Police Bust Child-Trafficking Ring Operating Between Niger, Abuja
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Niger State Police Command has uncovered what authorities describe as a “well-structured child-trafficking ring” operating between communities in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory, rescuing six children and arresting multiple suspects linked to the network.
Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, revealing that three children were initially rescued earlier this month when officers intercepted 40-year-old Victoria Ebunoha Chukwumezie at Diko Junction with minors aged between two and three. Investigations connected her to several previous cases in Tafa, Suleja and Madalla.
According to Abiodun, detectives later traced the syndicate to the Kurudu area of Abuja, where they arrested a couple — Leonard Ugochukwu, 55, and his wife, Ngozi, 45. “The suspects were found in possession of two trafficked children, identified as four-year-old Goodnews Sunday and three-year-old Ummikari Bello,” he said.
During interrogation, the couple allegedly confessed to purchasing both children from a suspected medical worker, identified as Okpalaye Mathew Ibrahim, for ₦1.1 million each, along with a ₦100,000 “registration fee.” Abiodun said efforts are underway to locate and arrest Ibrahim and any other accomplices.
The police also announced a separate arrest involving 40-year-old Usman Adamu, who was found in possession of four children in the Angwan-Katampe area. The incident triggered a mob attack before officers intervened. Adamu claimed a yet-to-be-identified woman instructed him to bring the children in exchange for a reward.
“All suspects are currently in custody. Our teams are intensifying efforts to dismantle the entire network and recover additional trafficked children,” Abiodun said.
The command urged parents to remain vigilant as investigators broaden the search for victims and suspects.
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