The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren by suspected bandits in Edo State.
The alert was contained in a security advisory dated June 5, 2026, and addressed to the Edo State commandant of the NSCDC, carrying reference number S.66/A/3972.
A security source who confirmed the development to TheCable 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,” the source said.
In the advisory signed by B. Agada on behalf of the state director of the DSS, the agency said intelligence at its disposal indicated plans by suspected bandits to target schoolchildren, 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 further stated that “This follows an intercept between suspected bandits, one BAWA (FNU), suspected to be of Fulani extraction from Zamfara State and one NUHU (FNU).”
According to the DSS, “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.”
The agency added that “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.”
It also revealed that on June 4, 2026, a suspect identified as Emmanuel Momidu was arrested while allegedly carrying out surveillance around a secondary school in Akoko Edo LGA.
The DSS advised the NSCDC and other security stakeholders to strengthen protection around schools, especially 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.”
The alert comes amid rising concerns over increased attacks on schools across the country, including recent abductions in Oyo and Borno states.