Anti-trafficking operation rescues 17 victims in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat crime, with the rescue of 17 suspected victims of human trafficking.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Lafia, the state capital.

According to the statement, the victims were rescued on Saturday, at about 5:50pm, when a team of patrol officers attached to Mararaba ‘A’ Division intercepted a white Volkswagen Sharon vehicle with registration number SHD 253 YU during a stop-and-search operation at Sharp Corner, Karu Local Government Area of the state.

Nansel said the vehicle was driven by one Nanle John, a 36-year-old male, and had 17 passengers on board—11 boys and six girls—aged between 10 and 19 years.

“Upon interrogation, the occupants were suspected to be victims of human trafficking. Further investigation revealed that both the driver and the passengers stated that they were travelling from Shendam, Plateau State, to Kayama in Kwara State to meet one Umaru (surname yet unknown), who allegedly lured and promised to secure farming jobs for them in Kayama town,” he said.

He added that eff orts to reach the parents or guardians of the young persons, as well as the said Umaru, were unsuccessful, as all the phone numbers provided were unreachable.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, ordered that the rescued persons be taken into protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia, and directed a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and apprehend all those connected to the suspected human trafficking network,” Nansel stated.

The PPRO listed the rescued victims as Nanpar Zwaltur (19), Monday Zinglak (14), Ramnap Selchum (18), Nankat Ayuba (18), Burnan Yilkur (19), Timnan Ponfa (19), Nantip Nanbut (19), Kumlyan Nanbut (17), Zwalkur Zingdap (15), Nanfar Zwalkur (11), Nanpar Nanbut (14), Nanchu Bwoi (13), Godiya Lagang (10), Yulbyen Zingdap (10), Nanna Chirvyok (12), Sholyen Rapkat (10), and Ladi Dinfa (12).

“The Commissioner of Police reaffirms the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and eradicating human trafficking in Nasarawa State. He also calls on members of the public to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station,” Nansel added.