The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command, has paraded several suspects arrested for offences ranging from illegal acquisition of petroleum products to public disturbance, motorcycle theft, and child trafficking.
Parading the suspects during a news briefing in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansur Mohammed, said the arrests were part of the Corps’ sustained efforts to maintain peace and enforce existing regulations across the state.
He disclosed that, the Command had arrested a 31-year-old man, Jerry Peter, on January 24, 2026, at about 10:00 p.m., in the Lalan area of Gusau, for allegedly trafficking five children aged between eight and 13 years.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was transporting the children from the Zuru area, en route to Kaduna, Benue, and Benin City in Edo State, where they were to be handed over.
According to Mansur Mohammed, the suspect allegedly confessed that he was to hand over the children to a woman popularly known as “Mommy Bishop” through Reverend James Joshua of the Assembly of God Church, Benin City.
He added that, following the directive of the State Commandant, Commandant Sani Mustafa, the suspect and the rescued children were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and necessary action.
The NSCDC spokesperson also revealed that, 16 suspects were arrested between January 21 and 23, 2026, for the illegal purchase and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans without the required license or authorization.
He said a total of 62 jerrycans of petroleum products were recovered, comprising 1,400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 390 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
According to him, the PMS was purchased at ₦870 per litre, amounting to ₦1,278,900, while the AGO was acquired at ₦1,900 per litre, totaling ₦741,000, bringing the cumulative value of the seized products to over ₦2 million.
Mansur Mohammed explained that the purchases were made during odd hours, in violation of federal regulations governing the sale, transportation, and storage of petroleum products.
He further disclosed that on January 25, 2026, three young men — Yasir Bellu, Ibrahim Saidu, and Nasir Yabu, all aged 20 were arrested within the Gusau metropolis for public disturbance, inciting nuisance, traffic violations, and reckless conduct, following complaints from residents.
In another operation, the Corps apprehended Akilu Ishaka 29 old and Okashetu Bellu age 25 on January 17, 2026, in possession of a suspected stolen motorcycle.
Investigations revealed that the motorcycle was allegedly purchased from a dealer in Sokoto State, who is currently at large.
The NSCDC reiterated its zero tolerance for criminality, assuring that, all suspects will be thoroughly investigated and, upon completion, arraigned before courts of law for prosecution.
