Security operatives in Kogi State have intercepted a truck carrying 21 underage children who were being moved into the state under suspicious conditions. The state government said the incident was discovered on Friday, December 5, 2025, in Yagba East Local Government Area.
According to Punch News on Tuesday 9 December, 2025, the children, aged between six and 17, were stopped by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) after community hunters alerted security agencies about unusual movement in the area. The adults accompanying the minors reportedly could not give a clear explanation for why the children were being transported.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the children were taken from different northern states. Some of the suspects claimed they were bringing the minors to start an informal Islamic school in Yagba East, but the authorities said their explanations did not add up. More arrests were made as security operatives expanded surveillance and discovered additional people linked to the movement.
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The state government said the rescued children had been taken to the NSCDC Command in Lokoja for proper profiling. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the minors and ensure their wellbeing until investigations are completed.
Officials added that anyone found guilty of child trafficking or endangering the children would face prosecution under Kogi State laws.
The state government assured residents that it will continue working with security agencies to prevent illegal movement of minors and protect vulnerable children.
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