The Edo State Command of the Department of State Services, DSS, has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by suspected bandits to kidnap schoolchildren in the state, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District.
The alert was contained in a memo with reference number S.66/A/3972, dated June 5, 2026, signed by B. Agada on behalf of the Director of Security, and addressed to the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
According to the memo, intelligence available to the Command indicated that suspected bandits were planning to target schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals allegedly failed to yield the expected financial gains.
The DSS said the intelligence followed an intercepted phone conversation between two suspected bandits identified as Bawa, suspected to be of Fulani extraction from Zamfara State, and Nuhu.
The memo stated that during the alleged conversation, the suspects discussed plans to kidnap schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District, believing that such an attack would attract greater government attention and increase the possibility of huge ransom payments and concessions.
“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,” the memo stated.
It added that the suspects allegedly concluded that abducting schoolchildren would be more profitable because previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals had not produced the expected financial returns.
The DSS further disclosed that on June 4, 2026, one Emmanuel Momidu, aged 25, was apprehended after he was allegedly perceived to be surveilling Makeke Secondary School at Makeke Community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area.
In view of the intelligence, the DSS advised security agencies and relevant authorities to put adequate counter-measures in place around schools and other educational institutions across Edo State, with special attention to Edo North.
The Command recommended the deployment of security personnel to vulnerable schools and communities, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
It also called for intensified security patrols in vulnerable areas to improve surveillance and prevent any possible attack.
“In view of this, 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,” the memo stated.
The DSS said the recommended measures should include the deployment of personnel to vulnerable schools and communities, as well as intensified patrols to enhance surveillance.
The alert comes amid growing concerns over attacks on schools and the abduction of students in parts of the country, with security agencies under increasing pressure to strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid response around educational institutions.
The post “Counter-Measures” — SSS Alerts Edo Authorities Over Alleged Plot To Kidnap Schoolchildren, Urges Security Around Schools appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
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