The Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a suspected child trafficker alongside several unauthorised fuel dealers over alleged involvement in human trafficking and illegal petroleum product dealings.
The arrests were announced by the command’s spokesperson, Umar Mohammad, during the parade of suspects at the NSCDC headquarters in Gusau, the state capital.
Mohammad disclosed that a 31-year-old man, Jerry Peter, a native of Kebbi State, was arrested on January 24, 2026, in Gusau while allegedly attempting to traffic five underage children. The minors were intercepted along the Lalan area of the state capital.
According to him, preliminary findings showed that the suspect was travelling with the children late at night and was allegedly planning to move them out of Zamfara State before NSCDC operatives intervened.
The command said the children were safely rescued, while 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 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 apprehended sixteen suspects for the unlawful purchase and transportation of petroleum products across different local government areas of Zamfara State.
The Corps said the arrests took place between January 21 and 23, 2026, during which a total of 1,860 litres of petroleum products were recovered. The seized items included 1,470 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 390 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in sixty-two jerrycans.
According to the NSCDC, the fuel was allegedly bought during late-night hours from several filling stations without proper authorisation, in violation of regulations governing the sale and movement of petroleum products.
The command added that the products were suspected to be meant for illegal resale or diversion, posing serious security and safety concerns.
“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.”
Reaffirming its stance, the Zamfara State Command of the NSCDC said it has zero tolerance for child trafficking, illegal fuel dealings and other activities capable of threatening 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 assured residents that all suspects would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in line with the law.