The Plateau State Government has rescued dozens of minors from alleged sexual exploitation, drug abuse and trafficking following coordinated raids on brothels, hotels and motels across the Jos–Bukuru axis.
The operation was carried out by the state’s Task Force on Human Trafficking, comprising officials from the Ministry of Justice, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, NSCDC and the Nigeria Police, among others.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the state government said the exercise led to the rescue of girls aged between 11 and 17 years. Those found during the raids included persons living with disabilities, a breastfeeding mother and a pregnant woman.
Authorities said preliminary investigations revealed a troubling pattern in which underage girls were allegedly drugged and sexually exploited by adult men, with many found in unsafe environments late at night instead of being in school.
Addressing members of the task force, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Philemon Audu Daffi, described the findings as a reflection of deep-rooted social problems.
“What we are seeing is a painful mirror of our society. Many of these young people did not choose this path freely. Insecurity, economic hardship, broken homes and irresponsible parenting have made them vulnerable,” he said.
Daffi urged operatives to conduct the exercise with fairness and compassion, stressing that rescued minors should be treated as victims in need of protection and rehabilitation. He also warned that the law would be enforced without regard to status or connections.
“We do not care whose child or relative is involved. What matters is doing what is right,” he added.
Speaking separately, a representative of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), Mrs Vivien Ebere Festus, said the priority was safeguarding the lives and future of underage children increasingly exposed to drugs and exploitation.
“These are children who should be in school and under parental care, not roaming the streets at night,” she said, calling on parents and guardians to take greater responsibility.
The task force secretary, Barr. David Nenfort Yilji, warned hotel and lodge operators against accommodating minors, noting that any establishment found violating the law would be sealed by the government.
The raids covered multiple locations in Jos North and Jos South local government areas, including several hotels and entertainment spots across the metropolis.
As of the time of filing this report, the rescued persons were undergoing screening and investigation, after which the government said appropriate rehabilitation and support measures would be provided. Officials described the operation as the start of sustained action against networks exploiting vulnerable children.