Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division, have foiled an attempted abduction of pupils at Iluke Community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, preventing what could have been a large-scale kidnapping of school children.
The operation, which took place on June 10, 2026, followed credible intelligence provided by vigilant residents who alerted security operatives to the presence of suspected terrorists in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the terrorists, disguised in military uniforms, had infiltrated the community and assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School with the intention of abducting them.
Acting swiftly on the information, troops on patrol immediately mobilised to the community and engaged the terrorists upon arrival.
“The troops discovered that the terrorists had already assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School with the intention of abducting them. Without delay, the troops engaged the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their mission and flee the area,” the statement said.
During the gun battle, one terrorist was neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The Army, however, disclosed that before the arrival of troops, the attackers had killed a teacher and a resident of the community.
Military authorities described the killings as further evidence of the criminal and inhumane nature of terrorist groups operating in parts of the country.
The Army noted that the prompt intervention of troops prevented a major tragedy and saved many innocent lives.
Troops have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects. The military also said security agencies in neighbouring Kwara and Niger states have been alerted to help block possible escape routes due to the strategic location of the community.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations against criminal elements
