NSCDC Arrests Child Trafficker and Rescues Five Children in Zamfara State
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command, has made a significant breakthrough in combating child trafficking with the arrest of a 31-year-old suspect, Jerry Peter. The operation led to the rescue of five children who were being transported across state lines.
Details of the Arrest and Rescue Operation
During a news briefing held in Gusau, the state capital, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansur Mohammed, paraded Jerry Peter and other suspects. Mohammed emphasized that this arrest is part of the Corps’ ongoing efforts to maintain peace and enforce regulations throughout Zamfara State.
Jerry Peter was apprehended on January 24, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., in the Lalan area of Gusau. He was allegedly involved in trafficking five children, whose ages range from eight to thirteen years. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was transporting these children from the Zuru area, with intended destinations including Kaduna, Benue, and Benin City in Edo State.
Confession and Connections to Broader Network
According to Mohammed, the suspect confessed during interrogation that he was supposed to hand over the children to a woman known as “Mommy Bishop.” This transfer was to be facilitated through Reverend James Joshua of the Assembly of God Church in Benin City. This revelation suggests potential links to a larger trafficking network operating across multiple regions.
The swift action by NSCDC personnel highlights the critical role of local security forces in intercepting such crimes before victims reach their final destinations.
Handover to NAPTIP for Further Investigation
Following the directive of the State Commandant, Commandant Sani Mustafa, both the suspect and the rescued children have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). This move ensures that the case will undergo thorough investigation and that necessary legal actions will be taken to prosecute those involved and provide support for the victims.
The collaboration between NSCDC and NAPTIP underscores a coordinated approach to tackling human trafficking in Nigeria, aiming to dismantle criminal networks and protect vulnerable populations.
