The Kogi State Government has confirmed that security operatives recently intercepted a truck carrying underage children into the state, in what is suspected to be an attempt to recruit minors for criminal or banditry activities.
The disclosure came in a statement released early Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo.
He said, “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.”
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Fanwo explained that preliminary investigations indicated the children were transported from various northern states under suspicious circumstances by adults unable to provide any legitimate reason 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 added.
He noted that security forces intensified surveillance in the area, leading to further arrests of persons allegedly connected to the minors’ movement.
“Some of the suspects were also found with items raising significant security concerns,” Fanwo said, noting that the rescued children had been taken to the NSCDC State Command in Lokoja for detailed profiling and investigation.
The commissioner added that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the children, ensure their wellbeing, and provide psychosocial support while investigations continue.
“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 said.
Fanwo also warned that all individuals found responsible for the trafficking would face prosecution under Kogi State’s child trafficking and child 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 concluded.
