Nigeria’s Minister of Defence has disclosed that armed bandits threatened to kill abducted pupils from Oyo State if security forces moved closer to their hideout during rescue operations, using the children as leverage in negotiations with the authorities.
The minister said the kidnappers warned that any attempt by troops to launch an aggressive assault on their location would result in the execution of the captives, presenting security agencies with a difficult operational challenge.
According to him, the bandits also demanded the release of some of their commanders, making the abducted pupils bargaining chips while security forces worked to secure their safe return.
Speaking on the circumstances surrounding the abduction, the Defence Minister explained that military commanders had to exercise extreme caution to avoid endangering the lives of the children.
He noted that while the Armed Forces were prepared to neutralise the criminals, intelligence gathered during the operation indicated that the kidnappers were prepared to carry out their threats if troops advanced further.
“The bandits threatened to kill the pupils if our troops came closer. They wanted the release of some of their commanders and used the children as leverage,” the minister said.
He added that the priority throughout the operation was to ensure the safe rescue of the victims while minimising the risk of casualties.
The minister commended the efforts of the military, intelligence agencies and other security personnel involved in the operation, describing the rescue mission as a demonstration of effective inter-agency collaboration.
He said intelligence-driven strategies, surveillance and continuous engagement with relevant stakeholders played a crucial role in protecting the lives of the abducted pupils.
The Defence Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other forms of violent crime, stressing that security forces remain determined to dismantle criminal networks operating across the country.
The revelation has once again highlighted the persistent threat posed by armed groups targeting schools and educational institutions in parts of Nigeria.
Security experts say the use of abducted children as human shields underscores the complex nature of kidnapping operations and the difficult decisions confronting security agencies during rescue missions.
They have called for increased investment in intelligence gathering, rapid-response capabilities and community-based security measures to prevent future attacks on schools.
Education advocates have also renewed calls for enhanced security around schools, particularly in vulnerable communities where the threat of kidnapping remains high.
They urged federal and state governments to strengthen the implementation of school safety initiatives, improve surveillance infrastructure and ensure prompt responses to security threats.
The Defence Minister assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to safeguarding schools and protecting citizens from criminal elements.
He said ongoing military operations against bandits and other armed groups would continue, adding that the Armed Forces would not relent in efforts to restore peace and security across affected communities.
The minister also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
The disclosure comes amid continued efforts by the Federal Government to tackle insecurity and prevent further attacks on schools, as authorities seek to reassure parents and communities that the safety of children remains a national priority.
