The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered an alleged child-trafficking network involving a fake non-governmental organisation that reportedly used promises of free education to obtain children from vulnerable families.

The operation led to the rescue of 15 children, who were allegedly taken from their families and sold for about N2 million each.

The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed the development on Friday at the corps’ headquarters in Abuja.

According to Afolabi, a member of the alleged syndicate reportedly posed as an official of the National Council of Child Rights Advocate and approached struggling parents through a supposed NGO and orphanage initiative known as the Back to School Project.

The suspect allegedly convinced parents to release their children by promising to provide them with free education and better opportunities.

“Under the guise of operating an NGO and orphanage programme called the Back to School Project, he lured willing, less privileged parents into releasing their children with promises of free education,” Afolabi said.

The rescue operation was conducted by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) under the leadership of Commander Dandaura Appollos.

The NSCDC said the children were allegedly taken from Kama Madaki and Gudindi Mada communities in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Of the 16 children reportedly trafficked, 15 have so far been rescued from their alleged buyers.

According to the corps, intelligence operatives tracked the alleged buyers to different parts of the country using field tracking, technical intelligence and coordinated operations across multiple states.

Three children were reportedly rescued separately in Anambra, Imo and Enugu states, while another 12 were recovered during a coordinated operation along eastern transit routes.

The NSCDC also announced the arrest of three alleged buyers in connection with the investigation. The suspects comprise one man and two women.

The case highlights the dangers vulnerable families may face when individuals or organisations use promises of education, welfare and better opportunities to gain access to children.

Parents and guardians are therefore advised to properly verify organisations offering to take custody of or provide educational support for their children, particularly when such arrangements involve removing children from their homes.

The NSCDC said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking and other criminal activities.

Afolabi added that anyone found culpable would face prosecution after investigations are concluded.

Meanwhile, the investigation is continuing as authorities work to locate the remaining child and uncover the full extent of the alleged trafficking network.

The NSCDC’s intervention also underscores the importance of stronger child-protection measures and greater public awareness to prevent vulnerable children from becoming victims of trafficking.