Niger State Police Rescue Six Trafficked Children, Apprehend Principal Suspect in Major Operation

In a major blow against human trafficking networks operating in the North Central region, the Niger State Police Command today, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, announced the successful rescue of six children who were being trafficked out of the state.

The operation, carried out by specialized anti-trafficking units of the Command, led to the immediate apprehension of a principal suspect believed to be the ringleader of the syndicate responsible for recruiting and moving the vulnerable minors.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) confirmed that the rescue operation was launched following credible and actionable intelligence regarding the movement of the children, who were being transported under false pretenses for purposes of exploitation. The PPRO stressed that the Command acted swiftly to intercept the traffickers before they could move the children beyond the state borders.

Cooperation with NAPTIP

Following the rescue, the six children were immediately placed under protective custody. They have since been transferred to the local command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). NAPTIP officials will now take over the critical phases of counseling, medical checks, and detailed profiling, with the goal of reuniting the children with their legitimate families.

The Police Command confirmed that the arrested suspect is currently undergoing intensive interrogation. Efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest other members of the trafficking network who are currently at large.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the continuous threat of child trafficking and the need for constant community vigilance. The police urged parents and guardians to exercise extreme caution and avoid entrusting their children to unknown persons offering promises of wealth or quick educational sponsorship.