlink’s availability predates the current administration, making it an inadequate justification for intelligence failures against terrorists.
Policy Announcements Overshadowed
The interview occurred amidst the government’s efforts to defend its security record following the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations. Bwala highlighted initiatives including:
- Recruitment of 50,000 police officers
- Recruitment of 20,000 military personnel
- Revival of the Safe Schools Initiative
Despite these announcements, his stumbling attempt to justify intelligence lapses drew more attention and intensified debates on accountability in Nigeria’s security sector.
Implications for Accountability and Security
The exchange raised critical questions about transparency and effectiveness within Nigeria’s security apparatus. Analysts argue that excuses based on satellite internet usage and cross-border networks do not absolve authorities from addressing the country’s growing insecurity and terrorist activity.
