The Edo State Command of the Department of State Service (DSS) has raised the alarm over planned mass abduction of school children in the state by suspected bandits.
The Command in a memo with reference number S.66/A/3972, dated June 5, 2026, signed by one B. Agada, on behalf of the Director of Security, and addressed to the State Commandant of the NSCDC, disclosed that the intelligence was intercepted in a phone conversation between two suspected bandits.
It added that the target areas by the suspects include school children across the state, particularly in Edo North Senatorial districts.
The statement reads:
“Intelligence at the disposal of the Command indicated plans by suspected bandits to kidnap school children in the State, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District. This follows an intercept between suspected bandits, one BAWA (FNU), suspected to be of Fulani extraction from Zamfara State and one NUHU (FNU).
“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. 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.
Already on 4th June, 2026, one Emmanuel MOMIDU (25 yrs) was apprehended while he was perceived to be surveilling Makeke Secondary School at Makeke Community, Akoko Edo LGA.”
The DSS therefore urged adequate counter measures be taken by the authorities and individuals to protect various schools, especially in Edo North.
“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.
“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, pleases,” the statement concluded.
