DSS, POLICE UNCOVER ALLEGED TERRORIST PLAN TO ABDUCT SCHOOLCHILDREN IN THREE STATES

Security forces in Edo, Kogi and Nasarawa states have doubled protection around schools over intercepted plans by terrorists to kidnap pupils, The Nation has learnt.

It was gathered that the Department of State Services (DSS) intercepted communication between notorious terrorists plotting to unleash terror in select schools.

A top security source confirmed to this newspaper that the intelligence had since been communicated to relevant agencies particularly the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure adequate mobilisation for the protection of pupils, adding that deployments had already been made to that effect.

In Edo State, the information was sent to the NSCDC through a letter dated June 5, alerting the agency that schools in Edo North were major targets.

In the letter, the DSS named one BAWA (FNU), a suspected Fulani from Zamfara State, and another NUHU (FNU) as key suspects, adding that they disclosed their plans to kidnap school children

It reads: “During the conversation, the duo disclosed their plans to abduct school children in Edo North Senatorial District, as previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals had not yielded the expected financial gains.

“To this end, they concluded that abducting school children would attract greater government attention and potentially increase the likelihood of huge ransom payments and concessions.

“On 4th June, 2026, one Emmanuel MOMIDU, 25, was apprehended while he was perceived to be surveilling Makeke Secondary School at Makeke Community, Akoko Edo LGA.”

The DSS advised that counter measures be emplaced around schools in the state with focus on Edo North Senatorial District, to strengthen security around educational institutions.

The senior officer however expressed dissatisfaction that intelligence report released to sister agencies for protective measures were being leaked, warning of dire consequences.

“We have put in place a joint probe panel to investigate how these intelligence gets leaked. It was the same thing in Ondo, Kogi, Nasarawa and now Edo. Intelligence report should be found in public, they are supposed to be secret documents to guide proactive security actions,” said the source.

Contacted, the Edo State Commissioner of Police (CP) Monday Agbonikan, said they were aware of the information and have taken necessary steps to forestall any breach in the state.

He said: “We are aware that there is threat to attack schools not only in Edo State and we have put measures in place to ensure safety of schools and other vulnerable places.

“We have seen what happened elsewhere and are on alert. Edo is safe and we are doing everything possible to ensure it stays that way.”

CP Agbonikan also raised concerns about the leaked intelligence wondering why the report should be in the news.

“You said it is intellifence report and so, what is it doing in the news? An intelligence report should be with security services to take action and not in the news. Like I said, we are aware of vulnerable targets and no CP will fold his arms and wait until the fire in his domain,” said the police boss.