The Department of State Services has tipped off the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps about a suspected plan by bandits to abduct students in Edo State.
According to a security advisory dated June 5, 2026, with ref no. S.66/A/3972, the DSS said intercepted communications revealed two suspected bandits, Bawa and Nuhu, discussing plans to target schools in Edo North Senatorial District. The district was chosen after earlier attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals reportedly failed to bring big payoffs. The suspects allegedly agreed that taking schoolchildren would force quicker government action and higher ransom demands.
The DSS letter, signed by B. Agada for the state director, also noted the arrest of Emmanuel Momidu on June 4. He was allegedly caught conducting surveillance around a secondary school in Akoko Edo LGA.
The agency urged the NSCDC and other stakeholders to beef up security around schools in Edo North. Suggested measures include deploying operatives to vulnerable schools, working with the Edo State Security Corps, local vigilantes and hunters, and increasing patrols in high-risk areas.
The alert comes as attacks on schools continue to rise nationwide. In mid-May, about 39 pupils and 7 teachers were abducted across three schools in Oriire, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. An assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist were killed during that attack, and one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded. On May 16, about 42 pupils and students were also taken from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba LGA, Borno State, by suspected Boko Haram fighters.
A security source told newsmen the advisory is routine, though it’s unclear how it got out.
