In a swift operation highlighting the vigilance of security personnel, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Niger State Command has successfully rescued a two-year-old boy, Mohammed Abubakar, who was allegedly being trafficked across states.
Two suspects are in custody, while two others remain at large as investigations continue into what appears to be an organized child trafficking network.
The victim, Mohammed Abubakar, the fourth child of his family, hails from Kakumi in Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State. He was reportedly kidnapped on December 17, 2025, while playing in a neighbouring compound with other children.
The boy’s father, simply identified as Abubakar Ibrahim, promptly reported the disappearance to the District Head of Kakumi, Megari Babangida Tukur, before escalating the matter to the police at the Kakumi Town outpost.
The breakthrough came during the child’s attempted transportation from Zaria in Kaduna State to Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Suspect Winner Anda, 18yrs, male, a resident of Okene Local Government Area in Kogi State, was en route when he was flagged down by an alert officer from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mary Adukwu from Kaduna State Command, traveling in the same vehicle.
The officer grew suspicious after questioning Anda about the child, finding his responses unconvincing. Upon reaching Suleja in Niger State, the officer made calls to authorities, leading to the handover of Anda and the child to local vigilante groups.
The vigilantes subsequently transferred the case to NSCDC officials in Suleja. During interrogation, Anda confessed to receiving the child from one Aisha in Zaria. He claimed Aisha paid him ₦10,000, provided bread and Coca-Cola, and instructed him to deliver the boy to her “relative,” identified as one Mrs. Gloria, in Zuba. NSCDC investigators directed Anda to contact the intended receiver.
On December 18, 2025, a woman named Vivian Adubuisi arrived at Madalla, near Abuja, to collect the child and was immediately arrested. She was then transferred to NSCDC headquarters in Minna, under the helm of the state Commandant, Comdt. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye who directed the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, to take over the case for further questioning.
In her statement, Vivian Adubuisi allegedly admitted to previously performing a similar pickup in January 2025 on behalf of the same Mrs. Gloria. Both Mrs. Gloria and Aisha are currently at large, with authorities intensifying efforts to apprehend them. The rescued child, Mohammed Abubakar, has been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to be reunited with family after being placed in protective care. NSCDC officials described the boy as being in good health, though understandably distressed from the ordeal. This incident underscores the persistent threat of child trafficking in northern Nigeria, where vulnerable children are often targeted for exploitation, domestic servitude, or worse.
The Commandant NSCDC Niger state Command Comdt. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye commended the role of the Correctional Service officer and community vigilantes in thwarting the trafficking attempt. The Commandant has vowed to dismantle the network, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving children. Investigations are ongoing, with the arrested suspects Winner Anda and Vivian Adubuisi expected to face charges under relevant anti-trafficking laws. Authorities have assured the victim’s family of continued support and reiterated their commitment to combating human trafficking across the country.