Ayoola Lawal, a former secretary of the APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, says Nigeria risks losing its sovereignty to criminals if it negotiates with kidnappers and bandits.

Mr Ayoola, a former APC chairman in the Scandinavian countries, pointed out in a statement on Monday that Nigeria should not yield to sentimental pressure by agreeing to the demands of the Oyo school children’s kidnappers.

The abductors attacked schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities of Oyo on May 15.

The abductors, who  kidnapped 39 children and seven teachers  on Saturday, began  demanding the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and implementation of Sharia-related law.

Mr Ayoola stated, “History shows that states which release hardened terrorist leaders or concede to political demands under duress often faced even greater security threats in the future. What appears to be a short-term solution can quickly evolve into a long-term national security challenge.

According to Lawal, terrorist demand is not a uniquely Nigerian challenge as the world has witnessed similar tactics across Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and the wider Sahel region.

“Abduction of the Oyo school children is more than a Kidnapping, it is another test of the Nigerian state,” he stated. “The recent abduction of school children is a direct challenge to state authority, democratic governance, and the future of education itself. When bandits demand the release of detained terrorist leaders, substantial financial ransom, operational resources, and ideological concessions in exchange for innocent schoolchildren, their objectives extend far beyond criminal profiteering.”

He stated that Nigeria must elevate hostage recovery to a national strategic priority by establishing a permanent multi-agency framework and ensuring its smooth operation.

“The protection of schools must become a national security imperative. Schools are more than physical structures; they are symbols of opportunity, social mobility, and national development.

“An attack on a school is an attack on the nation’s future. Rural educational institutions, in particular, require improved security infrastructure, emergency communication systems, community intelligence networks, and rapid-response mechanisms.

“Nigeria must intensify efforts to dismantle the financial and logistical networks that sustain criminal and extremist groups. Kidnappers rarely operate alone. Behind every armed gang is a network of financiers, informants, suppliers, transporters, and collaborators.

“Disrupting these support structures is often more effective than focusing solely on the perpetrators themselves.”

(NAN)