Troops Foil School Abduction Attempt in Kogi, One Terrorist Neutralised

Blessing Bello, Reporting 

TROOPS of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army (2 Division), have thwarted an attempted mass abduction of pupils at Iluke Community in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, after terrorists dressed in military uniforms tried to carry out the attack.

The operation took place on 10 June 2026, following credible intelligence from vigilant community members who alerted troops on patrol to suspicious activity in the area. Acting swiftly, soldiers mobilised and advanced to the community, intercepting the criminals before they could achieve their objective.

Upon arrival, troops discovered that the terrorists had already assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School, intending to abduct them. An immediate engagement forced the criminals to abandon their mission and flee. One terrorist was neutralised during the firefight, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Tragically, before troops arrived, the terrorists had killed a teacher and a local resident – an act the Army described as “criminal and inhumane”.

The prompt response prevented what could have become a large‑scale kidnapping of schoolchildren, saving many lives. A statement by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 12 Brigade, praised the professionalism and vigilance of the troops.

Pursuit operations are ongoing for the fleeing bandits. Given the community’s proximity to neighbouring Kwarra and Niger States, security agencies in those states have been alerted to block any escape routes. Additional measures have been put in place to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.

The public is urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.