The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has arrested a 22-year-old man, Victor Barry, over the alleged trafficking of a 17-year-old girl from Kwara State to Mali under the guise of securing employment for her in Senegal.
The Command also arrested a 56-year-old suspected quack doctor, Bello Maruf, for allegedly operating an unauthorised medical facility and performing abortions without recognised medical qualifications or a valid licence.
The two arrests were made in separate operations as the corps intensified efforts to combat human trafficking and other criminal activities in the state.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, ASC I Ayoola Shola, the trafficking case was reported by the victim’s mother at the NSCDC Amoyo Division on October 9, before it was transferred to the state headquarters in Ilorin.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Barry allegedly met the teenager at his shop on October 5 when she visited to purchase noodles.
He reportedly offered to help her travel to Senegal for employment.
The suspect allegedly took the girl to Lagos on October 7 and handed her over to an unidentified individual at Mile 2 for onward transportation abroad.
However, the NSCDC said the suspect later informed its operatives that the girl had arrived in Mali on October 12, contrary to the initial arrangement for her to travel to Senegal.
Barry reportedly claimed that an agent identified as Joy changed the girl’s destination to Mali.
The Command said the suspect’s parents had pledged to cooperate with the authorities to facilitate the girl’s return to Nigeria within two weeks.
It added that efforts were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure the teenager’s safe return.
In a separate development, NSCDC operatives arrested Maruf on October 13 following intelligence reports that he was allegedly operating an illegal medical facility and carrying out abortions without the necessary qualifications or authorisation.
During preliminary investigations, the suspect reportedly admitted to performing multiple abortions but failed to produce any certificate or licence permitting him to practise medicine.
Medical instruments suspected to have been used for the procedures were also recovered during the operation.
The Command said the suspect would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of investigations.
The State Commandant, Abbas Mohammed, reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding vulnerable persons and ensuring that suspects were brought to justice in accordance with the law.
He urged parents and guardians to exercise caution over overseas employment offers made to young people, particularly where the arrangements have not been properly verified.
Mohammed also called on residents to promptly report suspected human trafficking, illegal medical practices and other criminal activities to the nearest NSCDC office.
The Command appealed for credible and timely intelligence from members of the public to support its operations and strengthen security across Kwara State.
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