NSCDC Nabs Child Trafficking Suspect, Seizes 1,860 Litres Of Fuel In Zamfara [Photo]

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command, has arrested a suspected child trafficker and several unauthorised fuel dealers over alleged involvement in human trafficking and illegal petroleum product dealings in the state.

Naijaonpoint reports that the suspects were paraded on Tuesday at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

Speaking during the parade, the command’s spokesperson, Umar Mohammad, disclosed that a 31-year-old man, Jerry Peter, from Kebbi State, was arrested on January 24, 2026, in Gusau while allegedly attempting to traffic five underage children.

According to Mohammad, the suspect was intercepted by NSCDC operatives along the Lalan area of the state capital while travelling with the minors late at night.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly intended to transport the children out of Zamfara State before his arrest.

“They were rescued from suspected trafficking en route to Kaduna at the Lalan area of Gusau at about 2200hrs (10pm),” Mohammad said.

He added that the suspect confessed during interrogation that the children were actually being transported to Edo State.

“The suspect revealed that they were on 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,” he stated.

The NSCDC spokesperson said the five children were rescued unharmed, adding that the suspect had been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further investigation and prosecution.

“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, for further necessary proceedings,” Mohammad said.

NSCDC Arrests 16 Fuel Dealers, Seizes 1,860 Litres

In a related development, the Zamfara State Command of the NSCDC also arrested sixteen suspects over the illegal acquisition and transportation of petroleum products across several local government areas of the state.

Mohammad said the arrests were made between January 21 and 23, 2026, with a total of 1,860 litres of petroleum products recovered.

The seized products comprised 1,470 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol or fuel, and 390 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, stored in sixty-two jerrycans.

“These arrests were made from January 21 to 23, 2026. A total of sixty-two jerrycans were apprehended: forty-nine jerrycans of PMS with a total of 1,470 litres and thirteen jerrycans of AGO with a total of 390 litres,” he said.

According to the Corps, the PMS was purchased at ₦1,278,900, while the AGO cost ₦741,000, bringing the total value of the seized petroleum products to ₦2,019,900.

The NSCDC said investigations showed that the petroleum products were purchased during odd hours of the night from multiple filling stations across the state without proper authorisation.

“These purchases were carried out during odd hours of the night, contrary to the regulations governing the acquisition of petroleum products in large quantities without due clearance or licence from the appropriate authorities,” Mohammad added.

The command noted that the fuel was suspected to be intended for illegal resale or diversion, a practice it said poses serious security and safety risks.

Reiterating the Corps’ stance, the Zamfara State Command warned that it would not tolerate child trafficking, illegal fuel dealings, or any activity capable of undermining public safety.

“NSCDC has zero tolerance for criminal conspiracy, civil nuisance, and any unethical vices the federation terms unruly. Any suspect apprehended shall face thorough investigation and, upon completion, be arraigned before a competent court of law for prosecution where necessary,” the command stated.

The NSCDC assured residents that all suspects would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in line with the law.