Two 13-Year-Old Girls Rescued from Traffickers in Zamfara, Suspect Arrested

In Zamfara State, Nigeria, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) rescued two 13-year-old girls from human traffickers. The operation took place in Gusau, the state capital, on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The suspect, a 25-year-old man named Bala Abubakar, was arrested around 8:30 p.m. while allegedly transporting the girls from Shinkafi Local Government Area. The girls, identified as Amira Baje Ibrahim and Haulatu Shaibu, are from Zurmi Local Government Area.

According to the NSCDC, Abubakar claimed he was taking the girls to two women named Hadiza and Bara’atu, also known as Yar Baba, in Suleja, Niger State. The NSCDC has referred the case to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.

The State Commandant, CC Sani Mustapha, emphasized the agency’s commitment to fighting human trafficking and child labor. He warned that anyone involved in such activities would be investigated and prosecuted according to the law.