By Erewunmi Peace

Retired Major General Anthony Magnawa Atolagbe, former Field Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Safe Haven, has urged Nigerians to understand that rescue operations do not always result in the arrest or neutralisation of kidnappers. He emphasized that such missions are inherently complex, with the primary focus on saving lives.

Speaking in response to the release of 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Atolagbe explained that public expectations often differ from the realities faced by security personnel in the field.

He clarified that rescue operations should not be confused with combat engagements. Troops are deployed to safely extract victims, not to engage in full-scale combat with kidnappers. He highlighted that kidnappers frequently position themselves among their captives, limiting the options available to security forces.

“At times, you want to get the children out safely, but the kidnappers are inserted between the children. What do you do? They may tell you: ‘Allow us to pull out and then you can take your children.’ Do you risk lives to capture them immediately, or leave them for later? These decisions are made by the field commander,” Atolagbe said.

He cited the 2002 Moscow theatre hostage rescue by Russian special forces as an international example, noting that over 900 hostages were involved and many civilians died, illustrating the delicate nature of rescue operations.

Atolagbe stressed that negotiations or ransom payments are not always part of rescue missions and that commanders on the ground must take initiative based on real-time circumstances.