By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recorded significant operational successes in its ongoing nationwide crackdown on criminal networks, leading to the rescue of 15 trafficked children, the recovery of stolen service firearms, and the disruption of an inter-state telecommunications infrastructure vandalism syndicate.

The achievements were disclosed in a statement issued at the Corps National Headquarters in Abuja by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Babawale Afolabi. He stated that the operations were carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) in line with the directive of the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, to maintain zero tolerance for crime, corruption, and the destruction of critical national assets.

According to the statement, operatives of the CG’s SIS uncovered a child trafficking syndicate following an investigation into reports of missing children in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Investigations revealed that the syndicate was allegedly led by one Anderson Archibong, who posed as a representative of a non-governmental organisation operating a purported “Back to School Project” under the name of the “National Council of Child Rights Advocate.”

The suspect allegedly exploited the trust of vulnerable and low-income families by promising educational opportunities for their children. Acting under this false pretense, the syndicate reportedly took custody of 16 children in January 2026 and sold them to buyers in different parts of the country for approximately ₦2 million each.

Through coordinated intelligence-led operations across several states and major transit corridors, NSCDC operatives successfully rescued 15 of the 16 trafficked children from locations in Anambra, Imo, Enugu and other parts of the South-East. Three suspects identified as Joy Julius, Ngozi and Eze Lazarus were arrested in connection with the trafficking operation and reportedly confessed to their involvement. Efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining child.

In a separate operation targeting illegal arms diversion, the Special Intelligence Squad arrested Corps Assistant II (CAII) Igah Ameh James, a serving NSCDC officer attached to the Commandant General’s Crack Squad, over the theft and illegal sale of a service rifle. Investigations revealed that the officer allegedly stole an assigned AK-47 rifle, identified by Bridge Number 02028, abandoned his duty post and transported the weapon to Otukpo in Benue State.

Further investigations established that the rifle was sold to one Abakpa Simon Anthony for ₦700,000 before being resold to another suspect, Sunday Akor, popularly known as “IBB,” for ₦800,000. Operatives later tracked and arrested the suspects, recovering the firearm along with two empty magazines.

Another internal investigation conducted at the NSCDC Adamawa State Command led to the arrest of Assistant Superintendent of Corps I (ASCI) Peter Ardo, a former Head of Armoury, and Corps Assistant (CCA) Boniface B. Lawyer. The arrests followed an inventory audit that uncovered irregularities in the command’s armoury records.

Investigators discovered that between 2018 and 2024, two unserviceable G3 rifles bearing Breach Numbers 10S838 and 69112944 were unlawfully removed from the armoury and sold. The rifles were reportedly sold to Boniface Lawyer for ₦210,000 and ₦220,000 before being transferred to a civilian buyer. Findings further revealed that inventory records were allegedly manipulated over several years to conceal the missing weapons.

Both suspects have been taken into custody and reportedly confessed to their roles in the illegal transactions. The NSCDC has assured the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring accountability and transparency within its ranks.

The Corps also recorded a breakthrough in the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure with the dismantling of a telecommunications vandalism network operating across Delta and Kano states. During the operation, operatives apprehended one Henry Dennis in possession of 12 vandalised telecommunications panels believed to have been stolen from an IHS tower facility in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

Subsequent investigations exposed a wider criminal network allegedly coordinated by a scrap dealer and financier identified as Yusuf Musa. The suspect was found to have provided funding for theft operations and facilitated the resale of stolen telecommunications components through illicit channels.

Financial intelligence analysis reportedly traced several suspicious transactions linked to the syndicate through digital payment platforms. Authorities have commenced legal procedures to obtain search and arrest warrants for other members of the network who remain at large.

Commending the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad for its professionalism and effective coordination, the NSCDC leadership reaffirmed its commitment to combating criminality, protecting vulnerable citizens and safeguarding critical national infrastructure across the country.

The Corps disclosed that internal disciplinary processes involving all implicated personnel have been concluded, while the Directorate of Legal Services has been directed to commence the prosecution of all arrested suspects in courts of competent jurisdiction. The NSCDC reiterated that it will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations aimed at preserving national security and maintaining the highest standards of integrity within the organisation.