The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has revealed a shocking case of human trafficking involving the alleged abduction of 15 minors from Nasarawa State. The suspect, who is believed to be part of a trafficking syndicate, reportedly sold the children for a staggering N30 million.

According to NSCDC's Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the trafficker deceived parents by posing as an official of the National Council of Child Rights Advocates. He operated under the pretense of managing a non-governmental organization and an orphanage program known as the Back to School Project. This initiative was marketed to less privileged families with promises of free education, luring them into handing over their children.

During a press briefing held at the corps’ headquarters in Abuja, Afolabi detailed how the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, led by Commander Dandaura Appollos, executed a rescue operation that successfully retrieved 15 of the 16 children who were trafficked from the Kama Madaki and Gudindi Mada communities in the Kokona Local Government Area.

The operation involved advanced field tracking and technical intelligence, which allowed operatives to locate the buyers in various parts of the country. Afolabi noted that the rescue efforts were coordinated across eastern transit routes, with three of the victims found in Anambra, Imo, and Enugu states. The remaining 12 children were recovered in a series of tactical sweeps.

In connection with this disturbing case, three suspects—comprising one man and two women—have been arrested. Afolabi emphasized the corps' commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking and other criminal activities, stating that those found guilty will face prosecution following the completion of investigations.

The NSCDC is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of child trafficking to the appropriate security agencies. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of child trafficking in Nigeria and the need for increased awareness and protective measures for vulnerable communities.