Security consultant and public affairs analyst Darlington Umoru has said kidnappers who abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State threatened to kill their captives if security forces advanced toward their hideout.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Umoru said the threat underscored the complexity of hostage rescue operations, where security agencies must balance the need to neutralise criminals with protecting innocent lives.
“You recall that at a point in time, the kidnappers warned the military that if you get closer again. That was when they first sensed that they will kill everybody who needed to be killed to discourage you,” Umoru said.
He explained that such threats are a common tactic used by kidnappers to delay or discourage rescue operations, noting that criminal groups often use hostages as human shields to pressure security forces into halting their advance.
Despite the warnings, Umoru said security agencies remained focused on securing the safe release of the victims while minimising casualties. He added that the eventual rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers reflected careful planning, intelligence gathering and restraint by the security forces throughout the operation.
