Plateau State Taskforce Conducts Major Operation Against Human Trafficking Networks
The Plateau State Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce has executed a significant crackdown on criminal syndicates operating within the state, resulting in the arrest of 184 individuals across multiple locations in Jos. The operation, which targeted establishments allegedly involved in human trafficking, drug abuse, and other anti-social activities, was carried out in the early hours of Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Details of the Arrests and Operation
Following the coordinated raids, law enforcement officials took into custody a diverse group of suspects, including alleged traffickers, recruiters, and their accomplices. The breakdown of those apprehended reveals:
- 123 adult males
- 41 adult females
- Seven female minors
- Nine male minors
- Three pregnant women
All arrested individuals are currently being held in custody as authorities proceed with profiling and investigation processes to determine their level of involvement in the criminal activities.
Official Statement from Justice Commissioner
Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, who personally led the operation, addressed journalists on Saturday, declaring the mission a resounding success. "Plateau State Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce executed a surgical, multi-location raid that marks a turning point in our battle against modern-day slavery," Daffi stated emphatically.
The commissioner elaborated on the strategic nature of the operation, explaining that "this victory was not a product of chance or mere luck. It was the culmination of rigorous learning and the strategic application of data." He revealed that the taskforce had spent several months analyzing previous operations, identifying weaknesses in their strategies, and understanding how traffickers exploited gaps in enforcement.
Evolution of Tactical Approach
According to Commissioner Daffi, the taskforce has transformed its operational methodology based on lessons learned from past experiences. "We have turned those hard-learned lessons and past weaknesses into the bedrock of our current tactical framework," he explained. "By leveraging data-driven intelligence and resilient tactical planning, the Taskforce has evolved into a more formidable, sophisticated force."
The commissioner emphasized that the recent operation demonstrates a shift from reactive measures to proactive strategies, stating that "the last night's success proves that we are no longer just reacting; we are out-thinking and out-manoeuvring the syndicates that mistakenly believed that Plateau State was a safe harbour for their depravity."
Strong Warning to Perpetrators and Accomplices
Commissioner Daffi issued a stern warning to establishment owners and individuals who harbor minors for profit, describing their activities as "a cancer on the state's economy." He declared that any property used for child prostitution or human trafficking would be immediately shut down, with all assets forfeited to the state government.
The justice commissioner further announced that the government would take action against parental negligence, stressing that "parents who abandon their duty of care and leave their wards exposed to traffickers would be held criminally liable and prosecuted." This comprehensive approach targets not only the direct perpetrators but also those who enable trafficking through neglect or complicity.
Rescue of Vulnerable Citizens
Beyond the arrests, the operation resulted in what Commissioner Daffi described as "the rescue of numerous vulnerable citizens who had been trapped in the shadows of societal decay." While specific numbers of rescued individuals were not provided, the commissioner emphasized that protecting vulnerable populations remains a central priority of the taskforce's mission.
The Plateau State government's intensified campaign against human trafficking represents a significant escalation in efforts to combat organized crime and protect citizens from exploitation. The successful operation in Jos serves as a clear message that authorities are implementing more sophisticated, intelligence-driven approaches to dismantle trafficking networks operating within the state.
