The Plateau State Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce has arrested 184 suspected human traffickers during a large-scale operation carried out at the Old Airport Junction and surrounding areas in Jos South Local Government Area.
The operation, which lasted several hours, also led to the rescue of three pregnant women and 16 minors, made up of seven female minors and nine male minors.
Those arrested include 41 female adults, 123 male adults, and one person living with disability (PLWD). The Taskforce also confirmed that a Cameroonian and a Nigerien were among the suspects apprehended.
The Chairman of the Taskforce and Plateau State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, disclosed this on Saturday while briefing journalists at the State Ministry of Justice in Jos.
Daffi stated that all suspects would be properly profiled, adding that those found culpable would be prosecuted in line with the law.
According to him, the operation was a coordinated, multi-location raid aimed at dismantling human trafficking networks operating within the state. He described the exercise as a major success in the fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery in Plateau State.
The Attorney-General emphasized that child prostitution amounts to human trafficking and constitutes a serious violation of human rights, stressing that minors cannot legally give consent.
He also warned adults who patronize minors, describing them as predators who would face prosecution alongside traffickers.
Daffi further announced a zero-tolerance policy on human trafficking and child exploitation, noting that any property or establishment found harbouring such activities would be shut down, with assets forfeited to the state.
He added that parents or relatives involved in trafficking children would be held accountable, insisting that poverty would not be accepted as an excuse.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Taskforce’s commitment to sustained enforcement, intelligence-driven operations, and the rehabilitation of rescued victims, warning traffickers that Plateau State would no longer serve as a safe haven.
