By Stephen Simon
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has rescued 15 children allegedly trafficked from Nasarawa State and sold to buyers for N2 million each.
The development followed an intelligence operation targeting a suspected trafficking network accused of using promises of free education to lure children from poor families.
NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi said the suspect allegedly posed as an official of the National Council of Child Rights Advocates and operated under the guise of an NGO and orphanage programme known as the “Back to School Project.”
According to him, the suspect persuaded disadvantaged parents to release their children by promising to provide them with free education.
The NSCDC said 16 children were initially trafficked from Kama Madaki and Gudindi Mada communities in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, with 15 subsequently rescued from their alleged buyers.
Three children were rescued in Anambra, Imo and Enugu states, while 12 others were recovered during coordinated operations along eastern transit routes.
The corps said three suspected buyers, including a man and two women, had been arrested in connection with the case.
The NSCDC said investigations were continuing and warned that all suspects found culpable would be prosecuted. The rescued children are now in protective custody pending further arrangements for their welfare and reunification where appropriate.
