Army Foils Mass Abduction of Students in Kogi, Eliminates Terrorist
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division Nigerian Army, have thwarted an attempted mass abduction of pupils at Iluke Community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, preventing what could have been a major security tragedy.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, June 10, followed credible intelligence provided by vigilant residents who alerted troops on patrol about the presence and activities of suspected terrorists in the area.
According to military authorities, the terrorists, disguised in military uniforms, had infiltrated the community and assembled pupils of Iluke Primary School with the intention of abducting them before the troops intervened.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the soldiers mobilised to the community and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee.
During the encounter, one of the terrorists was neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds sustained during the exchange of fire.
However, military authorities disclosed that the attackers had, before the arrival of the troops, killed a teacher and a resident of the community, highlighting the brutality of the criminal elements.
The Nigerian Army noted that the prompt response by the troops averted a large-scale abduction and saved the lives of numerous schoolchildren who had been targeted by the terrorists.
“The operation reflects the commitment, vigilance and professionalism of troops of 12 Brigade in safeguarding lives and protecting vulnerable communities within the Brigade’s area of responsibility,” the Army said.
Troops have since launched a pursuit operation to track down the fleeing suspects. Security agencies in neighbouring Kwara and Niger states have also been alerted to assist in blocking possible escape routes due to the interconnected nature of the affected communities.
Military authorities added that additional security measures have been put in place to deny terrorists freedom of movement, reassure residents and prevent further attacks in the area.
The Army urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements and enhance security across the state.
By TimesNG