The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a child trafficking syndicate allegedly selling children for ₦2 million each, rescuing 15 minors in a series of intelligence-led operations across several states.
The breakthrough followed an investigation by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) into a petition concerning missing children in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
According to an official statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, the investigation uncovered a syndicate allegedly led by one Anderson Archibong.
Archibong was accused of posing as an official of a non-governmental organisation operating a “Back to School Project” under the name “National Council of Child Rights Advocate” to deceive low-income parents and unlawfully obtain their children.
The NSCDC said investigations revealed that 16 children were allegedly taken in January 2026 and sold to buyers across the country for ₦2 million per child.
Following intelligence gathered on the syndicate’s activities, operatives conducted coordinated operations along transit routes, leading to the rescue of 15 of the 16 children in Anambra, Imo and Enugu states, as well as other locations along eastern transit corridors.
Three alleged buyers, identified as Joy Julius, Ngozi and Eze Lazarus, were also arrested during the operation. The Corps said the suspects confessed to their involvement in the alleged trafficking activities.
Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining child and apprehend other members of the syndicate who may still be at large.
The Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi commended the CG’s SIS for the breakthrough, describing the operation as part of the Corps’ commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and combating organised criminal activities.
He directed that all arrested suspects be prosecuted, with the NSCDC Directorate of Legal Services tasked with initiating proceedings before courts of competent jurisdiction.
The Corps reaffirmed its determination to intensify intelligence-led operations against child trafficking and other forms of organised crime, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving children to the relevant authorities.
