Kidnapping at an Unregistered Orphanage in Lokoja, Kogi State

On the night of 26 April 2026, gunmen entered the Dahallukitab Group of Schools, an orphanage in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State, and seized 23 pupils and the proprietor’s wife. Security forces led by the Nigeria Police Force rescued 15 children; eight victims, including the wife, remain missing. No group has claimed responsibility for the raid.

Kogi blames orphanage for abduction of 23 pupils, says 15 rescued

Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Femi Fanwo (also reported as Kingsley Fanow) said the school operated without registration or prior notification to authorities, exposing children to heightened security risks. He urged all orphanage and school operators to obtain proper licensing and security assessments.

Gunmen storm Kogi orphanage, abduct 23 Pupils, Proprietor’s wife

The kidnapping adds to a surge in school and orphanage attacks across northern Nigeria, where armed gangs target educational sites for ransom. Prominent militant groups in the region include Boko Haram, its ISWAP offshoot, and the IS-linked Lakurawa group, though none has claimed this incident. Analysts note that kidnappings for ransom have risen sharply, with schools viewed as strategic targets to attract media attention and extract payments. The pattern underscores the challenge of protecting vulnerable institutions amid a decade-long insurgency.

Gunmen attack orphanage in north-central Nigeria, abduct 23 pupils; 15 later rescued

Commissioner Fanwo announced that security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force and supported by other operatives, mobilised quickly to the scene. He commended the police for their rapid and professional actions.

Gunmen kidnap 23 pupils in Kogi orphanage

Sources differ on the commissioner’s name, spelling it as “Kingsley Femi Fanwo” and “Kingsley Fanow.” The identity of the gunmen remains unknown, and no ransom demand has been reported. While “pupil” generally denotes children up to age 12, the exact ages of the abducted children were not disclosed.

UsNews and World Report

• “Their prompt and coordinated response led to the successful rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils, while intensive operations are ongoing to secure the safe return of the remaining eight victims and apprehend the perpetrators.” — Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications

Gunmen attack orphanage in north-central Nigeria, abduct 23 pupils; 15 later rescued

• “The Kogi State Government commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the Police and other security agencies for rising decisively to the occasion,” — Kingsley Femi Fanwo

Gunmen storm Kogi orphanage, abduct 23 Pupils, Proprietor’s wife

• “Upon receiving the report, security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State, in collaboration with other security operatives, swiftly mobilised to the scene.” — Kingsley Femi Fanwo

Kogi blames orphanage for abduction of 23 pupils, says 15 rescued

• “He said running such institutions without registration and official notification would create serious security risks, especially under the current security situation in the country.” — Kingsley Femi Fanwo

Kogi blames orphanage for abduction of 23 pupils, says 15 rescued

State officials said security operations remain active and promised further updates as rescue efforts continue. The incident is likely to prompt renewed scrutiny of orphanage licensing and may shape future policies to protect vulnerable institutions in Nigeria’s north-central region.

Kogi blames orphanage for abduction of 23 pupils, says 15 rescued