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Gunmen abduct 23 children from unregistered orphanage
Eight children remain unaccounted for after armed attackers stormed an illegal orphanage in Nigeria's north-central Kogi State, kidnapping 23 children and the facility's owner, authorities confirmed on Monday.
Security response and rescues
Kogi State Information Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo reported that 15 children were rescued following what he described as a "prompt and coordinated response" by security agencies. The raid occurred on Sunday, though details of the operation remain scarce.
Orphanage operating illegally
Fanwo disclosed that the facility was running without official authorization, situated in a "bushy environment" beyond the oversight of relevant government agencies. He urged operators of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions to comply with registration requirements, citing the heightened security risks in the region.
No group claims responsibility
No organization has taken credit for the attack. However, security sources suggest the presence of an active Boko Haram cell in Kogi State, noting a rise in violent incidents in the area. Nigeria continues to face a nationwide kidnapping crisis, with criminal gangs targeting individuals for ransom despite a government ban on such payments.
"The government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all the victims," Fanwo stated.
Pattern of mass abductions
Mass kidnappings, particularly in schools, have become alarmingly frequent in Nigeria's northern regions, where insecurity persists. This marks the first recorded attack on an orphanage, however. In November 2025, over 300 students and teachers were abducted from a Catholic secondary school in neighboring Niger State. They were released in two groups after more than a month in captivity, with the government denying reports of ransom payments or the release of Boko Haram commanders as part of the deal.
Broader security concerns
The incident underscores the growing vulnerability of unregistered institutions in Nigeria's volatile regions. Authorities have yet to announce specific measures to prevent future attacks on similar facilities.
