In a major operation against human trafficking, the Plateau State Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking has arrested 184 suspected traffickers in Jos South Local Government Area. The raid, which lasted several hours at the Old Airport junction and surrounding areas, also led to the rescue of 3 pregnant women, 7 female minors, and 9 male minors.
The Chairman of the Taskforce and State Attorney-General, Hon. Philemon Daffi, described the operation as a turning point in the fight against modern day slavery in the state.
“Last night, the Plateau State Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce executed a surgical, multi-location raid that marks a turning point in the battle against modern-day slavery,” he said.
According to Daffi, the arrested suspects include 41 adult females, 123 adult males, and one person living with disability, as well as foreign nationals from Cameroon and Niger. He added that all suspects will be profiled and prosecuted where necessary.
“The victory was not a product of chance. We spent months auditing previous operations, identifying gaps traffickers exploited, and improving our strategies,” Daffi explained.
He emphasized that the Taskforce now uses data driven intelligence and tactical planning to outsmart traffickers. “We are no longer just reacting; we are out-thinking and out-manoeuvring syndicates that thought Plateau State was a safe harbor for their crimes,” he said.
Daffi warned that child prostitution is a grave violation of human rights. “When a minor is engaged in these acts, there is no consent. It is exploitation, coercion, and a gross violation of the Child’s Rights Law,” he said.
He also addressed adults who patronize minors, stressing that they are just as guilty as traffickers. “They are not customers; they are predators, and the law will treat them accordingly,” Daffi stated.
The Attorney-General highlighted that establishments harboring minors for profit will face closure, and assets will be forfeited to the state. “We are sanitizing Plateau State to ensure that only legitimate and lawful establishments thrive,” he said.
Daffi further warned families against selling their children under the guise of financial gain. “Poverty is not an excuse for human trafficking. If parents fail to protect their children, the state will step in and hold them accountable,” he said.
He affirmed the Taskforce’s commitment to justice. “To traffickers, recruiters, and enablers of these crimes, hear me clearly: we are coming for you. Plateau State will not tolerate this evil, and the full wrath of the law will be applied,” Daffi warned.
