Kogi State Government has announced the interception of 21 underage children allegedly trafficked into the state in what authorities suspect to be a covert recruitment operation for banditry training.
According to an official statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the children, aged between 6 and 17, were rescued at about 3:00 p.m. on 5 December 2025, by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Yagba Area Command.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies in Isanlu, following credible intelligence provided by community hunters.
Investigations revealed that the children were transported from various northern states under suspicious circumstances.
The adults accompanying them reportedly failed to provide any legitimate explanation for the movement, raising concerns about possible links to criminal networks.
Multiple arrests have been made in connection with the trafficking ring. Among the suspects are individuals who claimed they were transporting the minors to set up an informal Islamic school in Yagba East.
Security personnel, who intensified surveillance after the initial interception, also apprehended additional suspects allegedly tied to the operation. Some were found with items described as raising serious security concerns.
The rescued children have been handed over to the NSCDC State Command in Lokoja for further investigation and comprehensive profiling.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the victims, ensure their welfare, and provide psychosocial support pending the conclusion of investigations.
The state government further stated that once profiling and verification are completed, the children will be returned to their respective state governments for additional inquiries and eventual reunification with their families.
Fanwo reaffirmed the government’s firm stance against child trafficking and criminal infiltration, stressing that all individuals found culpable will face prosecution under Kogi State’s Child Trafficking and Child Rights Protection Laws.
He added that the Ododo administration remains committed to working with security agencies and local communities to strengthen surveillance and protect all parts of the state.
