Troops Foil Attempted Mass Abduction of WAEC Students in Kogi, Rescue All Victims Unhurt

Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully foiled an attempted mass abduction of students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination conducted by the West African Examinations Council in Iluke Community, Bunu District of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when armed attackers, reportedly disguised in military uniforms, invaded the community and disrupted the ongoing examination session, attempting to forcefully march students into a nearby forest.

According to security sources, the attackers initially created panic in the area as they targeted examination candidates before troops of the Nigerian Army, acting on distress calls from residents, swiftly mobilised alongside other security agencies and local vigilante operatives.

A rapid response operation led to a firefight that forced the attackers to abandon the attempted abduction and flee into surrounding bushes, some of them reportedly sustaining injuries. Troops have since launched follow-up operations to track down the fleeing suspects and clear the area.

Security officials confirmed that all the students were safely rescued and reunited with their families without injury.

However, authorities said three community members lost their lives during the initial attack before the arrival of security forces. The Army extended condolences to the affected families and assured residents of continued efforts to restore security in the area.

The Army also commended local residents for promptly alerting security agencies, noting that the timely information was critical to the successful rescue operation.

The Kogi State Government praised the swift intervention of the military, describing it as decisive in preventing what could have been a major abduction incident involving examination candidates.

Security operations in the area are ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and prevent further attacks on communities within the district.