Nigerian ambassador-designate to Mexico and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has criticized Afrobeat star Davido for publicly calling for the release of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State during a World Cup-related concert.
Omokri argued that taking such sensitive security issues to a global entertainment stage could unintentionally aid kidnappers by increasing publicity around their activities.
In a detailed statement released on Thursday, Omokri insisted that public campaigns and global attention do not always pressure criminal groups, but instead strengthen their operations.
He referenced the well-known statement attributed to former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher that “publicity is the oxygen of terrorism,” explaining that extremist groups often benefit from attention.
According to him, increased media coverage gives abductors more psychological power, expands fear among the public, and can even increase the perceived value of hostages.
Omokri also cited the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction in Borno State as an example, arguing that global campaigns—such as the international #BringBackOurGirls movement—made rescue operations more complex.
He referenced the viral global involvement, including support from high-profile figures, saying it elevated the profile of the victims and, in turn, made negotiations and rescue efforts more difficult.
He claimed that such attention can sometimes encourage abductors to disperse victims and tighten security around them.
Omokri further stated that Nigerian security agencies are actively working to secure the release of the abducted children from communities affected in Oyo State.
He insisted that public campaigns are not always necessary, adding that authorities prefer coordinated, intelligence-driven operations rather than high-profile advocacy that could expose operational details.
He also pointed to previous successful rescue missions as evidence of ongoing security efforts.
The former aide also revisited his personal involvement in the campaign for the release of Leah Sharibu, a student abducted in 2018 from Yobe State.
Omokri said he funded international advocacy efforts, met global leaders, and participated in awareness campaigns across multiple countries.
He, however, claimed that he later stopped aggressive publicity campaigns after being advised by security experts that excessive attention could reduce the chances of her release.
Concluding his remarks, Omokri urged Nigerians to adopt a more strategic and less emotional approach when reacting to terrorism and kidnapping incidents.
He warned that while public sympathy is important, widespread global campaigns may unintentionally increase the bargaining power of abductors.
According to him, security responses should remain coordinated and intelligence-driven to avoid escalating the situation.
The controversy highlights a growing debate in Nigeria over whether global awareness campaigns help or harm hostage rescue efforts, especially in cases involving schoolchildren abductions and terrorism-related crimes.
Omokri maintains that silence and strategic action may be more effective, while Davido’s supporters argue that global attention can pressure authorities into faster action.
