Retired Major General Anthony Magnawa Atolagbe, former Joint Task Force (JTF) commander for Operation Safe Haven, has urged Nigerians to understand that rescue missions do not always end with the capture or neutralization of kidnappers.
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Speaking to ARISE News on Tuesday, Atolagbe addressed concerns over the release of 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Danko‑Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, noting that criticism over the lack of arrests reflects a misunderstanding of the realities on the ground. He emphasized that the primary goal of rescue operations is to ensure the safety of hostages, not to pursue abductors directly.
Atolagbe explained that rescue missions differ from battlefield engagements. He disclosed that kidnappers often blend in with their hostages, limiting the options available to security forces. He stressed that Commanders must prioritize the immediate safety of hostages and decide whether to pursue abductors after the operation.
He also referenced recent kidnappings in Kwara and Ekiti states, highlighting that attacks can occur anywhere due to Nigeria’s limited monitoring and surveillance capabilities. He disclosed that vulnerable roads and remote areas make it difficult to predict or prevent abductions entirely.
Atolagbe welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police from VIP protection duties, which could free up about 100,000 officers for broader security tasks. He stressed the need for a 24‑hour security cordon around Kwara and Niger forests, supported by increased Air Force surveillance using aircraft and drones, and suggested that international intelligence support, particularly from the United States, could improve response times and help locate bandit groups more effectively.
