The Plateau State Government has rescued dozens of minors during overnight raids on brothels, hotels, and motels across the Jos–Bukuru metropolis. Officials said the operation exposed organised child sexual exploitation and trafficking networks operating within the city.
The raid was carried out by the Plateau State Task Force Committee on Human Trafficking.
Agencies Involved
The task force included officials from the Ministry of Justice, NAPTIP, the Nigeria Police, NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, and civil society groups, including NACTAL. All participating agencies operated through their Plateau State commands.
The government disclosed details of the operation in a statement published on its verified Facebook page.
Victims Found in Hotels and Brothels
According to the statement, officials rescued girls aged 11 to 17, including minors living with disabilities. The task force also rescued a breastfeeding mother and a pregnant teenager.
Authorities said several victims were found in hotels and brothels late at night. Officials believe adult men drugged and sexually exploited the girls. The raids covered locations in Jos North, Jos South, Bukuru, and the West of Mines axis.
Attorney-General Reacts
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, described the findings as a reflection of wider social failure. He said poverty, insecurity, broken homes, and weak parental care pushed many children into danger.
Daffi stressed that the rescued children are victims, not offenders. He warned that social status or personal connections would not protect anyone involved.
Children Allegedly Sold for ₦350,000 to ₦750,000
Civil society groups said traffickers allegedly sold some children for between ₦350,000 and ₦750,000, depending on age and condition. Victims reportedly included children as young as two years old.
In December 2024, advocacy groups revealed that a syndicate sold at least 13 children in Plateau State. Security agencies arrested several suspects, including an alleged ringleader in Bukuru.
Hotel Operators Warned
The task force secretary, David Yilji, warned hotel and lodge operators against accommodating underaged persons. He said the government would shut down any facility found harbouring minors.
Civil society representatives urged families and communities to take greater responsibility for child protection.
A Growing Pattern
Officials said the Jos–Bukuru raid follows several child trafficking cases recorded in Plateau State over the past year. They warned that the trend points to an organised and persistent problem.
Authorities said the operation marks the start of sustained enforcement actions.
Next Steps
As of filing, the rescued children were undergoing screening. The government said it would provide medical care, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support, while investigations continue.
