The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm over an alleged plan by suspected bandits to carry out a large-scale abduction of schoolchildren in parts of Edo state.
According to intelligence reports obtained by security agencies, schools located in the Edo North Senatorial District have been identified as potential targets of the planned operation.
Security sources disclosed that the alert followed the interception of conversations between two suspected bandits, identified as Bawa and Nuhu, who reportedly discussed shifting their criminal focus from wealthy individuals to schoolchildren after previous kidnapping operations failed to generate substantial financial gains.
The suspects were said to have concluded that abducting students could attract wider attention and potentially lead to higher ransom payments and other concessions.
As part of ongoing investigations, security operatives reportedly arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Emmanuel Momidu, on June 4, 2026.
The suspect was allegedly found conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke Community, Akoko Edo Local Government Area.
Following the development, the DSS has urged security agencies to strengthen protective measures around schools and educational institutions across Edo State, particularly in communities considered vulnerable to attacks.
The agency also recommended increased deployment of security personnel to schools and surrounding areas, while calling for enhanced collaboration among conventional security agencies, the Edo State Security Corps, local vigilante groups, and hunters to improve intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities.
Authorities said surveillance operations have already been intensified across affected areas as part of efforts to prevent any security breach.
Parents, guardians, and school administrators have also been advised to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The latest alert comes amid growing concerns over attacks on educational institutions in parts of the country, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect students and school communities.
