The Niger State Police Command has announced the successful bust of a syndicate that specializes in kidnapping children in Suleja. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction of two children, Abdullahi Umar, 5, and Rahamat Umar, 3, last October.
The suspects were identified as Savior Ebuka and Mary Peter, who were apprehended in Gwagawalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Chinwe Egwu, who was arrested in Lugbe area of FCT.
Further investigation revealed that Chinwe Egwu was in charge of one Adorable Orphanage home, where seven children were rescued, including the two abducted in Suleja. The Anti-kidnapping unit of the Command had trailed the suspects and arrested Saviour Ebuka and Mary Peter in January and February respectively.
Saviour confessed to having conspired with two others, Ifeoma and Patience, who are currently at large, to perpetrate the act. The children were taken to Ifeoma’s illegal orphanage home called “Famous Kids home,” but she later left for an unknown destination and transferred the children to Chinwe Egwu.
The Police operatives were able to identify Chinwe Egwu as the illegal custodian of the children, and she was subsequently arrested. Five children among the seven rescued were immediately handed over to the Social Welfare Department of FCT.
Three other children who were abducted from different locations in Suleja and Tafa were equally rescued from Chinwe on 14/03/2023 due to her confessions.
The Police assured that efforts are ongoing to arrest the said Ifeoma and Patience, as the case is still under investigation. The suspects arrested so far will be prosecuted accordingly as soon as the investigation is concluded.
The successful operation is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Niger State Police Command towards the protection of lives and property.
Parents and guardians are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities around them to the appropriate authorities. The Police also called on members of the public to support them with useful information that will help to nip criminal activities in the bud.