Nigeria Rescues Dozens of Exploited Minors in Jos Raid

When authorities raided hotels and brothels across Nigeria's Jos-Bukuru metropolis last week, they found girls as young as 11 trapped in conditions no child should ever face.

The Plateau State Task Force Committee on Human Trafficking led the overnight operation, bringing together seven different agencies in a coordinated rescue mission. Personnel from the Ministry of Justice, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Immigration Service, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, Civil Defence Corps, Police, and civil society partners searched dozens of locations.

Among those rescued were girls with disabilities, a breastfeeding mother, and a pregnant teenager. The children, ranging from ages 11 to 17, were allegedly victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse networks operating in plain sight.

The Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society praised the joint effort as proof of what coordinated action can achieve. Professor Oluwafunmilayo Josephine Para-Mallam, the organization's National Coordinator, called the discoveries a "sobering reminder" of how vulnerable children remain in society.

Plateau State's Attorney-General Philemon Daffi acknowledged the painful reality behind these rescues. He pointed to insecurity, economic hardship, broken homes, and weak child protection systems as factors pushing children into danger.

The Ripple Effect

This operation represents more than just one night of enforcement. CWEENS called for sustained action including trauma-informed care, psychosocial support, education access, and long-term reintegration services for all rescued children.

The women's advocacy group also welcomed the government's warning to hotels and lodges that harbor underage persons. They emphasized that accountability across all sectors remains critical to ending child exploitation permanently.

State authorities have pledged this won't be a one-time event. Plans include consistent enforcement of child protection laws and stronger community-based prevention mechanisms to identify at-risk children before they fall into dangerous situations.

The multi-agency approach demonstrated during this operation offers a blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges. When government departments, law enforcement, and civil society organizations pool their resources and expertise, they create a safety net strong enough to catch vulnerable children.

Families, communities, institutions, and government now face the shared responsibility of ensuring every rescued child receives the support needed to heal and thrive.