Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have foiled an attempted mass abduction of pupils at Iluke Primary School in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area, killing one terrorist and forcing others to flee with gunshot injuries.
The operation took place on *10 June 2026* after community members alerted soldiers on patrol to armed men disguised in military uniforms moving toward the school. Acting on the intelligence, troops mobilised immediately to Iluke Community.
On arrival, soldiers found the attackers had already assembled pupils for abduction. The troops engaged the terrorists, compelling them to abandon the mission and flee. One terrorist was neutralised during the exchange, while several others escaped with injuries. The Army said pursuit operations are ongoing.
Tragically, before troops arrived, the attackers killed a teacher and a resident of Iluke. The Army described the killings as underscoring “the criminal and inhumane nature of terrorists who continue to target innocent civilians.”
12 Brigade said the prompt response prevented a large-scale abduction and saved many lives. The operation, it added, reflects the Brigade’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities across Kogi and adjoining areas.
In a follow-up, the Army said it has notified security outfits in *Kwara and Niger States* to block fleeing routes, and has emplaced additional measures to deny terrorists freedom of action. The public was urged to continue providing timely information to security agencies. The statement was signed by Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade.
