Child Trafficking Suspect, Illegal Fuel Dealers, Others Arrested In Zamfara

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command, has arrested a suspected child trafficker and several unauthorised fuel dealers over alleged illegal activities involving human trafficking and the unlawful acquisition of petroleum products.

The arrests were disclosed by the spokesperson of the Zamfara NSCDC, Umar Mohammad, during the parade of suspects at the Command Headquarters in Gusau, the state capital.

According to Mohammad, 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 area of the state capital.

He said 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 operatives of the Corps.

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The command said the children were rescued safely, while the suspect was handed over 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 related development, the NSCDC also arrested sixteen suspects for the illegal acquisition and transportation of petroleum products across several local government areas of Zamfara State.

The Corps said the suspects were apprehended between January 21 and 23, 2026, with a total of 1,860 litres of petroleum products comprising 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 purchased during odd hours from multiple filling stations across the state without the required authorisation, in violation of existing 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 (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 State Command of the NSCDC reiterated its 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.”

The command assured the public that all suspects would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.