The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Zamfara State has arrested a suspected child trafficker and 16 others over alleged illegal fuel dealings in the state.
The spokesperson of the command, Umar Mohammad, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the NSCDC headquarters in Gusau.
Mohammad said a 31-year-old suspect, Jerry Peter, from Kebbi State, was arrested on January 24, 2026, in the Lalan area of Gusau while allegedly attempting to traffic five underage children.
He explained that the suspect was intercepted while travelling with the minors at night, adding that preliminary investigations indicated he intended to transport them out of Zamfara State.
According to the NSCDC, the children were rescued unharmed, while the suspect was handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a related development, the command said it arrested 16 suspects between January 21 and 23, 2026, for the illegal acquisition and transportation of petroleum products across several local government areas of the state.
The Corps disclosed that the suspects were found with 1,860 litres of petroleum products, including 1,470 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 390 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), stored in 62 jerrycans.
Mohammad said the fuel was allegedly purchased during odd hours from various filling stations without the required authorisation, in violation of existing regulations.
He added that the products were suspected to be intended for illegal resale or diversion, posing security and safety risks.
The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to combating child trafficking, illegal fuel dealings and other criminal activities, assuring that all suspects would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
