Maha Christopher
Operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army have foiled an alleged plot by members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network to abduct students participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination in parts of the South East.
According to The Punch, the planned attacks were targeted at schools in Enugu, Anambra and Imo states.
The DSS disclosed on Thursday that its operatives, working alongside military personnel, acted on intelligence reports and carried out raids on suspected ESN armouries in Enugu State.
During one of the operations in the Agbani area of the state, security operatives recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including eight AK 47 rifles, 12 magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Other items recovered included a smoke grenade launcher, teargas canisters and several National Youth Service Corps uniforms and accessories.
Security sources said intelligence gathered during the operation indicated that members of the group allegedly planned to disguise themselves in NYSC attire while carrying out attacks on selected schools across the region.
The DSS said the objective was to create the impression that armed bandits had infiltrated the South East.
Several suspects were reportedly arrested during the operation.
In a separate raid around the Garki area of Enugu, security personnel also recovered a rocket launcher, rocket propelled grenade warheads, AK 47 rifles, magazines, grenades and additional ammunition.
The agency said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to prevent attacks on schools and safeguard students writing public examinations.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over school security following a series of kidnappings targeting educational institutions in different parts of the country.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing while efforts continue to track down other members of the network.
