NSCDC nabs child trafficking syndicate in Zamfara

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command, has arrested one Jerry Peter, a suspected child trafficking syndicate member, with five stolen children from Zuru, Kebbi State, while en route to Edo State.

The command also arrested several suspects in connection with the illegal acquisition of petrol and gas, public disturbance, and theft across the state.

Addressing journalists while parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Gusau, the Zamfara State NSCDC Commandant, Sani Mustafa, through the Public Relations Officer, ASC I. Umar Mohammed, said the NSCDC has zero tolerance for criminal conspiracy, civil nuisance, and all unethical vices that threaten societal order.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), under the inspired and discerning leadership of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, is committed to civil-centred access to justice and has adopted effective measures for the prevention and eradication of illegalities, civil or social unrest, and human rights violations in society and the nation at large,” he stated.

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According to him, the Zamfara State NSCDC, under the adept leadership of Commandant Sani Mustafa, has established coordinated preventive measures to curb these incessant activities disturbing the peace and order of the state.

He explained that 16 suspects were involved in the illegal purchase of petroleum products, with arrests made between 21 and 23 January 2026, and a total of sixty-two (62) jerrycans recovered.

“These purchases were carried out during odd hours of the night, contradicting regulations that prohibit the acquisition of petroleum products in large quantities without due clearance or licence from appropriate authorities,” he warned.

The suspected child trafficking syndicate member, Jerry Peter ‘M’ (31), of Tadurga Dotse, Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, was apprehended on 24 January 2026 in Gusau with five suspected kidnapped victims, namely: Simon Joseph ‘M’ (12), Alheri Emmanuel ‘F’ (13), Rachael Bulus ‘F’ (8), Marvelous Ishiaku ‘M’ (8), and Emmanuel Ishiaku ‘M’ (13).

The children were rescued from suspected traffickers while en route to Kaduna at the Lalan area of Gusau at about 2200hrs (10:00 pm). The suspect revealed that they were in transit to Edo State and were to be delivered to “Mummy Bishop” through Rev. James Joshua of the Assembly of God Church, Benin City, Edo State.

“In light of the above and in collaboration with sister agencies, the state commandant directed the immediate transfer of the child trafficking case to the relevant authority, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), for further necessary proceedings,” he added.