The Niger State Police Command has uncovered a chilling child trafficking syndicate involving a Pastor, scrap dealers, and other accomplices, rescuing a two-year-old girl who was stolen from her community and sold across states.
Little Rahamat Mohammed, just two years old, was abducted from Sabon-Wuse, Tafa Local Government Area, on October 2, 2025. Her disappearance left her family and community devastated. “We thought we had lost her forever,” a relative said tearfully. “The pain of not knowing where she was cannot be described.”
Trail of Trafficking
Police investigations revealed that Rahamat was first sold by Victoria Chukwumezie, a woman earlier arrested at Dikko Junction with three abducted children. She allegedly handed Rahamat over to Rosemary, a resident of Nyanya, Abuja, for an undisclosed sum. Rosemary then sold the child to Pastor Vincent Emmanuel of Asosi, Abuja, for ₦2.8 million.
Shockingly, the Pastor resold Rahamat to Anthonia Nwabufor, a London-based woman, for ₦3.8 million, making a profit of ₦1.8 million. Anthonia reportedly instructed that the girl be delivered to her mother in Asaba, Delta State, to facilitate her eventual relocation abroad.
It was in Asaba that police operatives finally rescued Rahamat on November 24, 2025, after weeks of painstaking intelligence work.
Police investigate
Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Command, described the breakthrough as part of a wider investigation into child trafficking.
“In continuation of the Police investigation in respect of the case of child stealing, abduction and human trafficking involving Victoria Chukwumezie, our operatives proceeded to Asaba, Delta State, where Rahamat was recovered,” Abiodun said. “So far, six children have been rescued, while eight suspects are in custody helping with investigations.”
He assured that the command is determined to dismantle the syndicate completely. “We will not rest until every child is accounted for and every perpetrator faces justice,” he added.
Community reaction
Residents of Sabon-Wuse expressed relief at Rahamat’s recovery. “This is a miracle,” one community leader said. “We thank the police for their tireless efforts. No child should ever be treated like a commodity.”
Scrap dealers nabbed for armed robbery
In a separate case, police also arrested three suspects for alleged armed robbery in Suleja.
On November 20, 2025, armed men invaded a residence in Chaichainiya area, Kaduna Road, Suleja, carting away a motorcycle, mobile phone, power bank, and ATM cards.
Following investigations, police arrested Fatimah Abdullahi (19), Shuaibu Ibrahim (21), and Sagir Adam (21). During interrogation, Shuaibu and Sagir, both scrap dealers at Jabi Garage, confessed to the crime and implicated another accomplice, Faisal, who allegedly orchestrated the robbery.
“Efforts are ongoing to arrest Faisal,” Abiodun confirmed. “We remain committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property in Niger State.”
A growing concern
The twin arrests highlight the growing menace of child trafficking and armed robbery in the region. For families like Rahamat’s, the ordeal is a reminder of the vulnerability of children and the urgent need for vigilance.