The Kogi State Government has uncovered what it described as a suspected child-trafficking and criminal-recruitment operation after operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps intercepted a truck conveying 21 underage children into the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement on Tuesday, said the children—aged between six and 17—were rescued by NSCDC personnel attached to the Yagba Area Command following credible intelligence from community hunters.
Fanwo said the interception occurred at about 3:00 pm on December 5, 2025, when operatives halted a suspicious truck entering Isanlu.
According to him, several adults found with the children could not explain the circumstances under which the minors were being transported.
“Initial investigations revealed that the children were moved from different northern states under conditions that raised serious concerns.
The accompanying adults could not provide any legitimate justification for their movement,” the commissioner said.
He added that some of the arrested adults claimed they were bringing the minors to establish an informal Islamic learning centre in Yagba East, a claim authorities described as suspicious and unsubstantiated.
Fanwo noted that additional suspects were arrested during expanded surveillance operations in the area.
“Some of the suspects were also found with items raising significant security concerns,” he said, without disclosing the materials for operational reasons.
The rescued children have since been transferred to the NSCDC State Command in Lokoja for profiling and further questioning, alongside the intercepted adults.
Fanwo said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had ordered the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take custody of the children and ensure their safety, welfare and psychosocial support until investigations are completed.
“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 added.
He vowed that all persons found culpable would be prosecuted under the state’s child-protection and anti-trafficking 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 said.
The government did not disclose the identities of the children or the suspects, but assured the public that no detail would be overlooked as investigators work to unravel the full motive behind the movement of the minors.
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