The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following a leaked intelligence report from the State Security Service (SSS) warning of planned mass abductions of schoolchildren. 

According to the classified document, security agencies intercepted communications between two suspected bandits, identified as Bawa and Nuhu. The suspects reportedly discussed shifting their focus toward targeting educational institutions after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to yield expected financial returns. The intelligence indicated that the suspects believed abducting children would draw significant government attention, thereby increasing the likelihood of substantial ransom payouts and concessions.

As part of the unfolding security situation, authorities apprehended a 25-year-old man, Emmanuel Momidu, on June 4. He was allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in the Akoko-Edo region.

In response to the threat, the SSS advised a immediate reinforcement of security measures around educational facilities, particularly within the Edo North Senatorial District. The intelligence agency recommended deploying personnel to vulnerable communities, increasing patrols, and collaborating with the Edo State Security Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters to deter potential attacks.

Senior officials from the Department of State Services (DSS) have since confirmed the authenticity of the memo. However, they expressed strong reservations regarding its leak to the public, noting that such tactical alerts are routinely shared among sister agencies solely for preventative action and are not meant for general circulation. An official criticized the handling of the document, emphasizing that the focus should remain on executing security measures rather than exposing confidential correspondence.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has not yet released an official statement regarding the leaked communication.

This latest development exacerbates existing anxieties across Edo State, which continues to face a challenging security environment marked by frequent kidnappings along major highways and within local communities.