A sweeping overnight operation across the Jos–Bukuru metropolis has exposed what officials describe as a troubling reflection of the state of society, as government agents rescued dozens of minors allegedly trapped in cycles of sexual exploitation, drug abuse, and trafficking.
The Task Force Committee on Human Trafficking, comprises of Plateau State Ministry of Justice, NAPTIP (Federal Ministry of Justice), Nigeria Immigration Service, NACTAL, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and Nigeria Police Force, all of Plateau State command, carried out coordinated raids on brothels, hotels, and motels across the metropolis.
The operation led to the rescue of young girls aged between 11 to 17 years, including persons living with disabilities (deaf and non-verbal), a breastfeeding mother, and a pregnant lady.
Officials said preliminary findings point to a disturbing pattern of men allegedly drugging and sexually exploiting underaged girls, many of whom should be in school but were instead found in unsafe environments late at night.
Addressing members of the task force, the Chairman of the Committee, who also serves as the 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 ambit of the law, stressing that fairness and conscience must guide the exercise. “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, emphasizing 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 stated.
A representative of NACTAL, Mrs. Vivien Ebere Festuu said the primary concern of this exercise is the life, 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 step up and 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 must ensure that 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 in both Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State, among others.
As of the time of filing this report, the rescued victims were undergoing screening and investigation to ascertain their status, after which the government is expected to provide appropriate intervention, rehabilitation, and support.
Officials say the raid is only 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.
Government of plateau.
