Retired Air Commodore Abayomi Balogun, a respected security expert, has proposed a bold and unconventional “Trojan Horse” strategy to counter terrorist groups demanding ransom.
Speaking on News Central TV, Balogun suggested that instead of outright refusing terrorists’ demands, security agencies should strategically fulfil specific requests — particularly for livestock — as a way to track and eventually neutralize the insurgents.
He cited a recent incident in the Kankara-Musawa axis where bandits demanded 700 cows and 1,000 sheep from local communities. Balogun argued that such demands should be seen as valuable intelligence opportunities rather than mere losses.
“As a combat person, if terrorists ask for 700 cows and 1,000 sheep, I will thank them and give them exactly what they want — or even double it,” he said.
Balogun explained that the government could use the handover as a tactical advantage by embedding advanced technology into the animals.
“You give the terrorists what they requested. Oh yes. But that becomes their death certificate,” he stated.
His plan centres on microchipping the livestock with GPS trackers. Once tagged, security forces could monitor the animals’ movements in real time, even in remote areas where traditional intelligence methods often fail.
“That’s why we need to start thinking critically,” Balogun urged. “Can the cows and sheep be chipped? Yes. You hand them over, and wherever the terrorists take those animals, you will know exactly where they are.”
By tracking the livestock, the military could map out terrorists’ hideouts, supply routes, and gathering points without the insurgents realising they are being followed.
Balogun concluded that this approach would allow security forces to monitor the terrorists indefinitely and strike at the most opportune moment.
“You will monitor them forever and then you can take them out when you wish,” he said.
