Operatives of the Department of State Services and troops of the Nigerian Army have thwarted a coordinated plot by members of the outlawed Eastern Security Network to abduct students sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination in parts of the South-East.

Security sources said the planned attacks targeted multiple secondary schools in Enugu, Anambra and Imo states, where thousands of candidates are currently writing the crucial final examinations.

According to an official statement, the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that ESN cells were preparing to storm selected schools disguised as members of the National Youth Service Corps. The attackers were allegedly hoping to pass through security checkpoints and school gates without raising suspicion.

Acting on the tip-off, DSS operatives and soldiers raided an ESN armoury in the Agbani axis of Enugu State. The raid yielded a cache of high-calibre weapons, including eight AK-47 rifles, 12 AK-47 magazines and 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Also recovered were a smoke grenade launcher, two teargas canisters, 10 NYSC trousers, eight NYSC T-shirts and four NYSC lanyards, which investigators believe were to be used as part of the impersonation strategy.

Intelligence gathered during the operation suggested that the group intended to attack schools in a manner that would mimic the modus operandi of bandit gangs operating in other parts of the country, thereby creating the impression that such criminal networks had spread to the South-East.

Several suspected ESN members were arrested during the raid. A separate joint operation by DSS personnel and soldiers around the Garki area of Enugu uncovered another armoury linked to the same network.

From that location, security forces recovered a rocket launcher, two rocket-propelled grenade warheads, three RPG chargers and three AK-47 rifles. They also seized six AK-47 magazines, two handheld grenades, one teargas gun, a baton, two additional teargas canisters, 270 rounds of NATO 7.62x39mm ammunition, 478 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition and a bandolier.

Security analysts say the foiled plot underscores the persistent threat to schools in Nigeria, where mass abductions have become a grim feature of the security landscape. The latest operation is expected to trigger a fresh review of protective measures around examination centres and other educational institutions across the South-East and beyond.