Arrested suspects
Plateau State Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking has arrested 184 suspected traffickers during a coordinated multi-location operation in Jos South Local Government Area, marking what officials described as a major breakthrough in the fight against modern-day slavery.
The operation, carried out around the Old Airport Junction and surrounding areas in the early hours of Saturday, also led to the rescue of three pregnant women and 16 minors.
Chairman of the Taskforce and the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Philemon Daffi, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Ministry of Justice in Jos.
A breakdown of those arrested shows that 41 female adults, 123 male adults and one person living with disability (PLWD) are currently in custody. Among the suspects are two foreign nationals — a Cameroonian and a Nigerien.
Daffi said the suspects would be profiled and those found culpable prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Describing the operation as “a turning point in the battle against modern-day slavery,” the Attorney-General said the success was the result of months of intelligence gathering, strategic review and improved tactical planning.
“This was not by chance. We have spent months auditing our past operations, identifying gaps and strengthening our framework. We are no longer just reacting; we are out-thinking and out-manoeuvring criminal syndicates,” he said.
He declared that the state government would no longer treat child prostitution as a mere social issue, stressing that it constitutes human trafficking and a grave violation of the Child’s Rights Law.
“When a minor is involved, there is no consent. It is exploitation and coercion. Those who patronize such acts are not customers but predators, and they will face the full weight of the law,” Daffi warned.
The Taskforce Chairman further announced a zero-tolerance stance against establishments found to be harbouring trafficking activities. He said properties linked to child prostitution would be sealed, assets forfeited, and structures dedicated to such activities demolished where necessary.
“We are sanitising Plateau State to ensure that only legitimate businesses thrive. There is no room in the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’ for those who profit from the destruction of our children,” he added.
Daffi also warned that parents and family members found complicit in trafficking or guilty of negligence that exposes children to exploitation would be prosecuted.
“If families fail in their duty to protect their children, the State will step in and hold them accountable,” he said.
The Taskforce reiterated its commitment to strengthening enforcement mechanisms, improving intelligence gathering and expanding rehabilitation support for rescued victims.
