Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Niger State Police Command have arraigned eight suspected child traffickers before the Minna Chief Magistrate’s Court, marking a significant development in the state’s ongoing efforts to dismantle organised networks involved in child theft and illegal trafficking.
The suspects were brought before the court following their arrest in neighbouring Nasarawa State during a coordinated operation led by the head of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ahmed Sa’idu. According to police accounts presented in court, the suspects were found in possession of children believed to have been stolen from various communities across Niger State, raising fresh concerns about cross-border trafficking routes and the vulnerability of children in rural and semi-urban areas.
Those arraigned include Leo Ugochukwu, Ngozi Ugochukwu, Henrietta Obiako and Rosemary Ogbulogo, alongside four other suspects whose identities were also presented to the court. Investigators told the magistrate that preliminary findings suggest the suspects are part of a wider syndicate that allegedly specialises in abducting or unlawfully obtaining children before transporting them across state lines for undisclosed purposes.
Police prosecutors informed the court that intelligence-driven surveillance led operatives to Nasarawa State, where the suspects were apprehended with the children in their custody. The operation, according to the police, followed weeks of investigation triggered by reports of missing children from different parts of Niger State. Families had raised alarms after unsuccessful personal searches, prompting formal complaints to security agencies.
In court, the prosecution argued that the alleged offences contravene existing laws prohibiting child stealing, trafficking and unlawful custody of minors. The police requested that the defendants be remanded in custody to allow for the completion of investigations, citing the complexity of the case and the likelihood that additional suspects could be identified as inquiries progress. The prosecution also stressed the need to ensure the safety and welfare of the recovered children, some of whom are believed to be too young to provide reliable accounts of how they were taken.
The defence counsel, however, urged the court to consider bail for the defendants, arguing that the allegations remain unproven and that their clients are willing to cooperate with investigators. The defence maintained that the suspects deny any involvement in child trafficking and claimed that explanations would be provided at the appropriate stage of the trial.
After listening to submissions from both sides, the Chief Magistrate adjourned the matter to a later date to enable the police to conclude investigations and formally present the proof of evidence. The court ordered that the suspects be remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings, while directing relevant authorities to ensure the children are placed under protective care.
Outside the courtroom, police officials reiterated their commitment to tackling child trafficking and kidnapping, offences that have continued to pose serious social and security challenges in parts of the country. DSP Sa’idu noted that the command has intensified collaboration with other state police formations to disrupt criminal movements across borders, adding that the recent arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and inter-state cooperation.
Child rights advocates have welcomed the arraignment, describing it as a positive step toward accountability in cases that often go unresolved. They emphasised that beyond prosecution, authorities must prioritise the rehabilitation of rescued children, many of whom may suffer psychological trauma as a result of their experiences. Advocates also called for sustained public awareness campaigns to educate communities on how to identify and report suspicious activities involving children.
Residents of affected communities in Niger State have expressed a mixture of relief and concern following the arrests. While many welcomed the recovery of the children, they also raised questions about how such incidents continue to occur and urged security agencies to strengthen patrols and community engagement, particularly in areas where children frequently move unaccompanied to schools, markets or farms.
The Niger State Police Command has urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to promptly report cases of missing children. Officials stressed that early reporting significantly improves the chances of recovery and enables law enforcement to respond swiftly before victims are moved far from their original locations.
As the case proceeds through the legal system, it is expected to shed more light on the methods used by suspected traffickers and the possible destinations of trafficked children. The outcome will be closely watched by law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and members of the public, who see the prosecution as a test of the justice system’s resolve to confront crimes that strike at the heart of family and community life.
For now, the arraignment stands as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by child trafficking networks and the importance of coordinated action among security agencies, the judiciary and communities. Authorities say they remain determined to pursue the case to its logical conclusion, ensuring that those found culpable face the full weight of the law, while rescued children are given the care and protection they deserve.
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