Plateau Govt Cracks Down on Human Trafficking, Child Prostitution
The Plateau State Government has intensified its crackdown on human trafficking and child prostitution, arresting suspects and rescuing underage victims during coordinated raids across parts of the state.
The renewed enforcement drive, carried out by a joint task force comprising security agencies and relevant government ministries, targeted hotels, brothels and suspected trafficking hotspots in Jos, Bukuru and surrounding areas. Several victims, including minors, were rescued during the operations, while suspects linked to trafficking and child exploitation were taken into custody. Speaking on the development, state officials said the action followed growing concerns over the rising cases of child trafficking and sexual exploitation, particularly involving vulnerable children and young women. The government noted that some of the rescued victims were allegedly forced into prostitution under deceptive promises of jobs or better living conditions. The task force, which includes officials from the Ministry of Justice, security agencies and social welfare departments, said investigations are ongoing and those found culpable will be prosecuted under Nigeria’s anti-trafficking and child protection laws. Authorities also confirmed that rescued minors have been handed over to relevant agencies for rehabilitation, medical care and psychosocial support, while efforts are being made to reunite them with their families where possible. The Plateau State Government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking and child abuse, warning operators of illegal networks that the state will sustain aggressive enforcement. It also urged residents to report suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation is critical to dismantling trafficking rings.
