Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have foiled an attempted abduction of pupils at Iluke Community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, preventing what authorities described as a planned mass kidnapping by terrorists disguised in military uniforms.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 12 Brigade.
According to Abdullahi, the operation was carried out on June 10, 2026, following credible intelligence from community members who alerted troops on patrol to the presence and activities of suspected terrorists in the area.
He said the troops responded swiftly to the information and moved into the community to stop the attack.
Abdullahi stated that upon arrival, soldiers discovered that the assailants had already assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School with the intention of abducting them.
“The troops immediately engaged the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their mission and flee the area,” he said.
According to the statement, one suspected terrorist was killed during the encounter, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The Army spokesman, however, disclosed that the attackers had killed a teacher and a community resident before troops arrived at the scene.
“Their actions further underscore the criminal and inhumane nature of the terrorists who continue to target innocent civilians,” Abdullahi said.
He noted that the prompt response of the troops prevented what could have been a large-scale abduction of schoolchildren and saved many lives.
Abdullahi added that troops are currently pursuing the fleeing suspects, while security agencies in neighbouring Kwara and Niger states have been alerted to help block possible escape routes.
He said additional security measures had been put in place to reassure residents, prevent further attacks and deny criminal elements freedom of movement within the area.
The Army spokesman urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to rid the area of criminal elements. #Securitynewsalert.com
