The State Security Service has revealed a plot by suspected terrorists to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren, particularly in the Edo North senatorial district.
An SSS memo dated June 5, 2026, showed that suspected bandits were planning to kidnap schoolchildren following an intercepted conversation between two suspects identified as Bawa and Nuhu.
“Intelligence at the disposal of the command indicates plans by suspected bandits to kidnap school children in the State, particularly in Edo North senatorial district,” the memo stated.
The memo said the intelligence was based on an intercepted conversation between a suspect, Bawa, believed to be a Fulani man from Zamfara, and another suspect, Nuhu.
According to the memo, the two suspects discussed plans to abduct schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed.
“To this end, they concluded that abducting schoolchildren would attract greater government attention and potentially increase the likelihood of huge ransom payments and concessions,” the SSS memo stated.
The SSS disclosed that a 25-year-old man, Emmanuel Momidu, was apprehended while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in Makeke Community, Akoko Edo council area.
The agency advised authorities to strengthen security around schools across the state, with particular focus on the Edo North senatorial district.
It further recommended deploying security personnel to vulnerable schools and communities, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters, as well as intensifying patrols and surveillance in vulnerable areas.
