Oyo School Kidnapping: Bandits Now Demand Release of Detained Leaders, Not Ransom — Kolade-Otitoju

Veteran journalist and TVC broadcaster Babajide Kolade-Otitoju has warned of a troubling shift in the tactics of armed groups in Nigeria, saying many kidnappers and bandits are increasingly demanding the release of detained commanders rather than monetary ransom.

Speaking on TVC's Journalists' Hangout, Kolade-Otitoju said the trend signals a dangerous evolution in the country's security crisis, making negotiations with criminal groups more complex and challenging for the government.

According to him, recent kidnapping incidents suggest that some armed groups are no longer primarily motivated by financial gain but are focused on securing the freedom of their leaders and associates in detention.

“Bandits are not asking for money; they are asking for their leaders in detention to be released,” he said during the programme.

Kolade-Otitoju cited several past incidents, including attacks in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions, where armed groups allegedly tied negotiations to the release of detained members.

He also referenced the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, noting that reports at the time indicated that the attackers presented lists of their commanders in custody and sought their release as part of negotiations.

The veteran journalist argued that such demands place authorities in a difficult position, as yielding to prisoner-exchange requests could encourage further attacks and undermine ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

He further recalled cases in which abductors reportedly insisted on the release of detained associates rather than the payment of ransom, including incidents linked to notorious bandit groups operating in Zamfara State.

Kolade-Otitoju warned that the development reflects growing confidence among armed groups and poses significant challenges for national security.

He stressed that Nigeria must adopt stronger and more decisive strategies to tackle insecurity, arguing that the crisis has evolved beyond conventional ransom-driven kidnappings.

According to him, repeated concessions to criminal groups could embolden further violence and weaken the state's authority in dealing with insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping across the country.