Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have arrested two elderly women and rescued four children aged between four and seven over alleged child trafficking and suspected ritual-related activities in Suleja Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the arrest followed a credible intelligence-led operation by the State Intelligence Department on June 3, 2026.
The women were identified as Mrs. Promise Chukwudi, 68, of Suleja, and Mrs. Suzanna Onojekwo, 62, of Church Road, Suleja, where one of the children was found.
According to the police, Chukwudi claimed the children were handed to her and Onojekwo by their parents from Karim-Lamido in Gassol LGA, Taraba State, between November 2025 and February 2026 for adoption.
She also told investigators she previously ran Precious Promise Nursery, Primary and Orphanage Home in 2022 before restarting in November 2025, and described herself as a licensed herbal medical practitioner.
Police said investigations contradicted the suspects’ claims after parents from Abuja, Nasarawa, and Benue states came forward to identify the rescued children.
A search of the residence allegedly uncovered a shrine, animal skulls, multi-coloured pieces of clothing, bird feathers, and other fetish items.
Abiodun said the suspects have been moved to the Police Headquarters in Minna for further investigation and have since been charged to court.
The four children have been handed over to the appropriate child rights agency for care, as efforts continue to reunite them with their biological parents.
