Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - The Kogi State Government has said security operatives have intercepted a group of underage children trafficked into the state in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communication,
Kingsley Fanwo, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, December 9, 2025
said some suspects linked to the trafficking operation were arrested.
“At about 1500hrs on December 5, 2025, eagle-eyed security
operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yagba
Area Command, in collaboration with other security agencies in Isanlu, acting
on credible intelligence from community hunters, intercepted a truck conveying
21 children aged between six and 17 years into Kogi State,” the commissioner
stated.
He said initial investigations revealed that the children
were moved from different northern states under suspicious circumstances by
adults who could not provide legitimate justification for their movement.
"Several suspects linked to the trafficking operation
have been arrested, including individuals who claimed they were transporting
the children to establish an informal ‘Islamic school’ within Yagba East,” he
said.
Fanwo added that further arrests were made as security
operatives intensified surveillance in the area, uncovering additional persons
allegedly connected to the movement of the minors.
“Some of the suspects were also found with items raising
significant security concerns,” he said, adding that the rescued children had
been transferred to the NSCDC State Command in Lokoja for detailed
investigation and proper profiling of all persons involved.
He said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed the Ministry
of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the underage
victims, ensure their wellbeing and provide necessary psychosocial support
pending the conclusion of investigations.
“Upon completion of profiling and verification, the children
will be handed over to their respective state governments for further
investigation and eventual reintegration with their families,” he noted.
The commissioner, however, said all individuals found
culpable in the trafficking operation would be prosecuted in line with 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.
“The administration of Governor Ododo will continue to work
closely with security agencies and local communities to safeguard every part of
the state,” he added.
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