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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has rescued 15 trafficked minors and recovered stolen service rifles. It also neutralised an inter-state telecommunications infrastructure vandalism network.
In a statement, National Public Relations Officer (NPRO), Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC), Babawale Afolabi, disclosed that the operations were executed by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) pursuant to the zero-tolerance policy on crime, corruption, and asset destruction enforced by the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
On the crackdown against child trafficking, CG’s SIS operatives investigated a petition regarding missing children in Kokona LGA, Nasarawa State, uncovering a syndicate led by one Anderson Archibong. Archibong masqueraded as an NGO official running a “Back to School Project” under the “National Council of Child Rights Advocate” to defraud low-income parents. In January 2026, 16 children were fraudulently taken and sold nationwide for ₦2,000,000 per child.
Through intelligence-led operations across transit routes, 15 of the 16 children were successfully rescued in Anambra, Imo, Enugu, and eastern transit corridors. Three buyers, Joy Julius, Ngozi, and Eze Lazarus were arrested and confessed to the crime, while efforts continue to track the remaining minor.
Regarding internal security and illegal arms diversion, squad operatives investigating a missing firearm arrested Igah Ameh James, a serving officer attached to the CG’s Crack Squad.
Afolabi explained that investigations revealed that James stole an assigned AK-47 rifle (Bridge No. 02028), deserted his post, and transported the weapon to Otukpo, Benue State.
“James sold the firearm to a middleman, Abakpa Simon Anthony, for ₦700,000, who subsequently resold it to an illicit buyer, Sunday Akor (AKA IBB), for ₦800,000. Operatives apprehending the suspects successfully recovered the rifle alongside two empty magazines” the statement, noted
In a related armoury investigation at the Adamawa State Command, an inventory audit led to the arrest of ASCI Peter Ardo (former Head of Armoury) and CCA Boniface Lawyer. Between 2018 and 2024, Ardo illegally removed two unserviceable G3 service rifles (Breach Nos. 10S838 and 69112944) and sold them to Lawyer for ₦210,000 and ₦220,000, who then resold them to a civilian. To evade detection during routine checks, Ardo systematically altered physical inventory registers. Both suspects are in custody following full confessions.
“Expanding on critical asset protection, the CG’s SIS dismantled a syndicate targeting telecommunications infrastructure across Delta and Kano states. Operatives caught Henry Dennis red-handed with 12 vandalised telecom panels from an IHS tower site in Uvwie LGA, Delta State. Further investigations exposed a broader network involving a scrap market owner and financier, Yusuf Musa, who funded theft operations and resold stolen components. Financial tracing identified illicit transactions routed through digital payment platforms, and legal proceedings are under way to secure search and arrest warrants for fleeing syndicate members” Afolabi, explained.
According to the ACC, the Commandant General commended the CG’s SIS for their tactical co-ordination and operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, internal administrative and disciplinary proceedings against all implicated personnel have been concluded, and the NSCDC Directorate of Legal Services (DLS) has been directed to immediately initiate prosecution against all arrested suspects in courts of competent jurisdiction.
“The corps re-emphasises its commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure, protecting vulnerable citizens, and maintaining absolute integrity within its ranks” the ACC, said.
