BREAKING: Terrorists Disguised as Soldiers Attempt Mass Kidnap of School Pupils in Kogi, Army Kills One and Foils Attack

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A potentially devastating mass abduction of schoolchildren was averted in Kogi State after troops of the Nigerian Army successfully foiled an attempted kidnapping operation by terrorists posing as military personnel.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 10, 2026, in Iluke Community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where armed terrorists disguised in military uniforms allegedly stormed the area and assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School with plans to abduct them.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, the swift intervention of troops prevented what could have become one of the latest large-scale school kidnappings in the country.

The Army said the operation was launched after vigilant community members provided credible intelligence about suspicious armed men operating within the area. Troops on patrol immediately mobilized and advanced to the community upon receiving the alert.

Upon arrival, soldiers discovered that the terrorists had already gathered pupils and were preparing to execute their abduction plan. The troops immediately engaged the attackers in a fierce confrontation, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee.

During the gun battle, one terrorist was neutralized, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

However, the Army revealed that before security forces arrived, the attackers had already killed a teacher and a local resident, highlighting the brutality of the criminal group.

“The prompt response of the troops prevented what could have been a large-scale abduction of school children and undoubtedly saved many lives,” the statement said.

Military authorities described the operation as another demonstration of the commitment, vigilance, and professionalism of troops deployed across the region to protect vulnerable communities and ensure the safety of citizens.

Security forces have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects. Given the strategic location of the community and its connections to neighboring Kwara and Niger states, security agencies in the adjoining states have been alerted to help block possible escape routes.

The Army added that additional security measures have been put in place to reassure residents, deny terrorists freedom of movement, and prevent further attacks.

Authorities also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.

The foiled attack comes amid renewed concerns over the targeting of schools and rural communities by armed groups across parts of Nigeria, making the successful rescue of the pupils a significant victory for security forces and residents of Kogi State.