The Yagba East Local Government council of Kogi State said it has intercepted the trafficking of 21 children in the state by a trafficker and two suspected kidnappers.
In a statement by Special Adviser on Media, Yagba East local Government Council, Daramola Olamide Deji made available to newsmen on Tuesday said the children were been trafficked through a truck belonging to Mangal Cement company.
According to the statement, “The Yagba East Local Government Council wishes to notify the general public that security operatives under the NSCDC Yagba Area Command, Isanlu, on Friday, December 5, 2025, successfully intercepted a Mangal Cement truck unlawfully conveying 21 children into the Local Government Area.
“The interception followed swift intelligence provided by the community hunters, who alerted the NSCDC to the suspicious movement of the truck with Kogi State registration number JMU 378XA. Upon inspection, the truck was discovered to be transporting children aged between 6 and 17 years without any proper documentation, parental authorization, or credible explanation.
“Further investigation at the scene led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, Rabe Samaila and Ibrahim Suleiman and one suspected trafficker, Idris Muhammed.
”The Local Government hereby confirms that the Mangal Cement truck Driver has been transferred to Lokoja, and all 21 rescued children have also been transferred to Lokoja for full profiling, documentation, and appropriate welfare support under the supervision of the Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs.
“Additionally, the two suspected kidnappers and the suspected trafficker have likewise been moved to Lokoja for further investigation by relevant security authorities.
“The Yagba East Local Government Council strongly warns all drivers, truck operators, and transporters that no one should, under any guise, convey undocumented persons, especially minors into our Local Government. Anyone found violating this directive will face the full weight of the law.
“The Local Government Council commends the prompt action of security agencies and reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding residents, preventing trafficking, and ensuring the security of all and sundry.”
Mangal cement company is located in Iluagha, Ijumu council area of Kogi State.
