The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alert to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps over an alleged plot by suspected bandits to abduct schoolchildren in Edo State.
The warning was contained in a security advisory dated June 5, 2026, and addressed to the Edo State NSCDC command, with reference number S.66/A/3972. According to a security source who confirmed the document, the alert was part of routine intelligence sharing, though it reportedly leaked.
“It is a routine security advisory from the Service. Don’t know how it leaked. But it is true, sir,” the source said.
In the advisory signed by B. Agada for the state director of the DSS, the agency said it had received intelligence indicating that suspected bandits were planning to target schools, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District.
“Intelligence at the disposal of the Command indicate plans by suspected bandits to kidnap school children in the State, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District,” the statement reads.
It added that intercepted communication between two suspects, identified as BAWA (FNU) and NUHU (FNU), suggested a shift in tactics due to limited success in targeting wealthy individuals.
“This follows an intercept between suspected bandits, one BAWA (FNU), suspected to be of Fulani extraction from Zamfara State and one NUHU (FNU).
“During the conversation, the duo disclosed their plans to kidnap 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.”
The DSS also disclosed that a suspect, Emmanuel Momidu, was arrested on June 4 while allegedly carrying out surveillance around a secondary school in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
Security agencies have been advised to reinforce protection around schools, especially in Edo North, through increased deployment, collaboration with local vigilantes, and intensified patrols.
“In view, it is advised that counter measures be emplaced around schools in the State with focus on Edo North Senatorial District, to strengthen security around schools and other educational institutions,” it stated.
“This may include the deployment of personnel to vulnerable schools and communities in collaboration with ESSC, local vigilantes and hunters, as well as intensified security patrols in vulnerable areas to enhance surveillance.”
The alert comes amid a series of recent school abductions across Nigeria, raising renewed concern over student safety and insecurity in education zones.
Chronicle NG reported, On May 15, armed bandits reportedly attacked three schools along the Oriire axis in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, abducting about 39 pupils and seven teachers. During the raid, an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist were killed, and days later one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was allegedly beheaded by the abductors, sparking nationwide condemnation.
On May 16, suspected Boko Haram fighters also stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba LGA of Borno State, taking away about 42 pupils and students.
