Moroni had previously defeated Lamanite armies and then sent them home if they would take an oath never to fight anymore (Alma 44:20). However, after many Nephites had been taken prisoner, he changed his policy, ordering Teancum that he should retain all the prisoners who fell into his hands…as a ransom for those whom the Lamanites had taken (Alma 52:8). Having successfully taken many Lamanite prisoners in the battle for the city of Mulek (Alma 52:39), Ammoron’s request was just what Moroni wanted. The Nephites had been supporting the Lamanite prisoners for almost a year, and it had become a burden. Interestingly, the orderly exchange of prisoners never takes place.