The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly alerted security operatives in Edo, Kogi, and Nasarawa states to bolster protection around schools following an intercepted plan by terrorists to carry out mass kidnappings. According to intelligence sources, the DSS intercepted communications between suspected terrorists plotting attacks on educational institutions in these states.
Intelligence Details and Security Response
A top security source confirmed to The Nation that the intelligence has been shared with relevant agencies, particularly the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), with instructions to ensure proper mobilization for the protection of schoolchildren. Deployments have already been made based on the intelligence. The secret police advised implementing counter-security measures around schools, with a specific focus on the Edo North District.
The leaked memo indicates that discussions between two suspected bandits, identified as Nuhu and Bawa, revealed their plans to abduct schoolchildren after failing to kidnap wealthy individuals for ransom. The suspects believe targeting schoolchildren will attract government attention and increase their chances of receiving substantial ransom payments.
Public Reactions to the Leaked Memo
The leaked DSS memo has generated widespread reactions from Nigerians. Obed Obaa criticized the reactive approach to insecurity, stating, "Look at how insecurity is spreading, and yet our agencies are still reactive. We're in a big mess in this country. Please, y'all must stay as safe as you can." Kingsley questioned why such sensitive information was made public, saying, "Should this news be confirmed online? Isn't it supposed to be privately disclosed to security agencies to mount guard?" Kev called for immediate government action: "This is an absolute red alert that requires zero delays. The Edo State Government and local security forces must lock down every school baseline immediately. We cannot afford any lapses when it comes to protecting our children." Hustler advised parents to keep their children at home: "The best is to keep your child at home; it is better to stay with little knowledge than to be kidnapped to an unknown location. May God bring us a lasting solution to this problem our nation is facing."
Context: Recent Counter-Terrorism Operations
This alert comes amid ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in Nigeria. Earlier, the United States President Donald Trump announced on May 16, 2026, that American forces, in collaboration with the Nigerian military, killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second global leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), near the Lake Chad basin. This marked the second joint military operation in the country within six months.
