The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren by suspected bandits in Edo state.

The alert was contained in a security advisory dated June 5, 2026, and addressed to the Edo state commandant of the NSCDC with reference number S.66/A/3972.

A security source who confirmed the release to TheCable described the letter as a routine advisory.

“It is a routine security advisory from the Service. Don’t know how it leaked. But it is true, sir,” the source said.

In the advisory signed by B. Agada for the state director of the DSS, the agency said intelligence available to it indicated plans by suspected bandits to target schoolchildren in the state.

“Intelligence at the disposal of the Command indicate plans by suspected bandits to kidnap school children in the State, particularly in Edo North Senatorial District,” the statement reads.

“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.”

The DSS added that on June 4, 2026, a suspect identified as Emmanuel Momidu was arrested while allegedly conducting surveillance around a secondary school in Akoko Edo LGA.

The agency advised the NSCDC and other stakeholders to strengthen security around schools, particularly in Edo north senatorial district.

“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,” it stated.

“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.”

The development comes amid growing public concern over an uptick in bandit attacks targeting schools across different parts of the country.

On May 15, about 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers were abducted by bandits across three schools in Oriire axis of Ogbomoso, Oyo state.

During the attack, gunmen killed an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist.

Days later, Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, was beheaded by the kidnappers, triggering nationwide outrage.

On May 16, about 42 pupils and students were abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, Askira/Uba LGA of Borno state.