Troops Foil Attempted Abduction of School Pupils in Kogi, Neutralise Terrorist

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

 Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, 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 major kidnapping incident.

A statement signed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army noted that, the operation was carried out on Tuesday, following credible intelligence provided by vigilant members of the community, who alerted troops on patrol about the presence and activities of suspected terrorists in the area.

According to the Army, 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 intelligence, troops immediately mobilised to the community and engaged the criminals on arrival. The terrorists were forced to abandon their plan and flee under heavy pressure from the troops.

During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

However, the Army disclosed that before the intervention of troops, the terrorists 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 the terrorists, who continue to target innocent civilians.

The Army noted that the prompt response of the troops prevented a large-scale abduction of schoolchildren and saved many lives, highlighting the commitment and professionalism of personnel of the 12 Brigade in protecting communities within their area of responsibility.

Troops have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects. Given the proximity of the community to neighbouring Kwara and Niger states, security agencies in those states have also been alerted to block possible escape routes.

Additional security measures have been put in place to deny terrorists freedom of movement, reassure residents, and prevent further attacks.

The Nigerian Army urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements from the state.