Ex-military chief reveals bandits use hostages as human shields
Former OPSH commander Maj. Gen. Anthony Atolagbe says bandits kidnap people to use them as human shields during military operations. Speaking on Arise TV's Prime Time, he explained bandits take hostages into their enclaves for sex slavery and negotiation leverage. When dislodged, they move to new locations by grabbing more victims. Atolagbe noted hostages escape during military pressure, forcing bandits to seek new captives. He confirmed this pattern helps bandits negotiate and evade capture.
SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/11/ex-military-chief-gives-reasons-bandits-kidnap-people/