NSCDC Foils Child Trafficking, Rescues 15-Year-Old Girl in Abuja
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has successfully rescued a 15-year-old girl who was a victim of trafficking and arrested the suspect involved. The operation took place at the Kwali Area Council of Abuja, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Nigeria.
Details of the Rescue Operation
According to a statement released on Friday, April 17, 2026, by the command's Public Relations Officer, Monica Ojobi, the NSCDC's investigation revealed that the victim, hailing from Ebonyi State, was abducted, sexually abused, and targeted for trafficking abroad. The criminal exploitation was foiled following a report of the sudden disappearance of the teenage girl, whose name has been withheld, residing with her mother. The report was made at the Kwali Central Divisional office of the Corps.
Upon receiving the report, the Command's Anti-Human Trafficking unit immediately swung into action, tracking the suspect. This effort led to the arrest of the suspect, who had camped the girl for two weeks. Preliminary investigations uncovered that the alleged suspect, Anyanwu Daniel, aged 46 from Imo State, had held the victim captive without her consent and subjected her to sexual molestation.
Suspect's Plans and Arrest
Further interrogation revealed that the suspect planned to traffic the minor to Libya for child labour before he was intercepted and arrested by FCT Command operatives. This case underscores the grave risks faced by vulnerable children in Nigeria and the critical role of security agencies in preventing such crimes.
Speaking on the matter, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, emphasized that the arrest highlights the Corps' commitment to protecting vulnerable children from any form of exploitation or abuse. He stated that individuals like the alleged suspect are still out there, deceiving, abusing, and exploiting innocent young girls for self-gratification and economic gains.
Dr. Odumosu promised the Corps' readiness to collaborate with relevant agencies to rid society of this menace. He assured that justice will be served and that every network enabling such crimes will be dismantled. My covert officers are on surveillance, gathering credible intelligence that is enabling us to move in the right direction, and we are not backing down, he added.
Call for Public Vigilance
Odumosu urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements of young boys and girls, as well as other criminal activities, to security agencies. He stressed that community cooperation is vital in the fight against human trafficking and other crimes affecting the country.
The suspect and the victim have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and possible prosecution if found culpable. This step ensures that the case will be thoroughly examined and appropriate legal actions taken.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating human trafficking in Nigeria and the importance of proactive measures by security forces and the public alike.
