GUSAU – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Zamfara State has announced the arrest of a suspected child trafficker and sixteen individuals involved in the illegal acquisition and transportation of petroleum products.
In a statement on Wednesday, NSCDC spokesperson Umar Mohammad detailed that the suspected trafficker, Jerry Peter (31) from Kebbi State, was intercepted in Gusau on January 24, 2026, while allegedly attempting to transport five underage children out of the state at night. Preliminary investigations suggest the children were to be delivered to a contact in Edo State. The suspect has been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further action.
In a separate operation, NSCDC operatives arrested 16 suspects between January 21 and 23 for illegally dealing in petroleum products. The command seized 1,860 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), valued at over ₦2 million, which were purchased from filling stations during odd hours without authorisation.
The Zamfara State Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against such criminal activities, warning that all suspects would face thorough investigation and prosecution. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts to tackle human trafficking and economic sabotage in the state.
Read more on security operations: Police Arrest Four Drug Suspects, Recover ₦1.8m in Enugu
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Disclaimer: This report is based on an official statement from the NSCDC. The suspects are alleged to have committed the stated offences and are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
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