The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command, has arrested a suspected child trafficker alongside several unauthorised fuel dealers over alleged involvement in human trafficking and illegal petroleum product dealings within the state.
The arrests were made public by the Command’s spokesperson, Umar Mohammad, during the parade of suspects at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
According to him, 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 intercepted along the Lalan area of the metropolis.
Mohammad disclosed that preliminary findings showed the suspect was travelling with the minors at night and was allegedly planning to move them out of Zamfara State before operatives of the Corps intercepted him.
The children were safely rescued, while the suspect was transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and prosecution.
“They were rescued from suspected trafficking en route to Kaduna at the Lalan area of Gusau at about 2200hrs (10pm); 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.”
“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.”
In a separate operation, the NSCDC also arrested sixteen individuals for the illegal purchase and transportation of petroleum products across different local government areas of Zamfara State. The command said the suspects were apprehended between January 21 and 23, 2026, with a total of 1,860 litres of petroleum products recovered.
According to the Corps, the seized products included 1,470 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 390 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in sixty-two jerrycans. The fuel was allegedly bought during odd hours from various filling stations without proper authorisation, contrary to existing regulations guiding petroleum product distribution.
“These arrests were made from January 21 to 23, 2026. A total of sixty-two (62) 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 (₦1,278,900); and thirteen (13) jerrycans of AGO with a total of 390 litres purchased at seven hundred and forty-one thousand naira (₦741,000), bringing the total cost of petroleum products purchased to two million, nineteen thousand, nine hundred naira (₦2,019,900).”
“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.”
The Zamfara NSCDC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach to child trafficking, illegal fuel dealings, and other acts capable of threatening public safety and order, assuring that all suspects would face the full weight of the law.
“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.”
What you should know
The NSCDC plays a key role in safeguarding critical national assets and enforcing regulations related to public safety in Nigeria.
Child trafficking remains a serious concern, especially in transit states, prompting closer collaboration between the NSCDC and NAPTIP. Illegal fuel acquisition and diversion are also regarded as security threats due to their links to black-market activities and fire hazards.
The Zamfara Command’s recent arrests highlight ongoing efforts to curb these crimes, protect vulnerable children, and enforce compliance with petroleum distribution laws across the state.
