Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division, have successfully foiled an attempted abduction of pupils at Iluke Community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, followed credible intelligence from vigilant community members who alerted troops on patrol about suspicious activities of terrorists disguised in military uniforms within the area.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, troops swiftly mobilised to the community upon receiving the information in a bid to prevent the planned attack.
Upon arrival, the soldiers discovered that the terrorists had already assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School with the intention of abducting them. The troops immediately engaged the criminals, forced them to abandon their mission and flee.
During the encounter, one terrorist was neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds sustained during the firefight.
The Army, however, disclosed that before troops reached the scene, the terrorists had killed a teacher and a resident of the community, describing the act as a further demonstration of the criminal and inhumane nature of the attackers.
“The prompt response of the troops prevented what could have been a large-scale abduction of schoolchildren and undoubtedly saved many lives,” the statement said.
The Army noted that the operation underscores the commitment, vigilance and professionalism of troops of the 12 Brigade in safeguarding lives and protecting vulnerable communities within their area of responsibility.
Troops are currently pursuing the fleeing terrorists. Given the proximity of the community to neighbouring Kwara and Niger states, security agencies in the adjoining states have been alerted to block possible escape routes.
The military also said additional security measures have been put in place to deny terrorists freedom of action, reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
The Army urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements from the state.
Lieutenant Abdullahi reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining security across the country.
