The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command, has arrested a suspected child trafficker and several unauthorised fuel dealers in a series of operations targeting human trafficking and illegal petroleum activities across the state.
The arrests were disclosed on Tuesday during the parade of suspects at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Gusau by the command’s spokesperson, Umar Mohammad.
According to Mohammad, a 31-year-old suspect, Jerry Peter, a native of Kebbi State, was arrested on January 24, 2026, in Gusau while allegedly attempting to traffic five underage children.
The suspect was intercepted at the Lalan area of the state capital during a night operation by NSCDC operatives.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was travelling with the minors late at night and allegedly planned to transport them out of Zamfara State before he was apprehended.
The spokesperson confirmed that the children were rescued unharmed, while the suspect was subsequently handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The victims were rescued at about 10:00pm along the Lalan axis of Gusau while en route to Kaduna. During interrogation, the suspect claimed the children were being transported to Edo State and were to be delivered to an individual identified as ‘Mummy Bishop’ through Rev. James Joshua of the Assembly of God Church, Benin City,” Mohammad stated.
He added that, in line with inter-agency collaboration, the state commandant ordered the immediate transfer of the case to NAPTIP, the statutory body responsible for handling human trafficking offences.
In a related operation, the NSCDC arrested sixteen other suspects for the illegal acquisition and transportation of petroleum products across several local government areas of Zamfara State.
The suspects were apprehended between January 21 and 23, 2026, with a total of 1,860 litres of petroleum products recovered. The seized items comprised 1,470 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 390 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), all stored in sixty-two jerrycans.
According to the Corps, the fuel was allegedly purchased during odd hours from multiple filling stations without proper authorisation, in violation of regulations governing the sale and movement of petroleum products.
The NSCDC disclosed that the PMS was purchased at a total cost of ₦1,278,900, while the AGO cost ₦741,000, bringing the combined value of the seized petroleum products to ₦2,019,900.
“These products were acquired at night without the necessary licences or clearance from relevant authorities. Such activities are illegal and pose serious safety and security risks, including diversion for criminal purposes,” the statement said.
The Zamfara State Command of the NSCDC reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against child trafficking, illegal fuel dealings, and all forms of criminal activity capable of undermining public safety and order.
“NSCDC will not condone criminal conspiracy, civil nuisance, or any unethical practices that threaten national security. All suspects will undergo thorough investigation and, where evidence is established, will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the command stated.
The Corps assured members of the public of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets across the state.
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