Bandits Threatened to Kill Abducted Oyo Pupils if Troops Advanced, Defence Minister Reveals.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence has disclosed that armed bandits threatened to kill pupils abducted in Oyo State if security forces moved closer to their hideout during rescue operations. According to the minister, the kidnappers used the children as human shields and bargaining tools, warning that any military advance would result in the immediate execution of the victims.
The minister explained that intelligence gathered during the operation showed the abductors demanded that military commanders halt their offensive and release some of their detained members before the children could be freed. Faced with the risk to the lives of the pupils, security agencies adopted a cautious, intelligence-driven approach while working to secure the safe release of the victims. He noted that the incident highlights the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by criminal groups operating across parts of Nigeria.
The revelation has renewed concerns over the growing threat of kidnapping for ransom and attacks on educational institutions. Security experts and civil society groups have repeatedly called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved surveillance, and closer collaboration between federal and state authorities to protect schools and vulnerable communities. The federal government has maintained that it remains committed to dismantling criminal networks while prioritizing the safety of hostages during rescue operations.
The abduction of schoolchildren continues to underscore the broader security challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by banditry and organized criminal violence. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to strengthening security operations, enhancing community based intelligence, and preventing future attacks on schools and civilians.