Human Trafficking: NSCDC Rescues 15 Minors Allegedly Sold For ₦2m Each

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has rescued 15 minors who were allegedly trafficked and sold for ₦2 million each after being taken from their parents under the guise of securing free education for them.

According to Ireporter Online, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed the development while briefing journalists at the Corps Headquarters in Abuja.

Afolabi said the rescue operation was carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS), led by Commander Dandaura Appollos, as part of a wider crackdown on criminal networks involved in child trafficking and other offences.

He explained that a suspected member of the syndicate allegedly posed as an official of the National Council of Child Rights Advocate and operated under the cover of an NGO and orphanage initiative known as the “Back to School Project.”

According to the NSCDC spokesperson, the suspect allegedly targeted vulnerable parents and persuaded them to release their children with promises of providing them with free education.

Afolabi said the operation followed intelligence gathering, field tracking and coordinated tactical activities across several states.

He disclosed that 15 of the 16 children allegedly trafficked from Kama Madaki and Gudindi Mada communities in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State were rescued from their alleged buyers.

According to him, three of the children were recovered in Anambra, Imo and Enugu states, while the remaining 12 were rescued during a coordinated operation along eastern transit routes.

The NSCDC also reported that three suspected buyers, comprising one man and two women, were arrested in connection with the alleged trafficking operation.

Afolabi said the operation also led to the recovery of stolen rifles and vandalised telecommunications equipment, although further details about the recovered items were not immediately provided.

The Corps said investigations were ongoing to unravel the full extent of the alleged trafficking network, identify other individuals connected to the operation and ensure that the rescued children receive appropriate care and protection.

The development highlights renewed concerns over the exploitation of vulnerable children and the use of fraudulent organisations or programmes to gain the trust of parents before allegedly trafficking minors across state lines.