Niger police arrest two women over alleged child trafficking and rescue four children

The Niger State Police Command has detained two women on charges of child trafficking and suspected ritual activities, rescuing four children aged between four and seven in Suleja, the local government area of the state.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the suspects were captured after a credible intelligence‑led operation conducted by the State Intelligence Department on 3 June 2026.

He identified the suspects as Mrs Promise Chukwudi, 68, of Suleja, and Mrs Suzanna Onojekwo, 62, of Church Road, Suleja, where one of the rescued children was located.

According to Abiodun, the suspects claimed that the children were handed over to them by their parents from Karim‑Lamido in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State between November 2025 and February 2026 for adoption.

He added that Chukwudi had previously operated Precious Promise Nursery, Primary and Orphanage Home in 2022, before resuming operations in November 2025.

She also claimed to be a licensed herbal medical practitioner who provides traditional treatment for ailments.

However, the police said investigations uncovered contradictions in the suspects’ statements after parents from Abuja, Nasarawa and Benue states came forward to claim the rescued children.

A search of the suspects’ residence reportedly uncovered a shrine, animal skulls, multi‑coloured pieces of clothing, bird feathers and other fetish items.

Abiodun said the suspects were transferred to Police Headquarters in Minna for further investigation, while the children were handed over to the appropriate child‑rights agency for care as authorities continue to identify their rightful parents.

The police image maker added that the suspects have been charged to court for prosecution.