Police Bust Alleged Child Trafficking Ring, Rescue Four Children
The Niger State Police Command has arrested two women over alleged child trafficking and suspected ritual-related activities after rescuing four children from a property in Suleja, Niger State.
Global Mirror News gathered that the suspects, identified as 68-year-old Promise Chukwudi and 62-year-old Suzanna Onojekwo, were apprehended following an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the State Intelligence Department on June 3, 2026.
Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed in a statement that Officers raided a residence located behind the old NEPA area in Suleja, where four children aged between four and seven years were rescued. One of the children was later found at Onojekwo’s residence on Church Road in Suleja.
According to investigators, the suspects claimed the children had been voluntarily 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.
However, Police said the claim was contradicted during investigations as several parents from the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Benue States came forward to identify and claim the rescued children.
Global Mirror News learnt that Chukwudi reportedly told investigators that she previously operated an orphanage known as Precious Promise Nursery, Primary and Orphanage Home in 2022 before resuming its activities in November 2025. She also described herself as a licensed herbal medical practitioner who provides traditional treatment for various ailments.
During a search of the main suspect’s residence, detectives recovered a shrine, animal skulls, bird feathers, pieces of multi-coloured clothing and other suspected fetish objects. The discoveries have heightened suspicions surrounding the activities allegedly carried out at the property, although Police said investigations are still ongoing.
The suspects were subsequently transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Minna for further investigation before being arraigned in court for prosecution.
The rescued children have been handed over to the appropriate child protection Agency for temporary care while authorities continue efforts to trace and reunite them with their biological families.
The latest operation comes amid renewed efforts by Nigerian security agencies to dismantle child trafficking networks operating under the guise of orphanages, adoption centres and humanitarian organisations. Child rights advocates have repeatedly urged parents to verify the authenticity of adoption homes and report suspicious activities, warning that traffickers often exploit vulnerable families with false promises of education, welfare or better living conditions.
Police have assured the public that investigations into the case are continuing to determine whether more victims or accomplices are linked to the suspected trafficking network.
