By Peace Udugba
Veteran journalist and TVC broadcaster, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, has expressed concern over what he described as a growing shift in the tactics of armed groups in Nigeria, warning that kidnappers and terrorists are increasingly demanding the release of detained commanders rather than monetary ransom.
Kolade-Otitoju made the remarks during a recent edition of Journalists’ Hangout on TVC, where he discussed the country’s security challenges and the evolving methods being adopted by criminal groups.
According to him, the development represents a dangerous escalation in Nigeria’s insecurity crisis, as the demands of kidnappers are no longer primarily financial but are now focused on securing the freedom of their leaders and associates in government custody.
“Bandits are not asking for money; they are asking for their leaders in detention to be released,” he said.
The veteran broadcaster referenced previous incidents in parts of Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West regions, where armed groups allegedly carried out attacks and subsequently demanded the release of detained members as part of negotiations.
He also recalled the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train, noting that the attackers were reported to have submitted lists of their commanders in custody and sought their release during negotiations.
Kolade-Otitoju argued that such demands place the government in a difficult position, as yielding to them could encourage further attacks and undermine ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
He further cited the case of a bandit leader identified as “Kachalla” in Zamfara State, who reportedly demanded the release of detained associates in exchange for hostages, including a retired military officer and his wife.
Warning that the trend reflects growing boldness among armed groups, Kolade-Otitoju said it raises serious questions about how the government should handle hostage situations and negotiations with criminal elements.
He maintained that repeated concessions could embolden kidnappers and weaken the authority of the state over time.
The journalist called for stronger and more decisive measures to tackle insecurity, stressing that Nigeria’s security challenges have evolved beyond conventional ransom-driven kidnappings and now require a more strategic response.
