Emmanuel Obi
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that the kidnappers holding pupils and teachers abducted from schools threatened to kill the captives if security forces moved closer to their hideout.
Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central, released on Wednesday ahead of the full broadcast of the programme on Friday.
According to the minister, the abductors are using the victims as bargaining chips to demand the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.
He said the kidnappers warned security agencies against launching a rescue operation, threatening to kill all the children if troops attempted to storm their location.
“They are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they believe abducting these children will force us to release them,” Musa said.
The minister also called for stricter penalties for kidnapping and other violent crimes, arguing that weak laws have encouraged criminality.
“There must be deterrence. The laws are too soft, and that is why people continue to take advantage. Once an offence is committed, there must be consequences,” he said.
Musa’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the recurring abduction of students and teachers across the country, with security agencies continuing efforts to secure the safe release of those still in captivity.
