The Plateau State Government has recorded what it describes as a major breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking following a coordinated overnight raid by the Plateau State Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, which led to multiple arrests and the rescue of vulnerable victims across several locations in the state.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who also chaired the Plateau State Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking, Justice Philemon Daffi announced that the operation marked a turning point in the state’s campaign against modern-day slavery.
According to him, the successful raid was the result of months of strategic review, data-driven intelligence gathering, and the restructuring of the Taskforce’s operational framework.
“This was not an accident or luck, we carefully studied our past operations, identified weaknesses, and transformed those lessons into a stronger, smarter, and more resilient tactical approach. We are no longer reacting we are out-thinking and out-manoeuvring criminal syndicates,” he said.
The Attorney-General declared a zero-tolerance policy toward human trafficking and child exploitation, stressing that child prostitution would henceforth be treated strictly as human trafficking under the law.
“There is no ambiguity; child prostitution is slavery. There is no consent when a minor is involved. It is exploitation, coercion, and a gross violation of the Child’s Rights Law,” he stated.
He warned that adults who patronise minors would face full prosecution, noting that such individuals would be treated as predators and held equally culpable as traffickers.
He emphasised that offenders should not expect fines or leniency, as the Taskforce intends to apply the full weight of the law.
The Attorney-General also announced the immediate implementation of a “Seal, Seize, and Demolish” policy targeting properties and establishments used for child prostitution or human trafficking.
Under the policy, such premises will be sealed, assets forfeited to the state, and buildings demolished where necessary.
“We are sanitising Plateau State to ensure that only legitimate and lawful businesses thrive.
“There is no place in the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’ for those who profit from the destruction of our children,” he added.
Addressing the role of families, the Taskforce chairman condemned relatives who facilitate trafficking under the guise of economic opportunity, warning that poverty would not serve as a defence.
He further disclosed that parents who neglect their duty of care and expose their children to exploitation would also be held criminally liable.
“If you will not protect your children, the State will,” he declared.
In a stern warning to traffickers and their collaborators, the Attorney-General said the government remains resolute and technologically adaptive in trackling evolving criminal tactics.
He reaffirmed the Taskforce’s commitment to continuous capacity building, specialised training, and the development of rehabilitation infrastructure for rescued victims.
“This raid is a clear message.
“The hunters have become the hunted. Plateau State is no longer a safe haven for human traffickers,” he concluded.