Niger police arrest two suspects over alleged child trafficking
The Niger State police command has arrested two suspects, identified as Promise Chukwudi and her alleged accomplice, Suzanna Onojekwo, over alleged child trafficking and ritual-related activities in the Old NEPA area of Suleja Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said in a statement on Friday that the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence received on June 3, 2026.
Mr Abiodun said police operatives mobilised to a location behind the Old NEPA area in Suleja, where they arrested the suspects and rescued four children aged between four and seven years.
According to him, the suspects, who are residents of Suleja, claimed that the children had been released to them by their parents, all natives of Karim-Lamido in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, between November 2025 and February 2026, for adoption.
He said Ms Chukwudi also claimed that she previously operated an orphanage, Precious Promise Nursery, Primary and Orphanage Home, in 2022 before resuming operations in November 2025.
“The suspects claimed that the children were released to them by their parents, all natives of Karim-Lamido in Gassol LGA of Taraba State, between November and February 2026 for adoption,” he added.
Mr Abiodun said that, during the investigation, several parents from Abuja, Nasarawa and Benue states came forward to claim the children.
He added that a search of the suspects’ residence led to the recovery of items including a shrine, animal skulls, pieces of multi-coloured clothing, bird feathers and other fetish objects.
The police spokesperson said the suspects were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department at the police headquarters in Minna for further investigation.
Mr Abiodun added that the rescued children were handed over to child protection agencies pending efforts to identify and reunite them with their parents.
He added that the suspects have been charged in court.
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