The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to an alleged plot by suspected bandits to abduct schoolchildren in Edo State.
The warning was contained in a security advisory dated June 5, 2026, and addressed to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
A security source confirmed the authenticity of the advisory, describing it as a routine intelligence communication issued by the DSS.
According to the document, intelligence reports indicate that suspected bandits are planning attacks on schools, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District.
The DSS said the intelligence was obtained from an intercepted conversation between two suspected bandits identified as Bawa and Nuhu. During the exchange, the suspects reportedly discussed shifting their focus to schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to generate significant financial returns.
The agency said the suspects believed that targeting schoolchildren would attract greater government attention and increase the chances of securing large ransom payments.
The advisory also disclosed that on June 4, 2026, a suspect identified as Emmanuel Momidu was arrested while allegedly carrying out surveillance near a secondary school in Akoko Edo Local Government Area.
In response to the threat, the DSS urged security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen protection around schools and educational facilities across the state, with particular attention to Edo North.
The agency recommended deploying security personnel to vulnerable schools and communities, intensifying patrols in high-risk areas, and collaborating with local vigilante groups, hunters, and the Edo State Security Corps to improve surveillance and response capabilities.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over attacks on schools in different parts of Nigeria.
On May 15, bandits reportedly abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in the Oriire area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State. During the attack, an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist were killed. Days later, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by his captors.
In a separate incident on May 16, suspected Boko Haram insurgents abducted 42 pupils and students from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
