News
DSS Exposes Plan For Mass Students Abduction In Circulating Memo
The Department of State Services (DSS) has uncovered a plot by suspected terrorists and bandits to carry out a mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo State, particularly within the Edo North Senatorial District, according to an intelligence memo circulating online.
The classified memo, dated June 5, 2026, warned security agencies and relevant authorities of an imminent threat to schools in the state following intelligence gathered from intercepted communications between two suspected bandits identified as Bawa and Nuhu.
According to the DSS, the suspects discussed plans to target schoolchildren after previous attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals reportedly proved unsuccessful.
“Intelligence at the disposal of the command indicates plans by suspected bandits to kidnap school children in the State, particularly in Edo North senatorial district,” the memo stated.
The document further revealed that Bawa, described as a Fulani man from Zamfara State, and his associate, Nuhu, concluded during their conversation that abducting schoolchildren would attract greater government attention and increase the chances of receiving huge ransom payments.
“To this end, they concluded that abducting schoolchildren would attract greater government attention and potentially increase the likelihood of huge ransom payments and concessions,” the memo added.
As part of efforts to foil the plot, the DSS disclosed that a 25-year-old suspect, identified as Emmanuel Momidu, was arrested while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in the Makeke Community, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
The security agency subsequently advised authorities to immediately strengthen security around schools across Edo State, especially in vulnerable communities within Edo North.
It recommended deploying security personnel to schools and surrounding communities, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, local vigilantes, hunters, and other community-based security outfits.
The DSS also called for intensified patrols, surveillance operations and intelligence gathering in areas considered vulnerable to attacks.
The latest intelligence has raised fresh concerns over the safety of schoolchildren amid a resurgence of kidnappings targeting educational institutions across parts of Nigeria.
The warning comes weeks after gunmen abducted several pupils and teachers from a school in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, reigniting fears over the vulnerability of schools in the South-West region.
Chelsea is delighted to announce the signing of Italian international Marco Palestra from Serie A club Atalanta.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
The 21-year-old has signed a contract through to 2033 and will join his new team-mates for pre-season under manager Xabi Alonso.
Palestra, who was named Serie A Defender of the Year last season, said: ‘A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world.
‘I’m very excited to get started. I’ve felt the energy since the first day Chelsea wanted me. I can’t wait to start, see all the fans, my team-mates and the manager.
‘We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and manager in Xabi. He has spoken to me about how he wants us to play, which is exciting, and we can’t wait to compete in the Premier League.’
Following an impressive 2025/26 campaign on loan at Cagliari, Palestra arrives at Stamford Bridge with a strong reputation across European football.
He featured in 37 league games for Cagliari last season, with his performances as a full-back and wing-back, on both flanks, standing out in the Italian top flight.
Palestra earned his senior debut for Italy earlier this year, which was quickly followed by a second cap for the Azzurri.
Earlier this year, the Reds reached an agreement with French club,Renes to bring its defender Jacquet from into the squad, with the transfer expected to be officially approved in the coming days.
Jacquet rose through the ranks of Rennes’ youth team and made 33 appearances for the first team before moving to Anfield.
This 20-year-old is about to begin his Anfield journey. In an interview, he said: “I feel very good. My first impressions have been excellent, and I’m very happy to start my Anfield journey here.”
“For me, it is a huge dream to join a great club. A club like Liverpool is a massive dream for me.”
Jeremy Jacquet is currently 20 years old, stands 188 cm tall, and is valued at €55 million. Last season, he made 21 appearances for Rennes, all of them starts. In addition, Jacquet has made multiple appearances for France at various youth levels.
The Rennes centre-back costs Liverpool €72m to get a deal done with 5+1-year sealed
More than one million people took to the streets of Mexico City following Mexico’s win over Ecuador in the World Cup knockout stages, the city government said.
A 19-year-old woman is among three people to have died from suffocation during World Cup celebrations in Mexico City on Tuesday.
A 48-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man also died after crowds descended on the city following the country’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador, the capital’s health authority said on Wednesday.
More than one million people took to the streets, mainly around the Angel of Independence monument in downtown, to mark the country’s first World Cup knockout win since 1986, the city government said.
City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed her “most sincere condolences” to the victims’ families and pledged support in the coming days.
Health authorities said emergency services treated three unconscious people at different locations around Paseo de la Reforma before transporting them to hospital.
“After performing first aid and CPR techniques on the patients, they were transferred to a hospital for specialised medical care,” the city’s health authority said.
All three were confirmed to have died from suffocation and identified by their families, it added.
In a social media post after the deaths were announced, Mayor Brugada urged fans to “always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy”.
Mexico’s victory sparked wild celebrations in the Estadio Azteca and across large parts of the city, where fireworks could be seen being lit long after the final whistle.
Prior to the football match, Brugada had told fans hoping to watch the game near the Angel of Independence monument to look elsewhere due to the huge crowds already gathered there.
More than 20 million people live in Mexico City’s metropolitan area – making it one of the most densely populated places on the planet.
Tuesday’s win sends Mexico into the World Cup’s round of 16, where they could face England if Thomas Tuchel’s side beat DR Congo on Wednesday.
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