LAFIA, Nasarawa State — The Nasarawa State Police Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against human trafficking, rescuing 17 suspected victims — comprising 11 boys and six girls aged between 10 and 19 years — during a routine stop-and-search operation on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The interception occurred at approximately 5:50 p.m. at Sharp Corner in Karu Local Government Area, a busy transit point along major highways connecting northern and central Nigeria.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, January 18, 2026, by the Command's Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ramhan Nansel, a patrol team attached to Mararaba ‘A’ Division flagged down a white Volkswagen Sharon vehicle bearing registration number SHD 253 YU. The vehicle was driven by 36-year-old Nanle John and carried 17 passengers, all young individuals from Shendam in Plateau State.
Upon initial interrogation, the occupants raised suspicions of being victims of human trafficking. Further questioning revealed that they were en route from Shendam, Plateau State, to Kayama in Kwara State to meet an individual identified only as Umaru (surname unknown). The man had allegedly lured the group with promises of securing lucrative farming jobs in Kayama town. This classic modus operandi — using false employment offers to recruit vulnerable youths from rural areas — is a common tactic employed by traffickers in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by poverty, unemployment, and limited opportunities.
Efforts by the police to contact the parents or guardians of the rescued minors, as well as to reach the alleged recruiter Umaru, proved unsuccessful, as all provided phone numbers were unreachable. This lack of immediate traceability has heightened concerns about the potential scale of the network involved and the risk that other similar groups may be in transit or already exploited.
In response, Commissioner of Police CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed promptly ordered that the 17 individuals be placed in protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia. He directed a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full circumstances of the incident, identify and apprehend all parties connected to the suspected trafficking syndicate, and ensure the safety and welfare of the victims. CP Mohammed, who assumed duty as the state's top police officer in late 2025 following a redeployment by the Inspector-General of Police, has emphasized proactive policing and community collaboration since taking office.
The rescued victims have been identified as follows: Nanpar Zwaltur (19), Monday Zinglak (14), Ramnap Selchum (18), Nankat Ayuba (18), Burnan Yilkur (19), Timnan Ponfa (19), Nantip Nanbut (19), Kumlyan Nanbut (17), Zwalkur Zingdap (15), Nanfar Zwalkur (11), Nanpar Nanbut (14), Nanchu Bwoi (13), Godiya Lagang (10), Yulbyen Zingdap (10), Nanna Chirvyok (12), Sholyen Rapkat (10), and Ladi Dinfa (12). Many of these young people hail from rural communities in Plateau State, where economic hardships and limited access to education make them particularly susceptible to deceptive recruitment schemes.
Human trafficking remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with the country serving as a major source, transit, and destination point for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of exploitation. According to reports from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and international observers, traffickers frequently target children and youths from impoverished rural areas, promising better jobs in agriculture, domestic work, or urban opportunities, only to subject them to exploitation. Routes from northern states like Plateau to central and southern regions, including Kwara, often involve false job promises in farming or other sectors, as highlighted in this case.
Nasarawa State, strategically located between the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) and other northern states, has become a key transit corridor for such activities due to its proximity to major highways and inter-state borders. Routine checkpoints like the one at Sharp Corner have proven effective in detecting suspicious movements, underscoring the importance of proactive policing in high-risk areas.
This rescue operation aligns with broader national efforts to combat trafficking. NAPTIP and state police commands have intensified operations in recent years, but challenges persist due to the hidden nature of the crime, limited resources, and the sophistication of traffickers. Victims often fear reprisals or lack awareness of their rights, complicating reporting and rescue efforts.
CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable persons and eradicating human trafficking in Nasarawa State. He called on residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities — such as groups of young people traveling without clear adult supervision, unusual recruitment promises, or vehicles carrying large numbers of minors — to the nearest police station or security agency.
The rescued individuals will receive necessary support, including medical examinations, counseling, and family tracing, in line with standard protocols for trafficking victims. Authorities have urged the public to provide credible information that could aid in dismantling the suspected network and preventing similar incidents.
This timely intervention not only saved 17 young lives from potential exploitation but also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of human trafficking in Nigeria. As investigations continue, the Nasarawa State Police Command's actions demonstrate the value of routine patrols, intelligence-led operations, and community cooperation in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
