Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division Nigerian Army, have foiled an attempted abduction of pupils at Iluke Community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, preventing what security authorities described as a potentially large-scale kidnapping operation.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the terrorists, who were disguised in military uniforms, had targeted pupils of Iluke Primary School before the swift intervention of troops on June 10, 2026.
The statement disclosed that the successful operation followed credible intelligence provided by vigilant members of the community who alerted troops on patrol to suspicious activities within the area.
Acting promptly on the information, troops mobilised to the community and discovered that the terrorists had already assembled school children with the intention of abducting them.
On arrival, the soldiers immediately engaged the criminals, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee the area. During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds sustained during the exchange.
The Army, however, confirmed that before the arrival of troops, the terrorists had killed a teacher and a resident of the community.
Military authorities described the killings as further evidence of the brutal and criminal nature of the terrorists who continue to target innocent civilians.
The statement noted that the prompt response of the troops prevented a major tragedy and saved the lives of numerous school children who could have been taken hostage.
It further described the operation as a reflection of the commitment, vigilance and professionalism of troops of the 12 Brigade in protecting lives and securing vulnerable communities within their area of responsibility.
Security forces have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing terrorists. The Army also disclosed that, due to the strategic location of the community and its proximity to Kwara and Niger states, security agencies in neighbouring states have been alerted to block possible escape routes and support ongoing pursuit operations.
Additional security measures have been put in place to deny the terrorists freedom of movement, reassure residents and prevent further attacks in the area.
The military urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements and enhance security across the region.
