Crime
Kogi Investigating Suspected Child Traffickers
Several suspects linked to the trafficking operation have been arrested, including individuals who claimed they were transporting the children to establish an informal “Islamic school” within Yagba East.
Photo: 21 children trafficked/ Govt House
The Kogi State Government had foil a group of underaged children trafficked into the State, in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.
In a statement by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, said that on December 5, 2025, eagle-eyed security operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yagba Area Command in collaboration with other security agencies in Isanlu, acted on credible intelligence from community hunters, intercepted a truck conveying 21 children aged between 6 and 17 years into Kogi State.
Initial investigations revealed that the children had been moved from different northern states under suspicious circumstances by adults who could not provide legitimate justification for their movement.
Several suspects linked to the trafficking operation have been arrested, including individuals who claimed they were transporting the children to establish an informal “Islamic school” within Yagba East.
Further arrests were made as security operatives intensified surveillance within the area, uncovering additional persons allegedly connected to the movement of the minors.
Some of the suspects were also found with items raising significant security concerns.
The rescued children have since been transferred to the State Command of the NSCDC in Lokoja for detailed investigation and proper profiling of all persons involved.
Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the underaged victims, ensure their wellbeing, and provide the necessary 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 investigation and eventual reintegration with their families.
Meanwhile, all individuals found culpable in this trafficking operation will be prosecuted in line with 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 administration of Governor Ododo will continue to work closely with security agencies and local communities to safeguard every part of the State.
Crime
Nigerian Military Confirms Coup Plot Allegations: 16 Officers to Face Court-Martial
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that investigations into the conduct of 16 military officers arrested in October 2025 have been completed, with some found to have allegedly plotted to overthrow the government.
In a press release issued today, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) stated that the officers were initially detained over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
Following a thorough investigation conducted in line with established military procedures, the probe uncovered evidence linking a number of the officers to a plot against the government—an action deemed inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards expected of AFN personnel.
“The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” the statement read. The comprehensive report has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority for further action.
Those implicated and found to have cases to answer will be formally arraigned before a special military judicial panel, where they will face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service regulations.
The DHQ emphasized that this process upholds accountability while maintaining the integrity of military discipline.
The arrests were first announced by the Defence Headquarters in October 2025, initially described in neutral terms as related to indiscipline. Today’s update marks the first official confirmation from the military that the matter involved an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The AFN reiterated its commitment to professionalism and adherence to constitutional order, assuring the public that the judicial proceedings will be conducted transparently and in full compliance with military law.
No further details on the identities of the officers or specific timelines for the trials were provided in the statement.
Crime
DSS Arrests Suspected Sea Pirates, Foils Planned Hijack of Crude Oil Vessel
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested several suspected sea pirates in a swift operation that successfully thwarted a planned hijack of a crude oil vessel off the Nigerian coast.

According to security sources, the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence that indicated an imminent attack on the vessel transporting crude oil.
The operation, carried out by DSS operatives in collaboration with other security agencies, prevented what could have been a major maritime incident in Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The arrested individuals are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to uncover possible accomplices, sponsors, and details of the foiled plot. Authorities have not yet released the exact number of suspects or their identities, citing ongoing investigations.
This latest crackdown highlights the persistent threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, where armed groups target oil vessels for ransom, theft of cargo, or both.
The DSS emphasized its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime economy and critical energy infrastructure.
No injuries or damage to the vessel were reported, and normal operations have resumed.
Crime
Police Foil Bandit Attack, Rescue 6 on Yankara–Funtua Highway
Security operatives in Katsina State have successfully thwarted an armed bandit attack on the Yankara–Funtua highway, rescuing six kidnapped victims unharmed.
According to reports from local security sources, the incident occurred in the Faskari Local Government Area when suspected bandits ambushed travelers along the highway. Prompt response by police officers led to a confrontation with the attackers, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
The rescued individuals have been identified as Rabi Hamisu, Safare Musa, Abubakar Samaila, Shehu Umar, Sara’u Yahaya, and Ibrahim Babangida. All six were reported to be in good condition following the operation and have been reunited with their families.
The Katsina State Police Command has intensified patrols and surveillance along vulnerable highways in the region amid ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping.
Authorities urged residents and commuters to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
This latest success underscores the ongoing security challenges in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target highways for ambushes and abductions. No casualties were reported among the security personnel involved in the rescue.
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