By Musemil Abubakar
Former Field Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Anthony Magnawa Atolagbe (Rtd.), says Nigerians must understand that the priority in hostage situations is rescuing victims alive — not necessarily capturing or eliminating their abductors.
Speaking in reaction to criticisms surrounding the release of 24 students abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, Atolagbe told ARISE News that many Nigerians misunderstand the realities of field operations.
“It is not in every case that you will have neutralised abductors. What plays out on the field is not paperwork. A lot happens when you interact with people of this nature,” he explained.
He stressed that rescue missions are different from combat engagements.
“It’s not as if we are fighting a war against these guys; we are going on a rescue mission,” he said.
To illustrate the complexity of hostage operations, Atolagbe cited a 2002 rescue effort in Russia, where special forces attempted to save hundreds of hostages in a cinema — a mission that resulted in multiple civilian deaths due to the methods employed.
According to him, kidnappers often position themselves among their hostages, creating “human shield” conditions that severely limit military options.
“You want to get the children out safe and alive. When you meet these people inserted between the children, what do you do?” he asked. “They may tell you: ‘Allow us to pull out and then you can take your children.’ Would you insist on capturing them, or leave them for a later date since you already know where they operate?”
Atolagbe maintained that the tactical decision ultimately falls on the commander at the scene.
“The commander on the ground has the best initiative at that moment to decide what to do and what not to do.”
Referencing recent kidnappings in Kwara State, barely a week after 38 worshippers of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, were abducted and released, another 11 residents were kidnapped in nearby Isapa community on Monday evening.
Atolagbe said kidnappers exploit vulnerabilities in a country lacking comprehensive surveillance systems.
“The conflict environment — what we call the protection environment — is very fluid. We don’t have the technology to cover the entire space.”
He welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive withdrawing police officers from VIP escorts, saying this could free nearly 100,000 personnel for nationwide deployment.
On the terrain where the Kwara attack occurred, the ex-commander described it as a slow and risky route.
“I passed that road recently; it is one of the slowest roads around. Even if you are driving by the grace of God, you may run into these people.”
He added that the attack was opportunistic, noting that vigilantes initially dispersed the kidnappers, who then intercepted vehicles and seized passengers.
Looking ahead, Atolagbe expressed optimism about improved security responses, backed by aerial reconnaissance and deeper intelligence collaboration.
“The Air Force has aircraft that can capture pictures on the ground and relay them straight to the operations room. What I also see as a likely game-changer is America coming to our support. They have adequate information on the entire space covering the locations of these bandits.”
