NSCDC rescues 15 trafficked children and arrests personnel for arms diversion

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has conducted a series of intelligence-led operations resulting in the rescue of 15 trafficked children and the arrest of personnel involved in illegal arms sales.

In the child trafficking case, a syndicate allegedly led by Anderson Archibong targeted low-income families in Nasarawa State. The suspect reportedly posed as an official of the National Council of Child Rights Advocate, using a fake “Back to School Project” to lure parents with promises of free education. The 16 children were allegedly sold for N2 million each. Operatives rescued 15 of the children across Anambra, Imo, Enugu, and other eastern transit corridors. Three suspected buyers were arrested.

Simultaneously, the NSCDC’s Special Intelligence Squad uncovered internal corruption involving the diversion of service weapons. One officer was arrested for allegedly stealing an AK-47 rifle from his post and selling it through a middleman in Benue State. Additionally, an investigation into the Adamawa command revealed a systematic diversion of G3 rifles from the armoury between 2018 and 2024 involving a former head of armoury. The corps also dismantled a syndicate involved in the vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure in Delta and Kano States.