In a significant crackdown on child trafficking and sexual exploitation, the Plateau State Government, through its Task Force Committee on Human Trafficking, conducted overnight raids on multiple brothels, hotels, and motels in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, rescuing dozens of underage girls trapped in cycles of abuse, drugging, and exploitation.
The operation, executed in the early hours leading into December 30, 2025, involved a multi-agency collaboration including the Plateau State Ministry of Justice, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Immigration Service, Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Police Force (Plateau State Command).
According to official statements, the raids targeted establishments across Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas, resulting in the rescue of young girls aged between 11 and 17 years. Among the victims were persons living with disabilities (including deaf and non-verbal individuals), a breastfeeding mother, and a pregnant girl. Preliminary investigations revealed a disturbing trend where adult men allegedly drugged and sexually exploited these minors, many of whom were found in compromising situations late at night instead of being in school or safe home environments.
The rescued victims are currently undergoing screening, medical examinations, and investigations to determine their origins and specific needs. Authorities have pledged to provide rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and appropriate interventions to help reintegrate them into society.
Addressing the task force members, the Chairman of the Committee and Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice of Plateau State, Hon. Barr. Philemon Audu Daffi, described the discoveries as a "painful indictment of societal failure." He attributed the vulnerability of these children to factors such as insecurity, economic hardship, broken homes, and irresponsible parenting.
"What we are seeing is a mirror of what our society has become. Many of these young people did not choose this path freely. Insecurity, economic hardship, broken homes, and irresponsible parenting have all contributed to pushing them into vulnerable situations," Daffi stated. He emphasized the need for fairness, conscience, and strict adherence to the law in handling the cases, warning that no compromises would be tolerated regardless of the social status of those involved.
"We do not care whose son or whose father is involved. What matters is doing what is right," he added.
A representative from NACTAL, Mrs. Vivien Ebere Festus, highlighted the operation's focus on protecting the lives and futures of underage children increasingly exposed to drugs, sexual exploitation, and trafficking. "These are children who should be in school, under the care of their parents, not roaming the streets at night and being exploited," she said, urging parents and guardians to fulfill their responsibilities.
The Task Force Secretary, Barr. David Nenfort Yilji, expressed optimism about the long-term impact, stating that early intervention could redirect the victims' lives positively. He issued a strong warning to hotel and lodge operators: "Any establishment found harboring underaged persons will be shut down by the government."
The raided locations included Jos Hotel, Plapoly Hotel, Stefans Hotel, Plateau Central Hotel, Puji West of Mines Hotel, Summit Hotel, Polo De Glit, King Step, Garden Palace, Bolinco, Jossy Royal, and People’s Hotel, among others in the Bukuru and West of Mines areas.
This raid underscores a persistent challenge in Plateau State, where child trafficking and exploitation cases have been reported throughout 2025. It follows earlier interventions, such as rescues of trafficked children from various local government areas and collaborations with NAPTIP on national efforts.
The operation has been hailed as a proactive step toward dismantling exploitation networks, with officials describing it as the beginning of sustained efforts. It also serves as a broader call for societal reflection on child protection, parental duties, and community vigilance.
Jos-Bukuru, the bustling metropolitan area encompassing the state capital, has long grappled with urban challenges including insecurity and socioeconomic pressures that exacerbate vulnerabilities among youth. Incidents like this highlight the intersection of poverty, displacement from conflicts, and criminal opportunism.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to prosecute perpetrators while ensuring victim-centered support. The Plateau State Government's action aligns with national priorities under NAPTIP to combat human trafficking, which remains a grave concern across Nigeria.
This development comes amid ongoing national conversations on child rights, with advocacy groups renewing calls for stronger enforcement of laws protecting minors from exploitation.
