How troops foil attempted abduction of Kogi school pupils

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have foiled an attempted abduction of pupils at a primary school in Iluke Community, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one suspected terrorist and forcing others to flee.

The operation was carried out on Tuesday following intelligence provided by residents who alerted security personnel to the presence of armed men disguised in military uniforms within the community.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the troops swiftly mobilised to the area after receiving the information.

The statement said that upon arrival, the soldiers 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. During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised while several others escaped with gunshot injuries,” the statement read.

The Army, however, disclosed that before the troops arrived, the attackers had killed a teacher and a resident of the community.

The military described the killings as further evidence of the “criminal and inhumane nature” of terrorist groups targeting innocent civilians.

It noted that the prompt intervention of the troops prevented what could have become a large-scale abduction of schoolchildren and saved many lives.

The Army added that troops are currently pursuing the fleeing suspects, while security agencies in neighbouring Kwara and Niger states have been alerted to block possible escape routes.

It also stated that additional security measures have been put in place to reassure residents and prevent further attacks in the area.

The military urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and other criminal activities.