Department of State Services (DSS) personnel and Nigerian Army forces foiled a major attempt by members of the illegal Eastern Security Network to kidnap dozens of children preparing for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination in some Southeast states.
The targeted schools for abductions were in Enugu, Anambra, and Imo states.
According to a DSS statement released on Thursday, secret police and troops raided an ESN armory in Enugu State’s Agbani axis based on solid intelligence.
According to the statement, intelligence revealed that ESN members planned to carry out the attacks while donning National Youth Service Corps uniforms.
“The raid led to the recovery of a cache of high-caliber arms, including eight AK-47 rifles, 12 AK-47 magazines, and 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Also recovered were one smoke grenade launcher, two tear gas canisters, 10 NYSC trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts, and four NYSC lanyards.
“Intelligence further revealed that members of the terrorist organization were to attack selected schools in the Southeast region to create the impression that bandits had invaded the region.
According to the report, the security team seized a rocket launcher, two rocket-propelled grenade warheads, three RPG chargers, and three AK-47 rifles.
“Also recovered by the team were six AK-47 magazines, two handheld grenades, one teargas gun, a baton, two teargas canisters, 270 rounds of NATO 7.62x39mm ammunition, 478 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, a bandolier, and a baton.”
The recoveries happened just a week after DSS agents apprehended five alleged arms couriers related to the militants who kidnapped kids and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State, on November 21, 2025.
If the intended abduction had taken place, it would have raised more concerns about the return of school kidnappings in Nigeria, where pupils have been targeted by criminal and terrorist groups in recent years.
Several mass abductions from schools across the country have sparked national and international concern, necessitating greater security precautions surrounding educational facilities.
