By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Security operatives in Yagba Federal Constituency, Kogi State, have successfully rescued 21 children, aged 6 to 17, trafficked into the state for suspected covert recruitment into banditry.
A statement from the Kogi State Government, signed by Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, described the incident as an attempt to exploit underaged children for criminal activities.
According to the statement, operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), alongside other security agencies in Yagba Area Command, acted on credible intelligence at about 3:00 PM on December 5, intercepting a truck transporting the children.
Initial investigations revealed that the minors were moved from various northern states under suspicious circumstances by adults who could not provide legitimate reasons for their movement. Several suspects linked to the operation have been arrested, including individuals who claimed they were taking the children to establish an informal “Islamic school” in Yagba East.
The statement added that as security operatives intensified surveillance, additional arrests were made, uncovering more persons allegedly connected to the trafficking. Some of the suspects were found with items raising serious security concerns.
The rescued children have been transferred to the NSCDC State Command in Lokoja for detailed investigation and profiling of all individuals involved. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the children, ensuring their wellbeing and provision of 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 investigations and eventual reintegration with their families.
The statement warned that all individuals found culpable in the trafficking operation will be prosecuted under 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 statement said. “The administration of Governor Ododo will continue to work closely with security agencies and local communities to safeguard every part of the state.”
