The Department of State Services (DSS) has sent a timely alert to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over a planned mass abduction of school children by suspected bandits in Edo state.
The alert was captured in a security advisory dated June 5, 2026, and addressed to the Edo state commandant of the NSCDC with reference number S.66/A/3972.
A security source who confirmed the release described the letter as a routine advisory.
“It is a routine security advisory from the Service. Don’t know how it leaked. But it is true, sir,” said the source.
In the advisory signed by B. Agada for the state director of the DSS, the agency said intelligence available to it indicated plans by suspected bandits to target school children in the state.
“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.
“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 added that on June 4, 2026, a suspect identified as Emmanuel Momidu was arrested while allegedly conducting surveillance around a secondary school in Akoko Edo LGA.
The agency urged the NSCDC and other stakeholders to strengthen security around schools, particularly in Edo north senatorial district.
“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.”
