NSCDC arrests suspected child trafficker, unauthorised fuel dealers in Zamfara

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command, has arrested a suspected child trafficker and sixteen unauthorised fuel dealers over alleged involvement in human trafficking and illegal acquisition of petroleum products.

The command disclosed the arrests during the parade of suspects at the NSCDC Headquarters in Gusau, the state capital. The state spokesperson, Umar Mohammad, said a 31-year-old man, Jerry Peter, from Kebbi State, was apprehended on January 24, 2026, while attempting to traffic five underage children through the Lalan area of Gusau.

Mohammad said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was transporting the minors at night and intended to move them out of Zamfara State. The children were safely rescued, and the suspect was handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and prosecution.

“The children were intercepted en route to Kaduna at about 10:00 pm. The suspect indicated that the minors were to be delivered to an individual identified as ‘Mummy Bishop’ through Rev. James Joshua of the Assembly of God Church, Benin City, Edo State,” he said.

In a related crackdown, the NSCDC arrested sixteen individuals between January 21 and 23, 2026, for the illegal acquisition and transport of petroleum products across multiple local government areas in Zamfara State.

The command seized a total of 1,860 litres of petroleum products, comprising 1,470 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 390 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in sixty-two jerrycans. The products were reportedly purchased at odd hours without proper authorisation, in violation of regulations governing fuel distribution, and were suspected to be intended for illegal resale or diversion.

“The purchases were made during irregular hours and without clearance or licence, contrary to existing regulations. The total cost of the seized fuel amounted to ₦2,019,900,” Mohammad explained.

The NSCDC reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on child trafficking, unauthorised fuel dealings, and other activities that threaten public safety and order.

“Any suspect apprehended will be thoroughly investigated and, where necessary, arraigned before a competent court of law for prosecution,” the command said, assuring the public of continued vigilance against such crimes.