Minna — The Niger State Police Command says it has busted a child-trafficking syndicate involving a Abuja-based pastor, rescuing at least six children and arresting eight suspects linked to the abduction, trafficking and sale of minors across several states.
The breakthrough followed a month-long investigation that began with the arrest of Victoria Chukwumezie at Dikko Junction on 5 November 2025, when she was intercepted with three abducted children.
In a statement, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said operatives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, expanded the probe based on her confession.
“On arrival in Asaba, the team recovered one Rahamat Mohammed, aged 2, of Sabon-Wuse, Tafa,” Abiodun said.
Police investigations revealed that Victoria allegedly took Rahamat from Sabon-Wuse on 2 October 2025 and sold her to one Rosemary of Nyanya, Abuja. Rosemary reportedly resold the child to Pastor Vincent Emmanuel of Asokoro, Abuja, for ₦2.8 million.
According to SP Abiodun, the pastor then sold Rahamat to Anthonia Nwabufor for ₦3.8 million, netting a profit of ₦1 million.
Further findings showed that Nwabufor, who resides in London, instructed that the child be delivered to her mother in Asaba, Delta State, from where arrangements would allegedly be made to move her to the United Kingdom.
“So far, six children have been rescued and eight suspects are in custody assisting with investigations,” the police spokesman said, adding that more arrests and recoveries are expected as the operation continues.
He warned that the Command would continue to clamp down on traffickers, handlers and end-buyers in child-trafficking chains, and urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant about the whereabouts of their children.
Scrap Dealers Held Over Suleja Armed Robbery
In a separate operation, the Niger State Police Command also arrested three suspects over an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery in Suleja.
The incident occurred on 20 November 2025 at Chaichainiya area, Kaduna Road, where armed men reportedly invaded a residence and carted away a motorcycle, mobile phone, power bank and three ATM cards.
Acting on the victim’s report, detectives arrested Fatimah Abdullahi (19), Shuaibu Ibrahim (21) and Sagir Adam (21).
Abiodun said investigations revealed that Shuaibu and Sagir are scrap dealers operating at Jabi Garage, Abuja, and that they allegedly named one Faisal as the coordinator of the robbery.
“Efforts are ongoing to track down Faisal, while investigation continues,” Abiodun added.
