Public Affairs Analyst Dayo Akintobi has said the government may already know where the students abducted in Oyo State are being held but is being cautious about launching a military operation because of the risks such a move could pose to the captives.
Akintobi made the remarks during an interview from 6:00 on Channels Television, on Friday, 5 June, 2026, while reacting to concerns over the fate of the students reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists. His comments come amid growing public anxiety over the safety of the victims and calls for swift action by security agencies to secure their release.
Speaking on the challenges involved in hostage rescue operations, the analyst suggested that authorities could be weighing their options carefully to avoid unintended consequences. According to him, the priority should be ensuring the safe return of the abductees rather than rushing into a military assault that could endanger lives.
“My take is that government likely knows the location of the abductees but there is a real and clear worry about going in there guns blazing because of the collateral damage that will occur,” Akintobi said.
He noted that rescue missions involving large numbers of hostages often require a delicate balance between applying pressure on kidnappers and protecting those being held captive. Security experts have frequently warned that direct military action against armed groups holding hostages can sometimes lead to casualties among victims.
The abduction has renewed concerns about insecurity in parts of the country and the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups. Families of the affected students have continued to appeal to the authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of their loved ones.