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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.

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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.

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Crime

Boko Haram Attacks Adamawa Community, Kills Residents

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Boko Haram militants have launched a deadly invasion of a community in Adamawa State, killing several residents and setting multiple houses ablaze.

The attack, described by local sources as sudden and coordinated, saw the fighters storm the area, opening fire on civilians and torching homes. Survivors reported scenes of chaos as residents fled in different directions to escape the assault. A number of people were confirmed dead, while others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.

The burning of houses has left many families displaced, with properties and livelihoods destroyed in the violence. The community remains tense, and residents are calling for increased security presence to prevent further attacks.

Security forces are yet to issue a comprehensive official update on the incident, though reports indicate that troops have been mobilised to the area.

The assault is the latest in a series of raids attributed to the group in the northeast, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the insurgents in Adamawa and neighbouring states.

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Crime

More Than 23 Terrorists Killed in Boko Haram-ISWAP Clash in Sambisa (Video)

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More than 23 terrorists have been killed in renewed fighting between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State, security sources say.

The latest clashes erupted around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members advancing into the area. The fighting forms part of a fresh wave of hostilities that began about two days ago.

A video obtained by Zagazola Makama shows sustained exchanges of fire as both groups tried to consolidate positions and block the other from expanding influence inside the forest.

Preliminary intelligence puts the death toll at more than 23 on both sides since the latest round began, though exact figures for each faction could not be independently verified.

The violence underscores the ongoing rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters in Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas. The confrontation has further weakened both groups and disrupted their activities in a long-standing insurgent stronghold.

Security forces are closely monitoring the situation and exploiting intelligence on the factions’ movements. The military continues to target terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts across the North-East as part of efforts to degrade the insurgents.

Officials have urged communities near the forest to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements. The situation remains fluid, with further clashes possible as both sides seek to reposition and reinforce their fighters.

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Crime

10 Out of 15 Abducted NYSC Members Rescued in Kogi (Video)

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The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that 10 of the 15 National Youth Service Corps members abducted by suspected bandits along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area have been rescued.

Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi said security operatives are combing surrounding forests and intensifying efforts to free the remaining victims.

He dismissed reports that the 10 rescued corps members were among the 11 persons freed during a joint security operation last week, clarifying that those earlier rescued were other travellers caught up in the same kidnapping incident.

The commissioner added that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.

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