Nigerian Ambassador designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has criticised Nigerian music star Davido for publicly advocating for the release of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State, arguing that such publicity could inadvertently benefit the kidnappers and complicate rescue efforts.
In a lengthy statement released on Thursday, Omokri said many people mistakenly believe global attention and public outrage place pressure on terrorists.
According to him, terrorist groups often welcome publicity because it amplifies fear, expands their influence and increases the value of their hostages.
He maintained that although Davido’s intentions were noble, taking the issue to a global audience could ultimately serve the interests of the abductors rather than the victims.
‘Publicity is the oxygen of terrorism’
Omokri cited former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who famously described publicity as “the oxygen of terrorism.”
According to him, terrorist groups depend on public attention to spread fear and strengthen their psychological impact on society.
He argued that if acts of terrorism remain largely unknown, the perpetrators lose much of their ability to instil widespread fear.
However, once such incidents attract significant media coverage and international attention, the terrorists achieve one of their primary objectives.
“Publicity, however well-intended, always works in the favour of terrorists by increasing their ability to incite fear in the public and pressure governments to give in to their demands,” Omokri stated.
Claims Chibok campaign complicated rescue efforts
Drawing from his experience as spokesman during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Omokri said rescue efforts following the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping became more difficult after the campaign gained worldwide prominence.
He specifically referenced former United States First Lady Michelle Obama holding a #BringBackOurGirls placard, an action that helped elevate the campaign to global attention.
According to Omokri, once the abduction became an international cause, the girls became more valuable from the perspective of their captors.
He argued that the heightened attention encouraged the insurgents to strengthen security around the victims and disperse them into different locations, making rescue operations significantly more challenging.
“From that point on, the girls became so high profile that it was more profitable, from a terror standpoint, for Boko Haram to hold on to them,” he said.
Security agencies actively working, he says
Omokri stressed that Nigerian authorities are not ignoring the current abduction case involving children and teachers from the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities.
According to him, security agencies are making concerted efforts to secure their release and do not require global publicity campaigns to act.
He pointed to the recent rescue of relatives of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu as evidence of the capabilities of Nigerian security forces.
Omokri insisted that what is required at this stage is a carefully managed response rather than international campaigns that could increase the strategic value of the hostages.
Recounts campaign for Leah Sharibu
Omokri also reflected on his years-long campaign for the release of Leah Sharibu, who was among the students abducted by terrorists from Dapchi in Yobe State in 2018.
He revealed that he personally funded a global advocacy effort aimed at securing her freedom, claiming he received no financial support from any individual or organisation.
According to him, his campaign took him across several countries, where he met influential world leaders and officials.
He said he held discussions with two serving British prime ministers, as well as the prime ministers of Canada and Spain, an Icelandic minister and several Caribbean leaders in an effort to garner support for Sharibu’s release.
Omokri also disclosed that he collaborated with the late Onyeka Onwenu on a charity single intended to draw attention to Sharibu’s plight.
In addition, he said he travelled to Nepal and attempted to climb Mount Everest as part of efforts to raise international awareness for the campaign.
Why he abandoned the publicity strategy
Despite the extensive advocacy, Omokri said senior security officials later informed him that the campaign could be reducing the likelihood of Sharibu’s release.
According to him, the publicity had elevated Sharibu’s profile to such an extent that her captors had greater incentives to keep her in captivity.
He claimed the attention generated by international campaigns could be used by terrorist organisations to attract recruits, raise funds and project influence.
Omokri said he was particularly affected after reviewing guidance contained in a UNESCO handbook on terrorism coverage.
According to him, the publication emphasises the dangers of excessive publicity surrounding terrorist acts and warns that extensive media attention can contribute to the objectives of terrorist groups.
He said the information convinced him to discontinue the publicity-driven aspect of the #FreeLeahSharibu campaign.
Calls for rational response
Concluding his remarks, Omokri urged Nigerians to approach terrorism-related issues with what he described as a rational mindset rather than an emotional one.
He argued that while public campaigns are often driven by genuine concern for victims, they can unintentionally increase the bargaining power of kidnappers and make rescue operations more difficult.
Using a hypothetical example, he questioned why a terrorist group would release hostages responsible for generating worldwide attention and publicity for its cause.
Omokri acknowledged that many Nigerians may disagree with his position, but insisted that understanding the dynamics of terrorism requires careful analysis rather than emotional reactions.
