The Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has disclosed that armed bandits holding dozens of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State have threatened to kill the hostages if security forces move closer to their hideout.

The minister made the revelation in a preview of an interview with News Central, shared on Wednesday ahead of the programme's full broadcast scheduled for Friday.

According to him, the kidnappers are using the schoolchildren as bargaining chips in a bid to secure the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody, making rescue efforts extremely delicate.

"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," the minister said.

He added that the military has been forced to exercise caution after the abductors threatened to execute the hostages if troops attempted a direct assault.

"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," he stated.

The hostages were abducted nearly eight weeks ago after heavily armed gunmen attacked the Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and two other schools in Esinle, both in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The May 15 attack saw the assailants abduct 39 pupils and seven teachers, triggering widespread concern over the security of schools and renewed calls for stronger measures to combat kidnapping across the country.

Speaking on efforts to curb the growing menace of banditry and abduction, the Defence Minister advocated the introduction of the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and bandits.

He argued that the country's existing legal framework lacks sufficient deterrence, allowing criminal groups to operate with little fear of severe punishment.

"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 said.

The minister's remarks come amid ongoing security operations aimed at securing the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers while avoiding actions that could endanger their lives.