Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army under 2 Division Nigerian Army have prevented a planned abduction of school children in Kogi State, disrupting a terrorist operation targeting pupils of Iluke Primary School in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the operation followed credible intelligence from community members who alerted troops on patrol about suspicious activities around Iluke community.
The terrorists, who reportedly disguised themselves in military uniforms, had already assembled pupils of the primary school when troops moved in to stop the planned attack.
Acting on the information, troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the criminals before they could execute the abduction plan.
The military response forced the terrorists to abandon their mission and flee into surrounding areas. One terrorist was neutralised during the encounter, while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
Although the attackers killed a teacher and a resident before troops arrived, the intervention prevented what could have resulted in a large-scale abduction of school children.
The incident again highlights the vulnerability of educational institutions in conflict-sensitive environments and the importance of community intelligence networks in preventing attacks before they escalate.
Troops of 12 Brigade are currently pursuing the fleeing terrorists, while security coordination has been extended to neighbouring areas, including Kwarra and parts of Niger State, due to the possibility of movement across adjoining locations.
The Brigade stated that “additional measures have been activated to deny terrorists freedom of action, reassure residents and prevent further attacks.”
Members of the public have also been encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements.
