The Kogi State Government has uncovered and disrupted a suspected child-trafficking and covert recruitment operation in Yagba East Local Government Area, rescuing 21 underaged children believed to have been moved into the State for potential criminal indoctrination.
According to an official statement, security operatives from the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yagba Area Command, working alongside other security agencies in Isanlu, intercepted a truck at about 3:00 p.m. on 5 December 2025. The operation was triggered by credible intelligence provided by community hunters who had raised an alert over suspicious movements in the area.
The truck was found to be transporting children aged between 6 and 17 years, allegedly relocated from various northern states. Initial investigations revealed that the adults accompanying them could not provide any legitimate explanation for their movement into Kogi State, raising fears of a clandestine attempt to enrol the minors in banditry training.
Several suspects have been arrested in connection with the operation. Some of them claimed they were transporting the children to establish an informal Islamic school in Yagba East. Further surveillance and follow-up arrests uncovered additional individuals believed to be linked to the trafficking network, with some found in possession of items that heightened security concerns.
The rescued children have been moved to the NSCDC State Command in Lokoja for further profiling and to aid ongoing investigations.
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 care until the investigation is completed. He further ordered that, after proper verification, the children be returned to their respective state governments for reintegration with their families.
The Government emphasised that anyone found culpable will face prosecution under Kogi State’s Child Trafficking and Child Rights Protection Laws.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on trafficking and other security threats, the State Government assured residents of continued collaboration with security agencies and local communities to safeguard all parts of Kogi State.
Melissa Enoch
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