The Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended a suspected child trafficker and several illegal petroleum products dealers in the state.

The suspects were arrested over alleged involvement in human trafficking and the illegal possession and transportation of petroleum products.

This was disclosed by the Command’s spokesman, Umar Mohammad, during the parade of suspects at the Command Headquarters in Gusau, the state capital.

Mohammad said a 31-year-old male suspect, Jerry Peter, from Kebbi State, was apprehended on January 24, 2026, in Gusau while allegedly attempting to traffic five underage children intercepted along the Lalan district of the state capital.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was travelling with the minors at night and allegedly intended to transport them out of Zamfara State before he was intercepted by NSCDC operatives.

Mohammad explained that the children were rescued unharmed and that the suspect was handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“They were rescued from suspected trafficking en route to Kaduna at the Lalan area of Gusau at about 10pm. The suspect said 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.”

“In collaboration with sister agencies, the State commandant of the Corps, Sani Mustapha, directed 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.”

In another development, the Zamfara State NSCDC Command arrested sixteen suspects for the illegal possession and transportation of petroleum products across several local government areas of the state.

The Commandant said the suspects were arrested between January 21 and 23, 2026, with a total of 1,860 litres of petroleum products recovered, comprising 1,470 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 390 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in sixty-two jerrycans.

He further explained that the fuel was allegedly purchased during odd hours from multiple filling stations across the state without the required authorisation, in violation of regulations governing the sale and movement of petroleum products.

The command added that the products were suspected to be intended for illegal resale or diversion, posing security and safety risks.

“These arrests were made from January 21 to 23, 2026. A total of sixty-two jerrycans were apprehended: forty-nine (49) jerrycans of PMS with a total of 1,470 litres purchased at one million, two hundred and seventy-eight thousand, nine hundred Naira and thirteen jerrycans of AGO with a total of 390 litres purchased at seven hundred and forty-one thousand Naira, bringing the total cost of petroleum products purchased to two million, nineteen thousand, nine hundred Naira.”

“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.”

He reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against child trafficking, illegal fuel dealings, and other activities capable of undermining public safety and order.

“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.”

“We assure the public that all suspects would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the land.”