Jos, Nigeria – The Plateau State Government has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against human trafficking following a coordinated, multi-location raid that led to several arrests and the rescue of vulnerable victims across the state.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Philemon Daffi, who also chairs the Plateau State Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking, disclosed this on Saturday during a press briefing at the State Ministry of Justice Secretariat in Jos.
According to him, the late-night operation, carried out in the early hours of Saturday February 7, marked a turning point in the state’s battle against modern-day slavery.
“Last night’s operation was an overwhelming success. It resulted in strategic arrests and the rescue of numerous vulnerable citizens who had been trapped in the shadows of exploitation,” Daffi said.
He explained that the success of the operation was the result of months of strategic review, intelligence gathering, and data-driven planning. The Taskforce, he noted, had carefully audited previous operations to identify weaknesses and close loopholes exploited by trafficking syndicates.
“We are no longer just reacting. We are out-thinking and out-manoeuvring criminal networks who believed Plateau State was a safe haven for their activities,” he added.
Report has it that a total of 184 person’s were rescued by the taskforce among who were 3 pregnant women, 7 female minors, 9 male minors while 41 female adults, 123 male adults and 1 person living with disability (PLWD) were among those arrested during the operation that lasted several hours .
Zero Tolerance for Child Prostitution
The Attorney-General declared that the state government would no longer treat child prostitution as a mere social issue, but as outright human trafficking and a grave violation of the Child’s Rights Law.
“Child prostitution is human trafficking. When a minor is involved, there is no consent. It is exploitation and coercion, and it will be treated as such,” he stated.
He warned that adults who patronize minors would be treated as criminals, stressing that the Taskforce has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on child exploitation and trafficking.
“Anyone caught patronizing a minor will face the full weight of the law. There will be no soft landing,” he said.
‘Seal, Seize, and Demolish’ Policy Introduced
In a strong economic crackdown, Daffi announced the immediate enforcement of a “Seal, Seize, and Demolish” policy targeting properties and establishments complicit in human trafficking and child prostitution.
Under the new directive:
Any property found harbouring trafficked persons or facilitating child prostitution will be sealed and shut down.
Assets within such premises will be seized and forfeited to the state.
Structures dedicated to illicit activities may be demolished in accordance with the law.
“There is no room in the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’ for those who profit from the destruction of our children,” he declared.
Parents and Families Warned
The Taskforce also warned families against complicity in trafficking, describing the family unit as the “first line of protection” for children.
Daffi condemned cases where relatives allegedly “sell” children under the guise of seeking better opportunities, stating that poverty would not be accepted as justification for trafficking.
“The law will not tolerate internal betrayal. Any family member found complicit will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
He further warned that parents who neglect their children and leave them vulnerable to exploitation could face criminal prosecution.
“If you will not protect your children, the State will — and we will hold you accountable for your failure,” he added.
Taskforce Expands Capacity
The Attorney-General assured residents that the Taskforce is strengthening its operational capacity through specialized training, intelligence upgrades, and plans for improved victim rehabilitation infrastructure.
He also issued a stern warning to traffickers, recruiters, and collaborators, saying the government would continue to evolve faster than criminal networks.
“You may change your tactics or routes, but we are developing the capacity to identify emerging trends. Plateau State is no longer a safe space for traffickers,” Daffi said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and upholding justice, describing the latest raid as a clear signal of the state’s resolve.
“The hunters have become the hunted. There is no place to hide in Plateau State,” he concluded.
