Outrage as police officer, two others allegedly rape 13-year-old girl in Niger

A serving Niger State police officer and two other suspects have been arrested for allegedly repeatedly raping a 13-year-old girl after buying chickens from her, with the state’s Women Affairs Commissioner confirming the victim has been relocated to protective custody while condemning attempts to discredit her with theft accusations.

A police officer sworn to protect the public is now in custody — accused of preying on a child instead.

Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Kuta, confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), as reported by Daily Trust ,that a serving officer with the Niger Police Command has been arrested alongside two other suspects for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl multiple times.

According to Kuta, the suspects exploited the girl after buying chickens from her — a detail that has reignited concerns about the dangers facing children involved in street hawking.

“The parents told the ministry that their efforts to seek justice were consistently obstructed, which prompted them to seek the ministry’s assistance,” Kuta revealed, explaining that the case only progressed after the family approached her ministry directly.

She also condemned attempts to shift blame onto the victim through unrelated livestock theft allegations — a tactic she described as a distraction from the real crime.

Kuta voiced frustration over a recurring pattern in Nigeria’s justice system.

“It is distressing to observe that cases of this nature frequently cause significant psychological trauma, undermining the educational aspirations of young girls. The future of these children can be irreparably damaged by the actions of the perpetrators,” she said.

The ministry has relocated the girl into protective custody, where she will receive medical care, psychological evaluation and counselling.

Kuta reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to pursuing justice.