Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have arrested two suspected child traffickers and ritualists while rescuing four children in Suleja Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on June 3, 2026, was confirmed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun. According to him, the arrests were carried out by the command’s intelligence department behind the old NEPA area in Suleja.
The suspects, identified as Mrs Promise Chukwudi, 68, and Mrs Suzanna Onojekwo, 62, were apprehended at Onojekwo’s residence, where the children—aged between four and seven years—were found.
During interrogation, the suspects claimed that the children had been given to them for adoption by their parents, who they alleged were natives of Karim-Lamido in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
They further stated that the arrangements took place between November 2025 and February 2026.
However, police investigations revealed inconsistencies in their claims. Several individuals from Abuja, Nasarawa, and Benue states reportedly came forward to identify and claim the rescued children, contradicting the suspects’ account.
Further search of the residence led to the discovery of a shrine, animal skulls, multicoloured clothing materials, bird feathers, and other items suspected to be used for ritual purposes.
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The police also disclosed that one of the suspects had previously operated an orphanage known as Precious Promise Nursery, Primary and Orphanage Home in 2022, before allegedly resuming operations in November 2025.
Following their arrest, the suspects have been transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Minna for further investigation and prosecution.
Meanwhile, the rescued children have been handed over to the appropriate child protection agency for care, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their biological parents.
The Niger State Police Command assured the public of its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and tackling crimes related to child trafficking and exploitation.
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