Plateau Taskforce Arrests 123 in Massive Anti-Human Trafficking Raid, Dozens of Minors Rescued

By Asile Abel, Jos

The Plateau State Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking has arrested 123 individuals linked to human trafficking operations across the state, including two foreigners and three pregnant women.

Hon. Philimon Daffi, Chairman of the Taskforce and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Plateau State, disclosed the breakthrough to journalists at the Ministry of Justice Secretariat in Jos.

Among those rescued were nine male minors and seven female minors.

According to the Commissioner, the taskforce conducted coordinated raids at multiple locations within the Jos metropolis on Friday night, resulting in one of the most significant operations to date.

Hon. Daffi revealed that the suspects include two foreigners and their Nigerian collaborators who have been carrying out these illegal activities within the state. He vowed that the taskforce would dismantle their entire network and eliminate all collaborators.

Addressing traffickers, recruiters, and their enablers directly, he declared:

“To the traffickers, the recruiters, and the enablers of wrongdoing against our collective future, I say this without mincing words: we are coming for you. You may adapt new ways to evade the law, leverage technology to hide your tracks, or shift your routes, but we remain resolute.”

He explained that the taskforce had spent several months reviewing previous operations, identifying weaknesses, and closing loopholes previously exploited by traffickers.

“As a taskforce, we are serious and fully committed to achieving our mandate. This government is up and doing. The taskforce is constantly developing its capabilities through experience, specialized training, and advanced infrastructural plans aimed at the rehabilitation of victims,” he added.

Hon. Daffi stressed that despite the significant resources deployed by traffickers, the government is staying ahead.

“You may deploy vast resources in pursuit of your evil, but understand this: we are growing faster than you. We are strengthening the capacity of our members to identify emerging trends in human trafficking.”

He issued a stern warning that any property or establishment found harbouring child prostitution or serving as a hub for human trafficking would be shut down immediately, with all assets forfeited to the state.

During the operation, the taskforce confiscated illicit drugs from the suspects and destroyed them on the spot.

The arrested suspects and rescued victims have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and appropriate action.