Kogi State government said on Monday that it has successfully foiled an attempt by some persons to traffic 21 under aged children into the state.
The state Commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo who disclosed this in a statement in Lokoja.
He said the children aged between 6 and 17 years were trafficked into the state in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.
He said eagle-eyed security operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yagba Area in collaboration with other security agencies in Isanlu, acting on credible intelligence from community hunters, intercepted a truck conveying the 21 children on December 5, 2025.
Fanwo said : ” Initial investigations revealed that the children had been 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.
“Further arrests were made as security operatives intensified surveillance within 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 explained that the
rescued children have since been transferred to the State Command of the NSCDC in Lokoja for detailed investigation and proper profiling of all persons involved.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the underaged victims, ensure their wellbeing, and provide the 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,” the Commissioner said.
He said all individuals found culpable in the trafficking operation will 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,” Fanwo stated.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
