Zamfara: NSCDC Arrests Child Trafficking Suspect, Confiscates 1,860L Of Fuel

According to Ireporter Online, the Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a suspected child trafficker and multiple unauthorised fuel dealers over alleged involvement in human trafficking and illegal petroleum dealings.

The suspects were paraded on Tuesday at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Gusau, the state capital. Umar Mohammad, the command’s spokesperson, stated that 31-year-old Jerry Peter from Kebbi State was apprehended on January 24, 2026, in Gusau while allegedly attempting to traffic five underage children.

Mohammad explained that operatives intercepted the suspect in the Lalan area of Gusau late at night. Investigations revealed that the suspect intended to transport the children out of Zamfara State. “They were rescued from suspected trafficking en route to Kaduna at about 10 p.m.,” Mohammad said. The suspect reportedly confessed that the children were being transported to Edo State to be delivered to an individual known as ‘Mummy Bishop’ through Rev. James Joshua of the Assembly of God Church in Benin City.

The five children were rescued unharmed, and the suspect has been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further investigation and prosecution. Mohammad added that the state commandant directed the immediate transfer of the case to the agency for necessary proceedings.

In a related operation, the NSCDC also arrested sixteen suspects involved in the illegal acquisition and transportation of petroleum products across several local government areas of Zamfara State. Between January 21 and 23, 2026, authorities recovered a total of 1,860 litres of fuel, including 1,470 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 390 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in sixty-two jerrycans.

The seized PMS was valued at ₦1,278,900, while the AGO cost ₦741,000, bringing the total value of the confiscated petroleum products to ₦2,019,900. Investigations indicated that the fuel was purchased during odd hours from multiple filling stations without proper authorisation, suggesting it was intended for illegal resale or diversion.

The NSCDC reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on child trafficking, illegal fuel dealings, and other activities that threaten public safety. Mohammad affirmed that all suspects would face thorough investigation and, where necessary, be arraigned before a competent court of law.