By John | PressPoint News


ABUJA — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has rescued 15 minors allegedly trafficked and sold for N2 million each by a suspected member of a human trafficking syndicate operating under the guise of a child-rights organisation.

The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed the development on Friday during a briefing at the corps’ headquarters in Abuja.


According to Afolabi, the suspect allegedly presented himself to parents as an official of the National Council of Child Rights Advocate and used a purported NGO and orphanage initiative known as the “Back to School Project” to gain their trust.

The suspect reportedly persuaded vulnerable parents to release their children with promises that the minors would receive free education.


The children were allegedly taken from Kama Madaki and Gudindi Mada communities in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, with 15 of the 16 children involved in the reported trafficking operation eventually rescued.

The rescue operation was carried out by the NSCDC's Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS), headed by Commander Dandaura Appollos.


Afolabi said the operation involved advanced field tracking, technical intelligence and coordinated tactical operations across several states as operatives worked to locate the children and their alleged buyers.

According to the corps, three of the rescued minors were found in Anambra, Imo and Enugu states, while the remaining 12 were recovered through coordinated operations along eastern transit routes.

The NSCDC spokesperson further disclosed that three suspected buyers — one man and two women — had been arrested in connection with the case.


The development has raised fresh concerns over the exploitation of vulnerable families by individuals and groups posing as legitimate organisations offering educational and welfare assistance to children.

The NSCDC said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking and other criminal activities, stressing that the investigation would continue.


Afolabi said suspects found culpable would be prosecuted after the completion of investigations.

The corps also reiterated the importance of vigilance among parents and guardians when approached by organisations offering to take custody of children for educational, welfare or orphanage programmes.

The rescue represents a significant intervention in the fight against child trafficking, while investigations are expected to establish the full extent of the alleged syndicate's activities and identify any other individuals involved.



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