Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army have foiled a planned mass abduction of students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in parts of Nigeria’s South-East.

The security operation, carried out on Wednesday following intelligence reports, targeted members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network (ESN), who were allegedly preparing coordinated attacks on schools in Enugu, Anambra and Imo states.

Weapons and NYSC uniforms recovered

According to the DSS statement, operatives raided an ESN arms hideout in the Agbani axis of Enugu State, where they recovered a cache of weapons and military-style items.

Items seized included AK-47 rifles, ammunition, tear gas canisters, grenade launchers and other combat materials. Authorities also recovered NYSC-branded uniforms reportedly intended for use as disguises during the planned operation.

Security officials said the suspects intended to dress as National Youth Service Corps members to mislead the public and create confusion during the attacks.

Coordinated intelligence-led operation

The DSS said the raid was conducted jointly with the Nigerian Army after “credible intelligence” indicated imminent plans to abduct students writing WAEC examinations.

A second operation was also carried out around Garki, Enugu, where additional arms and ammunition were reportedly discovered.

Officials confirmed that several suspects linked to the group were arrested during the operations, though the total number has not been disclosed.

Rising concern over school security

The foiled plot comes amid renewed concern over attacks on schools across parts of Nigeria in recent years, particularly in northern and central regions. Security agencies say criminal and extremist groups have increasingly targeted educational institutions for mass abductions, prompting heightened surveillance during examination periods.

The DSS added that the operation followed earlier arrests of suspected arms couriers linked to previous school kidnapping cases, including an incident in Niger State.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to track wider networks connected to the alleged plot.