By Muhammad Mamman
The Kogi State Government has announced that security operatives have intercepted 21 underage children allegedly trafficked into the state in what authorities believe may be a covert attempt to recruit them for banditry training.
In a statement on Monday, the state government said the operatives acted on credible intelligence, leading to the interception of the group at a security checkpoint. The children were reportedly transported under suspicious circumstances and could not provide coherent explanations about their destination or the purpose of their movement.
According to officials, preliminary investigations suggest that the minors were being ferried to an undisclosed location linked to armed-group activities. The government said the pattern is consistent with tactics used by criminal networks that target vulnerable children for indoctrination and training.
State authorities noted that the adult handlers accompanying the children have been detained for questioning, while the victims are now in protective custody. Relevant agencies, including child protection services, have been deployed to provide medical care and psychological support.
The Kogi State Government condemned the incident as a “disturbing escalation” of criminal operations, stressing that trafficking young people for violent purposes poses a grave threat to national security. It vowed to deepen collaboration with security agencies to dismantle any networks attempting to exploit children for banditry or terrorism.
Authorities have also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, particularly involving minors, as investigations continue.
The government said full findings will be made public once ongoing interrogations and intelligence assessments are concluded.
