A joint security operation involving operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian military has foiled an alleged plot by suspected terrorists to abduct students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in parts of the South-East, averting what could have been another major school kidnapping incident in the country.
The operation, carried out following intelligence reports, led to the discovery and dismantling of suspected terrorist hideouts and armouries, with security forces recovering a significant cache of weapons, ammunition and military-style equipment believed to have been earmarked for coordinated attacks in the region.
According to security sources, intelligence gathered ahead of the operation indicated that members of a terrorist organisation were planning attacks on selected schools across the South-East in an apparent attempt to create the impression that armed bandits had expanded their operations into the region.
The planned attacks were reportedly targeted at schools hosting candidates participating in the ongoing West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations, raising fears of a large-scale abduction similar to previous school kidnappings recorded in other parts of the country.
During the operation, security personnel recovered eight AK-47 rifles, 12 AK-47 magazines and 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Other items recovered included a smoke grenade launcher, two teargas canisters, 10 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) trousers, eight NYSC-branded T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards.
Security analysts believe the recovered NYSC items may have been intended for disguise or impersonation purposes during future operations.
Several suspects linked to the network were reportedly arrested during the raids.
In a related operation conducted earlier in the week around the Garki area of Enugu State, a combined team of DSS operatives and military personnel reportedly uncovered another suspected armoury linked to the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The raid yielded additional high-grade weaponry, including a rocket launcher, two rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) warheads, three RPG chargers and three AK-47 rifles.
Also recovered were six AK-47 magazines, two handheld grenades, a teargas gun, a baton, two teargas canisters, 270 rounds of NATO 7.62x39mm ammunition, 478 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, a bandolier and other combat-related equipment.
Security agencies are said to be analyzing intelligence recovered from the operations as investigations continue.
The development comes barely a week after DSS operatives arrested five suspected arms couriers allegedly linked to the gunmen responsible for the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State, in November 2025.
Security experts note that the latest operation may have prevented another major assault on educational institutions at a time when concerns over the safety of schools remain high across the country.
Nigeria has witnessed several high-profile school kidnappings over the past decade, with thousands of students abducted by criminal gangs and terrorist groups in different parts of the country.
The foiled operation is expected to reinforce ongoing efforts by security agencies to protect schools, particularly examination centres, from attacks and abductions.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of those arrested, but investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the network, its sponsors and possible links to other violent incidents across the region.The DSS and military have yet to issue a comprehensive official statement on the operation, but security sources described the development as a significant breakthrough in efforts to disrupt planned attacks and strengthen security around educational institutions nationwide.
