The Plateau State Government has rescued dozens of minors reportedly trapped in cycles of sexual exploitation, drug abuse, and trafficking across Jos–Bukuru.
The Task Force Committee on Human Trafficking, comprising the Plateau State Ministry of Justice, NAPTIP (Federal Ministry of Justice), Nigeria Immigration Service, NACTAL, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force (Plateau State Command), conducted coordinated raids on brothels, hotels, and motels throughout the metropolis.
According to a statement published on the verified Facebook page of the Plateau State Government on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the operation led to the rescue of young girls aged 11 to 17 years. Among them were persons living with disabilities (deaf and non-verbal), a breastfeeding mother, and a pregnant woman.
Preliminary investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of men allegedly drugging and sexually exploiting underaged girls, many of whom should have been in school but were instead found in unsafe environments late at night.
Addressing the task force, the Chairman of the Committee and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Plateau State, Hon. Barr. Philemon Audu Daffi, described the situation as a painful indictment of societal failure.
“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,” Barr. Daffi said.
He urged the task force to operate strictly within the law, emphasizing that fairness and conscience must guide their work.
“Two things are critical,” he said. “First, you must be fair to all. These victims are not written off; they still have a future. Second, you must have conscience. No matter the circumstances, we must do the right thing.”
He also warned against compromise, stressing that the law would take its course regardless of social status or connections.
“We do not care whose son or whose father is involved. What matters is doing what is right,” he added.
A representative of NACTAL, Mrs. Vivien Ebere Festus, said the primary concern of the operation is the lives, wellbeing, and future of underaged children, who are 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, calling on parents and guardians to take responsibility for the safety and upbringing of their children.
The Secretary of the Task Force Committee, Barr. David Nenfort Yilji, expressed confidence that the operation would yield long-term benefits, noting that timely intervention could help redirect the lives of the rescued minors.
He also issued a stern warning to hotel and lodge operators, insisting they ensure minors are not accommodated on their premises.
“Any establishment found harboring underaged persons will be shut down by the government,” he said.
The operation covered several locations, including 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, across Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas.
As of this report, the rescued victims were undergoing screening and investigation to determine their status. The government is expected to provide appropriate intervention, rehabilitation, and support.
Officials emphasized that the raid marks the beginning of a sustained effort to dismantle networks that prey on vulnerable children, and a call for collective reflection on the moral and social responsibilities of families, communities, and society at large.
