The Kogi State Government has announced that security operatives successfully intercepted a group of underage children trafficked into the state, in what is suspected to be an attempt to recruit minors for banditry training.
The disclosure was made on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo.
According to the statement, at around 1500 hours on 5 December 2025, vigilant officers of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yagba Area Command, in collaboration with other security agencies in Isanlu, intercepted a truck carrying 21 children aged between six and 17 years. The operation followed credible intelligence provided by local community hunters.
“Initial investigations revealed that the children were transported from various northern states under suspicious circumstances by adults unable to justify their movement,” Fanwo said.
Several suspects linked to the trafficking operation have been arrested. Some claimed they were transporting the children to establish an informal ‘Islamic school’ in Yagba East. Further arrests were made as security operatives intensified surveillance, uncovering additional persons allegedly connected to the trafficking network. Some of the suspects were reportedly found with items raising serious security concerns.
The rescued children were transferred to the NSCDC State Command in Lokoja for detailed investigation and proper profiling. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the victims, ensuring their welfare and providing necessary psychosocial support while investigations continue. Once profiling and verification are complete, the children will be returned to their respective state governments for reintegration with their families.
Fanwo stressed that all individuals found culpable will face prosecution under Kogi State’s child trafficking and child rights protection laws.
“The Kogi State Government reiterates its uncompromising stance against child trafficking, criminal infiltration and any form of security threat. Governor Ododo’s administration will continue to collaborate with security agencies and local communities to safeguard the state,” he added.
