The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned kidnap attack targeting students in the area.

The government said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect students, teachers and other school personnel amid heightened security concerns in parts of the state.

Authorities directed the affected schools to suspend academic activities pending further security assessments and the implementation of additional protective measures.

State officials assured parents and guardians that the temporary shutdown was necessary to prevent any security breach and guarantee the safety of students.

The development followed a security alert issued by the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) warning of a possible mass abduction of schoolchildren by suspected bandits in Edo State.

The advisory, dated June 5, 2026, was addressed to the Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC and referenced intelligence suggesting that schoolchildren in Edo North Senatorial District could be targeted by criminal elements.

According to the DSS, intercepted communications between two suspected bandits identified as Bawa and Nuhu revealed plans to shift their focus to schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals reportedly failed to generate the expected financial returns.

The agency said the suspects allegedly believed that abducting students would attract greater government attention and increase the chances of receiving substantial ransom payments and concessions.

The DSS further disclosed that a suspect, Emmanuel Momidu, was arrested on June 4, 2026, while allegedly conducting surveillance around a secondary school in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

Following the intelligence report, security agencies were placed on high alert and directed to intensify surveillance and security operations around schools and other vulnerable locations, particularly within Edo North Senatorial District.

A security source who confirmed the advisory described it as a routine security communication but acknowledged the authenticity of the alert.

The DSS advised the NSCDC and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen security measures around educational institutions to forestall any potential attack.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could help prevent criminal activities and enhance public safety.