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 Amoyo to Mali under the guise of securing employment for her in Senegal.

The command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Corps I (ASC I) Ayoola Michael Shola, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

According to Shola, the case was reported by the victim’s mother at the NSCDC Amoyo Division on October 9, 2026, before it was transferred to the command’s state headquarters in Ilorin for further investigation.

Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect allegedly met the girl at his shop on October 5, 2026, when she visited to purchase noodles. He reportedly offered her an opportunity to travel to Senegal for employment.

The suspect allegedly took the teenager to Lagos on October 7, 2026, where he handed her over to an unidentified individual at Mile 2 for onward transportation abroad.

Shola said the suspect later informed NSCDC operatives that the girl had arrived in Mali on October 12, 2026.

The suspect further claimed that an agent identified as Joy changed the girl’s destination to Mali, contrary to the initial arrangement for her to travel to Senegal.

“The suspect’s parents have pledged to cooperate with the Command to facilitate the girl’s return to Nigeria within two weeks,” the statement read.

The command said it was taking the necessary steps to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged trafficking and ensure the safe return of the victim to Nigeria.