Gunmen have raided an orphanage in Kogi State and kidnapped at least 23 children, according to authorities.
The attack took place late Sunday at an unregistered facility called Dahallukitab Group of Schools in Lokoja.
Security forces rescue 15
Officials said a coordinated security response led to the rescue of 15 children.
However, eight children were still missing as of Monday, with search operations continuing.
Proprietor’s wife also abducted
Authorities said the wife of the orphanage proprietor was also taken during the raid.
Security agencies have launched intensified operations to secure the safe return of the remaining victims and arrest those responsible.
Facility allegedly unregistered
Officials stated that the orphanage was operating illegally in a remote area without the knowledge of relevant authorities.
The ages of the abducted children were not disclosed, though they were described as pupils, generally indicating young school-age children.
Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis
Mass abductions have become a recurring security challenge in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where state presence is limited.
Kidnappings are often carried out for ransom or intimidation by armed gangs and insurgent groups.
Wider violence continues
Nigeria continues to face multiple security threats including extremist violence, banditry, farmer-herder clashes and separatist unrest.
Recent years have seen repeated school raids and child kidnappings in several regions