The Niger State Police Command has rescued four children aged between four and seven years and arrested two women over alleged child trafficking and suspected ritual-related activities.
The operation led to the arrest of the suspects, identified as 68-year-old Promise Chukwudi and 62-year-old Suzanna Onojekwo, following an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the State Intelligence Department in Suleja on June 3, 2026.
Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed on Friday that one of the children was rescued from a residence on Church Road in Suleja, while investigations later traced the suspects’ claims to parents allegedly from Karim-Lamido in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to him, the suspects initially claimed that the children had been entrusted to them by their parents for adoption.
However, investigators uncovered discrepancies in their accounts after several individuals came forward to identify the children as their own.
“Different parents from various locations have come forward with claims regarding the rescued children, which raised serious questions about the explanations provided by the suspects,” Abiodun said.
He added that further investigations revealed that one of the suspects claimed to have previously operated an orphanage and nursery school before allegedly resuming activities involving children late last year.
The suspect also claimed to be a licensed herbal practitioner providing traditional treatment for various ailments.
Police said a search of the residence linked to the suspects uncovered a shrine, animal skulls, bird feathers, multi-coloured pieces of cloth and other items believed to be associated with fetish practices.
“The items recovered during the search form part of the evidence being examined as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case,” Abiodun said.
The suspects were subsequently transferred to the State Police Headquarters for further investigation, while the rescued children were placed in the custody of the appropriate child protection agency pending efforts to reunite them with their biological families.
Abiodun said investigations had been concluded and the suspects had been arraigned in court for prosecution.
“We remain committed to protecting children and ensuring that anyone involved in trafficking or related criminal activities is brought to justice,” he said.