17 Trafficking Victims Rescued by Police During Operation in Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued 17 suspected human trafficking victims during a stop-and-search operation in Karu Local Government Area of the state, law enforcement officials confirmed on Sunday.
According to SP Ramhan Nansel, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, officers attached to the Mararaba ‘A’ Division intercepted a white Volkswagen Sharon vehicle carrying 17 young passengers — 11 boys and six girls aged between 10 and 19 years — while on duty at Sharp Corner on Saturday evening (January 17).
Initial questioning raised suspicion that the youths were victims of human trafficking. They and the driver, identified as 36-year-old Nanle John, said they were travelling from Shendam in Plateau State to Kayama in Kwara State, allegedly to meet a man named Umaru, who had promised them farming jobs. However, efforts to contact their parents, guardians, or Umaru were unsuccessful, as provided phone numbers were unreachable.
Following the interception, the State Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, ordered that the rescued youths be placed in protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia. A thorough investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of their movement and to apprehend anyone involved in the suspected trafficking network.
Police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding vulnerable persons and urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station for prompt action.
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