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.

The Trump administration is rolling out a new visa-restriction policy in response to a wave of brutal anti-Christian attacks in Nigeria, targeting those accused of orchestrating religious violence against Christians in the West African nation and around the world.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that a new policy in the Immigration and Nationality Act will allow the State Department to deny visas to those “who have directed, authorized, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom.” Immediate family members may also face visa restrictions in some cases.

“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the mass killings and violence against Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and beyond,” Rubio said in the statement.

The move follows a surge of attacks on Christians and Christian institutions in Nigeria. Last month, gunmen stormed the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, killing two people and kidnapping dozens. The 38 abducted worshipers were freed nearly a week later.

Days later, armed attackers raided St. Mary’s School in Niger State, abducting more than 300 students and staff. School officials said 50 students aged 10 to 18 escaped in the following days, but 253 students and 12 teachers remain captive.

The violence prompted President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” though the Nigerian government disputes the U.S. assessment.

“I’m really angry about it,” the president told Fox News Radio last month. “What’s happening in Nigeria is a disgrace.”

Rubio said the new visa restrictions will apply to Nigeria and to any other governments or individuals involved in violating religious freedom.

Echoing Trump’s warning, Rubio said: “As President Trump made clear, the ‘United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.’”

The Sokoto State Police Command, under the leadership of Cp Ahmed Musa,psc through its dedicated Anti-Kidnapping Unit, has announced a significant breakthrough in its fight against organized crime with the arrest of three notorious members of a cult group known as “Sai Malam.”

The group has been a growing source of fear and concern for communities across the state.

The arrests were carried out on Friday, November 28, 2025, at about 2300 hours, following a meticulously executed operation driven by credible intelligence.

The primary suspect, Usman Shu’aibu ‘M’, along with two other accomplices, were apprehended and has since provided detailed confessions regarding the group’s activities.

During interrogation, the suspects revealed that they were initiated into the unlawful “Sai Malam” society through a private WhatsApp group named “Red Chamber.”

Investigations confirm that this digital platform was created with the explicit purpose of luring and initiating innocent youths into a wide range of criminal and morally reprehensible activities, including:

* Witchcraft and Ritualist Practices

* The pursuit of Demonic Powers

* Acts of Homosexuality

* Organized Thuggery and ViolenceIn light of these disturbing revelations, the Sokoto State Police Command issues a strong advisory warning to all parents and guardians.

The “Red Chamber” WhatsApp group highlights a dangerous trend where criminal elements are exploiting digital platforms and social media to target and corrupt the youth.

Parents are urged to:

* Actively monitor their children’s activities on smartphones and social media applications.

* Engage in open conversations about the dangers of online groups and the importance of rejecting unsolicited invitations from strangers.

* Be vigilant regarding sudden changes in their wards’ behavior, social circles, and secrecy around their phones.

* Report any suspicious online activities or peer group influences to the authorities immediately.

The arrest of these individuals is a direct response to the growing concerns and pleas from residents regarding the destabilizing activities of the “Sai Malam” group.

The Command wishes to reassure the public that their voices have been heard.”

We want to assure the good people of Sokoto that we have been listening to their concerns. The arrest of these suspects is a clear demonstration that their calls for action have been answered.

Our efforts have disrupted a key cell of this notorious group, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of every citizen,” Cp Musa stated.

The Police Command confirms that investigative efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest the remaining members of the “Sai Malam” gang. The public is encouraged to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and useful information.

The Command is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of all citizens within the state.

Through proactive intelligence-led policing, community cooperation, and relentless pursuit of criminal elements, we strives to maintain peace, law, and order.