The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has rescued two 13-year-old girls and arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of human trafficking in Gusau, Zamfara State. The suspect, identified as Bala Abubakar, was arrested in the Lalan area of Gusau on Thursday, October 15, 2026, while allegedly transporting the girls from Shinkafi Local Government Area.
The rescued girls were identified as Amira Baje Ibrahim and Haulatu Shaibu, both reportedly from Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. According to the NSCDC, preliminary investigations indicated that the girls were allegedly being taken to Suleja, Niger State, where they were to be handed over to two women identified as Hadiza and Bara’atu, also known as Yar Baba.
The Zamfara State NSCDC Command said the arrest followed efforts to tackle human trafficking and protect vulnerable persons from exploitation. The circumstances surrounding the alleged trafficking arrangement are still subject to investigation, and the suspect has not been convicted of any offence.
The commandant, Sani Mustapha, directed that the case be transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and necessary action. The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking and child labour, adding that appropriate legal action would follow the investigation.