The ongoing discussions surrounding the Oyo school kidnapping have taken a new dimension after veteran journalist and broadcaster Babajide Kolade-Otitoju claimed that many armed groups operating across Nigeria are no longer primarily interested in collecting ransom payments. Instead, he alleged that they are increasingly demanding the release of their detained leaders and commanders.
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Babajide Kolade-Otitoju says bandits are shifting from ransom demands to seeking the release of detained leaders.
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He warned that granting such demands could encourage further attacks and undermine efforts to tackle insecurity.
Speaking during a recent edition of TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, Otitoju expressed concern over what he described as an evolving strategy among criminal groups responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks in several parts of the country.
According to him, recent incidents, including discussions linked to the Oyo school kidnapping, suggest that some armed groups are focusing on securing the freedom of their members who are currently in government custody.
“Bandits are not asking for money, they are asking for their leaders in detention to be released,” Otitoju said during the programme.
Shift in Kidnapping Tactics Raises Concerns
The journalist noted that the trend marks a significant departure from the traditional pattern of kidnappings, where abductors often demanded large sums of money before releasing their victims.
He argued that the latest development presents a more complicated security challenge for authorities, as negotiations involving prisoner exchanges could have wider implications for national security.
Otitoju pointed to previous incidents in the North-Central and North-West regions where armed groups reportedly linked the release of hostages to the freedom of detained associates.
According to him, similar demands have surfaced in several high-profile abduction cases, indicating a coordinated strategy among criminal networks operating across the country.
Reference to Train Attack Negotiations
The broadcaster also referenced the attack on a passenger train that occurred in previous years, claiming that the attackers reportedly presented a list of detained commanders they wanted released as part of negotiations.
He suggested that such demands demonstrate that many armed groups are now pursuing objectives beyond financial gain.
“The issue is becoming more dangerous because they are demanding the release of their commanders,” he stated while discussing the changing nature of insecurity in Nigeria.
The comments come amid renewed public concern over the Oyo school kidnapping and other security incidents that have continued to generate debate about the effectiveness of current approaches to tackling armed criminal groups.
Government Faces Difficult Choices
Otitoju warned that complying with demands for prisoner exchanges could create long-term security risks.
According to him, releasing detained suspects in exchange for hostages may embolden criminal organisations and encourage future kidnappings.
He argued that the government must carefully weigh the consequences of any negotiations involving detained terrorist or bandit leaders.
The veteran journalist further cited reports involving a notorious bandit leader known as Kachalla in Zamfara State, who allegedly demanded the release of detained associates in exchange for the freedom of abducted victims, including a retired military officer and his wife.
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Call for Stronger Security Measures
As conversations surrounding the Oyo school kidnapping continue, Otitoju stressed the need for stronger and more decisive security measures to address the country’s growing insecurity challenges.
He maintained that the crisis has evolved beyond conventional ransom-driven kidnappings and now involves attempts by criminal groups to influence detention and prosecution processes through hostage-taking.
The broadcaster concluded that allowing armed groups to dictate terms to the state could weaken government authority and further complicate efforts to restore peace and security across affected regions.
His remarks have added another perspective to ongoing national conversations about kidnapping, terrorism, and the strategies needed to combat violent criminal networks operating in different parts of Nigeria.
