…one terrorist killed
Sanni Abdullahi
KABBA, Kogi State — A planned mass abduction of school children was thwarted on Tuesday after troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, intercepted terrorists disguised in military uniforms who had already assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area.
According to a press statement signed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, the operation was carried out on June 10, 2026, following “credible information provided by vigilant members of the community who alerted troops on patrol to the activities of the terrorists within the area.”
The statement said the troops, operating under 2 Division Nigerian Army, “immediately mobilised and advanced to the community to prevent the criminals from achieving their objective.”
On arrival at Iluke Community, soldiers met a grim scene. The terrorists had gathered pupils of Iluke Primary School and were preparing to move them out of the community.
“On arrival, 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 read.
During the firefight, one of the attackers was “neutralised while several others escaped with gunshot injuries upon the approach and engagement by the troops.”
The Army confirmed that the intervention prevented what could have been one of the largest school abductions in Kogi State this year. “The prompt response of the troops prevented what could have been a large scale abduction of school children and undoubtedly saved many lives,” Lt. Abdullahi stated.
Tragically, the terrorists killed two civilians before troops arrived. “Sadly, before the arrival of troops, the terrorists had killed a teacher and a resident of the community. Their actions further underscore the criminal and inhumane nature of the terrorists who continue to target innocent civilians,” the statement added.
Residents of Iluke, a rural community bordering Kwarra and Niger States, said the attack began in the morning hours when armed men in camouflage arrived on motorcycles and ordered the school to assemble. The quick alert to a nearby patrol team is being credited with saving dozens of children.
The 12 Brigade described the operation as a reflection of “the commitment, vigilance and professionalism of troops of 12 Brigade in safeguarding lives and protecting vulnerable communities across the Brigade’s area of responsibility.”
Security sources say the fleeing terrorists are believed to be part of a bandit group that has been moving between Kogi, Kwarra, and Niger States. In response, the Army said “troops are currently in pursuit of the fleeing bandits.”
Because Iluke sits close to interstate boundaries, coordination with neighboring security agencies has been activated. “Additionally, considering the interconnected nature of the community to adjoining Kwarra and Niger State, other security outfits in the neighbouring state have been intimated to block fleeing bandits,” Lt. Abdullahi noted.
Beyond the immediate pursuit, the Army said “other measures aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action, reassuring residents and preventing any further attacks have been emplaced.” These include increased patrols around schools in Kabba Bunu and surrounding LGAs, as well as intelligence-sharing with local vigilantes and hunters.
The attempted abduction comes amid renewed concerns about attacks on schools and soft targets in Nigeria’s North Central region. Education officials in Kogi have repeatedly called for more security around rural schools, many of which lack perimeter fencing or rapid-response support.
Community leaders in Iluke praised both the soldiers and the residents who raised the alarm. “It was the quick thinking of our people that gave the troops time,” one local leader told reporters on condition of anonymity. “If they had delayed even 10 minutes, our children would be gone.”
The Army is now urging the public to keep sharing timely information. “Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements,” the statement concluded.
As of Wednesday morning, normal classes had not resumed at Iluke Primary School. Parents were seen at the school gate, some weeping, others praying, as security operatives conducted a sweep of the area. The body of the slain teacher was taken for burial, while the injured resident is receiving treatment at a facility in Kabba.
The Nigerian Army said it will release further updates as the pursuit of the injured bandits continues. For now, the children of Iluke are alive because, as the 12 Brigade put it, troops acted “without delay” on intelligence from the very community the terrorists sought to terrorize.
