Security Operatives Intercept Truck Conveying 21 Trafficked Children In Kogi

Rita Enemuru, Reporting

THE National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted a truck conveying 21 underage children into Kogi State

The security operatives intercepted the vehicle in what authorities describe as a suspected covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.

In a statement issued in the early hours of Tuesday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said security personnel acted swiftly following credible intelligence from community hunters.

According to him, initial findings showed that the children were brought from different northern states under highly suspicious circumstances, and the adults accompanying them were unable to provide any legitimate explanation for their movement.

He noted that 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.

Fanwo added that more arrests followed as security operatives increased surveillance across the area, uncovering additional persons allegedly connected to the movement of the underage victims.

He stated that some of the suspects were also found with items raising significant security concerns, adding that the children had been moved to the NSCDC State Command in Lokoja for thorough investigation and proper profiling of everyone involved.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, he said, has directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the rescued minors, ensure their welfare and provide necessary psychosocial support pending the conclusion of investigations.

Fanwo stressed that after profiling and verification, the children would be handed over to their respective state governments for further investigation and eventual reintegration with their families.

“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.

“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.

“Some of the suspects were also found with items raising significant security concerns.

“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 statement read in part.

He affirmed that all individuals found culpable in the trafficking operation would face prosecution under Kogi State’s child trafficking and child rights protection laws.

The commissioner reiterated the government’s strong stance against illegal movement of minors and threats to public safety, saying that the Kogi State Government reiterates its uncompromising stance against child trafficking, criminal infiltration and any form of security threat.

He added that the administration of Governor Ododo would continue to work closely with security agencies and local communities to protect every part of the state.