Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
JOS, Plateau State — June 6, 2026 — Two pregnant women, eight minors and a nursing mother were among 11 victims rescued during a major anti-human trafficking operation carried out at an illegal motor park in Zawan Junction, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation also resulted in the arrest of 14 persons, including three suspected traffickers, according to Plateau State authorities.
The rescue operation was led by the Special Adviser to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Gender and Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Olivia Dazyam, following intelligence received from members of the Zawan community. Officials said the victims were allegedly being transported from Plateau State to mining camps in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they would have been subjected to exploitative labour conditions.
According to Dazyam, the victims included children below the age of 18 who had been recruited to work in mining ponds. Authorities said many of the children and young women were unaware of the conditions awaiting them at their destination. Investigators believe the operation is part of a wider trafficking network that has operated for several years without detection.
Officials revealed that the illegal motor park had allegedly been operating for nearly a decade. The location reportedly functioned only on Tuesdays and Thursdays to avoid attracting attention from law enforcement agencies and transport regulators. Community members became suspicious after noticing unusual movements of young people and children boarding vehicles destined for mining communities outside Plateau State.
Dazyam said investigations uncovered an exploitative arrangement in which workers allegedly laboured for six days each week for the benefit of handlers and middlemen while retaining earnings from only one day of work. Authorities described the system as a form of modern slavery and economic exploitation.
One of the most disturbing discoveries during the operation was that some parents were reportedly unaware their children had been recruited for the journey. In one case, a parent arrived at the scene and informed officials that he did not know two of his children were preparing to leave Plateau State. Authorities said the incident highlights the vulnerability of children to trafficking networks operating within local communities.
The operation was launched after Dazyam contacted the Plateau State Commissioner for Transport and the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, who confirmed that the facility was not a registered motor park. Security personnel were subsequently deployed to the area, leading to the arrests and rescue of the victims.
One of the suspects identified by authorities as Emmanuel Dauda admitted to journalists that he was involved in mining-related activities. However, investigations are continuing to determine the exact role played by each suspect in the alleged trafficking network.
The latest operation comes months after Plateau State intensified its campaign against human trafficking. In February 2026, the Plateau State Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce carried out coordinated raids across several locations in Jos and surrounding communities, arresting 184 suspects and rescuing numerous vulnerable persons, including pregnant women and minors. The taskforce, chaired by Plateau State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Philemon Daffi, described the crackdown as part of a broader effort to dismantle trafficking syndicates operating within the state.
Authorities have expressed concern that trafficking networks continue to target children, unemployed youths and vulnerable women with promises of jobs and financial opportunities. State officials warn that many victims end up trapped in exploitative labour arrangements, prostitution rings or other forms of abuse far from their homes.
The Plateau State Government has urged residents to report suspicious transport hubs, unregistered motor parks and unusual movements involving minors. Officials also called on parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children more closely and verify employment offers before allowing young people to travel.
As of June 6, 2026, the rescued victims are receiving assistance from relevant government agencies while investigations continue. Authorities say those found responsible for trafficking, recruitment or transportation of victims will face prosecution under Nigeria's anti-human trafficking laws.
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