The Department of State Services, working alongside troops of the Nigerian Army, has foiled an alleged plan by suspected members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network to abduct students participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination across parts of the South-East.
According to a statement issued by the DSS, the planned attacks were aimed at schools located in Enugu, Anambra and Imo states.
Security operatives reportedly acted on intelligence indicating that members of the group were preparing coordinated attacks on examination centres.
Acting on the information, DSS operatives and soldiers carried out raids on suspected hideouts and armouries linked to the group in Enugu State.
“The operation led to the recovery of several weapons and ammunition, as well as items believed to have been intended for use during the planned attacks,” the statement said.
Among the items recovered were multiple assault rifles, magazines, ammunition, smoke and teargas equipment, and clothing resembling National Youth Service Corps uniforms.
Security sources disclosed that intelligence gathered during the operation suggested that the suspects planned to disguise themselves in NYSC attire while carrying out the attacks.
“Preliminary findings indicated that the objective was to create panic and falsely portray the attacks as the work of bandits operating in the region,” the statement added.
The DSS further revealed that several suspects were arrested during the raids, while additional operations led to the discovery of another weapons cache in the Garki area of Enugu State.
Recovered items from the second operation reportedly included a rocket launcher, rocket-propelled grenade components, assault rifles, grenades, ammunition and other tactical equipment.
The security agency said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network and identify other individuals connected to the alleged plot.
The operation comes amid renewed concerns over attacks on schools and educational institutions across the country. Authorities noted that the successful intervention may have prevented another major school abduction, a crime that has repeatedly disrupted education and endangered students in several parts of Nigeria.
“The DSS and the Nigerian Army remain committed to safeguarding lives, protecting critical institutions and ensuring that criminal elements do not undermine public safety,” the statement added.
