The Federal Government has revealed that the bandits holding kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oyo State have threatened to kill the victims if Nigerian troops move closer to their hideout.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, disclosed that the bandits are using the abducted children and teachers as leverage to pressure the government into releasing some of their commanders currently in military custody.
Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central shared on Wednesday ahead of the full broadcast of the NC Exclusive programme on Friday, Musa said the bandits believe holding the children hostage will force the government to negotiate.
“For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander.”
He added that the bandits have warned the military against any rescue attempt.
“And now they’re threatening that when we wanted to take action against them, if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids.”
Musa Calls for Tougher Punishment
Beyond addressing the ongoing hostage crisis, the Defence Minister stressed the need for stronger laws to discourage criminal activities across the country.
According to him, Nigeria’s current legal system does not impose enough consequences on violent criminals, making it easier for offenders to continue committing crimes.
I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” he stated.
His comments are expected to renew debates over whether Nigeria should introduce stricter penalties for terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
Many security experts have argued that stronger legal consequences, combined with improved intelligence gathering and military operations, could help reduce the activities of armed criminal groups.
Military Continues Rescue Efforts
Despite the threats from the kidnappers, the Nigerian military says it remains committed to rescuing all the abducted pupils and teachers safely.
Authorities have not disclosed operational details, citing security reasons, but officials insist that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the hostages while minimizing risks to their lives.
The Defence Minister assured Nigerians that the military is carefully assessing every available option before taking action, emphasizing that protecting innocent lives remains the government’s top priority.
As families anxiously await the return of their loved ones, many Nigerians continue to hope that security agencies will successfully resolve the crisis without further loss of life.
The latest statement from the Defence Minister serves as another reminder of the complex security challenges facing Nigeria and the urgent need for stronger strategies to combat kidnapping and armed banditry across the country.
