Nigeria’s Defence Minister says bandits holding abducted pupils in Oyo state have threatened to kill the children if troops move closer to act against them. In remarks reported by Vanguard and echoed by The Punch, the minister describes the threat as a form of pressure, with the abducted pupils reportedly used as leverage linked to the detention of bandits’ commanders. The minister’s comments indicate that the situation affects how security forces plan their response, as advancing could trigger harm to the hostages. Both outlets report that the bandits’ warning is conditional on troop movement, implying that proximity is a key factor in the bandits’ intimidation. The reports focus on the minister’s account of the threat rather than providing additional operational details about rescue efforts or the identities of those responsible. The Defence Ministry’s statements underline the stakes for negotiations and any planned military action in the ongoing abduction case.