Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has disclosed that the armed group responsible for abducting pupils and teachers in Oyo State threatened to kill the captives if security forces attempted a rescue operation. According to the minister, the kidnappers are seeking the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has said the armed group that abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill the captives if troops moved closer to their location.

Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central scheduled to air on Friday, Musa said the kidnappers were using the abducted children as leverage to pressure the government into releasing some of their commanders currently in military detention.

According to the minister, the abductors warned that any attempt by security forces to advance towards their hideout would result in the execution of the hostages.

"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. And now they're threatening that if we come any closer, they're going to kill all the kids," Musa said.

The comments come nearly eight weeks after gunmen abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, along with two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area, on May 15.

The minister also advocated stronger penalties for convicted kidnappers and bandits, expressing support for capital punishment as a deterrent against violent crimes.

"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.

Authorities have not announced any new rescue operation or confirmed whether negotiations with the abductors are ongoing. The condition and whereabouts of the victims have also not been independently verified.