Security Consultant and Public Affairs Analyst, Darlington Umoru, has said the kidnappers behind the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State inadvertently exposed their network by demanding the release of their commanders during negotiations with security agencies.
Speaking during an interview from 17:27 on TVC News on Tuesday, 14 July, 2026, Umoru explained that the kidnappers’ demand provided security operatives with valuable intelligence, making it easier to identify individuals connected to the criminal group and trace their associates.
Umoru said, “They gave up themselves initially when they said ‘release our commanders’. So it was easy to trace those who were involved and get to their people and arrested them.”
According to him, the request revealed that the kidnappers were operating within an organised structure and maintained links with other members who were already in custody. He noted that such information became a critical breakthrough for security agencies investigating the abduction.
Umoru explained that intelligence-led operations often depend on seemingly small pieces of information provided by suspects or criminal groups. He said the kidnappers’ own statements enabled investigators to identify those connected to the operation, monitor their movements and eventually arrest individuals linked to the gang….See More