Bandits Use Kidnapping as Human Shields, Says Atolagb

In an interview on Aris Television, former field commander Maj Gen Anthoni Atolagb (rtd) discussed the motivations behind bandit kidnappings in Nigeria. He stated that bandits often abduct people to use them as human shields during military confrontations.

Atolagb noted that when military forces approach, bandits tend to relocate their captives to avoid detection and maintain leverage. He emphasized that the pattern of abduction is not solely for sexual slavery but also serves as a tactic to negotiate with military forces.

Atolagb refrained from providing specific details about Sambisa, a known area for such activities, but indicated that the dynamics of these kidnappings involve strategic movements to evade military action. He highlighted that the first response from captives is often to escape when military pressure increases, leading to a complex situation where bandits continuously seek new locations to hide their captives.