A former field commander of Operation Safe Haven, retired Major General Anthony Atolagbe, has alleged that terrorist groups deliberately seize new captives after being dislodged by the military, exploiting ungoverned spaces to rebuild their hold over vulnerable civilians in new locations.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Atolagbe explained the pattern he had observed in the recent fight against insurgents. See More

“What is playing out is that these guys are being dislodged, and when they are dislodged, they lose contact with all the women and men who serve as their sex slaves and forced labourers for them within their operational area or enclaves. What happens then is that they try to relocate to other areas where they think they will be safe, and the next thing is to seize new captives to bring into their new locations,” he said.

Atolagbe said the abductions served a dual purpose that went beyond slavery and forced labour. He explained that as military forces advanced on terrorist positions, some groups deliberately took civilians hostage to use as human shields, calculating that the presence of captives would slow down or deter a military assault.

He analysed that the pattern was consistent and strategic to create bargaining chips that gave them leverage in negotiations and a buffer against military action. See More