A terrorist group, Ansaru, is reportedly planning coordinated mass abductions of schoolchildren and churchgoers in parts of northern Nigeria, with the intention of using the victims as human shields against military operations.
The alleged plot was uncovered through intelligence gathered by the Nigerian military, Peoples Gazette reported.
Military sources told the newspaper that the plan was discussed during a meeting between Ansaru leader Abubakar Saidu, also known as Sadiku, and members of the group’s Shura Council on November 2.
The sources said the planned attacks were linked to sustained military offensives against the group’s members and operational bases across the northern region.
Niger State and other parts of northern Nigeria were reportedly identified as potential targets, particularly public schools, churches and Christian-majority communities.
Ansaru intensifies security measures
The report said military intelligence monitoring of the group intensified following the October 26 assassination of Katsina-based Islamic cleric Yahaya Ibrahim Massusuka.
Ansaru reportedly claimed responsibility for the cleric’s killing in an audio recording, accusing him of consistently challenging its religious teachings.
According to the military sources, members of the group also discussed the possibility of changing their communication methods after suspecting that informants were leaking operational information to security agencies.
The group reportedly directed members to use Telegram and other approved communication channels while considering the acquisition of drone jammers and additional anti-aircraft weapons.
It also allegedly ordered members to relocate their camps, identify suspected informants within its ranks and strengthen their bases against military attacks.
Ansaru’s history of attacks and abductions
Ansaru, formally known as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis-Sudan, emerged in Nigeria in 2012 after breaking away from Boko Haram.
The group has been linked to several deadly attacks, kidnappings and other terrorist activities across the country.
It was reportedly involved in the March 28, 2022, attack on an Abuja-bound train, which left eight passengers dead and 62 others abducted.
On January 3, 2026, suspected members of the group attacked Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing at least 30 people and abducting an unspecified number of women and children.
The group was also linked to the May 15, 2026, abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oyo State. The victims were subsequently released, while some suspects arrested in connection with the incident are facing prosecution.
Military sources further identified suspected Ansaru networks in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, the Federal Capital Territory, Zamfara and Kaduna states.
Military, police yet to comment
The Peoples Gazette reported that efforts to obtain official comments from the Nigerian Army and Niger State Police Command were unsuccessful before publication.
Army spokesperson Appolonia Anele reportedly requested that the newspaper send her a text message but had not responded by the time the report was filed.
Similarly, Niger State Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun did not respond to calls and a text message seeking clarification.
The alleged abduction plot therefore remains an intelligence-based report attributed to military sources, with no public confirmation from the military or police at the time of publication.
The development raises fresh security concerns over the protection of schools, religious centres and vulnerable communities across northern Nigeria.
