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NAPTIP Rescues 184 Trafficking Victims in Plateau, Intensifies Crackdown on Networks

Published

8 months ago

February 28, 2026

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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued 184 suspected victims of human trafficking during recent operations in Plateau State, as authorities step up efforts to dismantle trafficking networks operating within and beyond the state.

Anne Felix, Acting Head of Counselling and Rehabilitation at NAPTIP’s Plateau Command, disclosed the figure on Tuesday in Jos during the quarterly meeting of the Plateau State Action Plan Implementation Committee on Women, Peace and Security, alongside a validation workshop for Local Action Plans in Jos South, Mangu and Wase LGAs.

“From the last quarter till now, we have carried out targeted raids to curb human trafficking. In Jos, we rescued 184 persons,” Felix said, noting that the victims included boys, girls, teenagers and three pregnant women.

She added that five of the rescued persons are currently undergoing rehabilitation in NAPTIP facilities, while several suspects have already been prosecuted.

“In December last year, we secured convictions against some traffickers who are now serving jail terms,” she said.

Felix further revealed that in January, the agency intercepted another group of victims who were being transported to Akure in Ondo State. They were rescued and reunited with their families, while the suspects are facing prosecution.

Pattern of exploitation

The latest rescue follows earlier crackdowns on trafficking in the state. On 30 December 2025, PREMIUM TIMES reported that a coordinated overnight raid on brothels and hotels across the Jos–Bukuru axis uncovered organised child sexual exploitation, with minors aged between 11 and 17 rescued from lodges and brothels.

At the time, the Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, linked children’s vulnerability to poverty, insecurity and family breakdown, describing the situation as “a mirror of what our society has become.”

Previous cases also underscore the scale of the problem. In September 2025, the state government rescued 16 children allegedly trafficked from Bassa LGA to Anambra State, while in January 2025 two underaged children from Langtang South were intercepted at a motor park in Jos en route to Lagos.

Civil society organisations warn that displacement caused by insecurity and worsening economic hardship has made many families vulnerable to trafficking schemes.

Strengthening community response

Tuesday’s workshop focused on improving the implementation of Plateau State’s Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

Sesan Peter of the University of Jos said the Local Action Plans are designed to bring reporting and response mechanisms closer to rural communities.

“The plans allow women at the grassroots to report security threats and access support without necessarily travelling long distances,” he said.

Lantana Abdullahi, Executive Director of Women for Positive Peacebuilding Initiative, said the state is implementing a third-generation action plan built on five pillars: prevention, protection, participation, relief and recovery.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Rebecca Shasset, stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without women’s participation, describing them as “critical agents of reconciliation and pillars of community resilience.”

National dimension

The developments in Plateau reflect broader national anti-trafficking efforts. In May 2025, NAPTIP received 78 Nigerian trafficking victims rescued from Côte d’Ivoire, many of them young women and girls.

While enforcement through raids, prosecutions and rehabilitation is increasing, advocates insist that long-term solutions will require stronger community safeguards, economic support for vulnerable families and sustained awareness of protective laws.

For now, the rescue of 184 persons highlights the continued presence of trafficking networks in Plateau, even as authorities pledge tougher action against perpetrators.

Related Topics:184 Trafficking Victims NAPTIP plateau

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NJC recommends new judges across five states, two appellate courts

Published

1 hour ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 28 candidates for appointment as judicial officers across five states and two appellate courts.

The recommendations were made at the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC’s deputy director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.

Of the 28 candidates, 24 were recommended for appointment as judges of the High Courts of Kano, Ebonyi, Edo, Adamawa and Ogun states.

One candidate was recommended for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal, while another was recommended as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal.

Two other candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.

The council also included Ijeoma Agugua in the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive chief judge of Imo State.

The candidates recommended for the various courts include Tijjani Zololo for appointment as Grand Kadi of the Plateau State Sharia Court of Appeal.

For the Kano State High Court, the recommended candidates are Hassan Nafisan, Ahmad Halima, Bature Abdullahi and Umar Musa.

Amaga Dickson was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Ebonyi State High Court.

The candidates recommended for the Edo State High Court are Osawaru Benson, Omoruyi Taiye, Adamaigbo Dorathy, Usiobaifo Festus, Oiwoh Pius, Amune Majebi and Imuekemhe Emile.

Those recommended for the Adamawa State High Court are Sa’ad Aminu, Musa Ibrahim, Giwa Sadiq, Mijinyawa Musa, Ibrahim Japhet, Bakari Aliyu and Ahmadu Yakubu.

For the Ogun State High Court, the recommended candidates are Oke Olakulehin, Obienu Adebimpe, Daudu Fatimat, Kadiri Rafiat and Osho Oludotun.

Ishaku Abubakar was recommended for appointment as Kadi of the Adamawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, while Dimas Elsha and Pembi David were recommended as judges of the Adamawa State Customary Court of Appeal.

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Nigeria Get Second Chance as CAF Reportedly Considers Flying Eagles for 2027 U-20 AFCON

Published

3 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.

Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.

Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.

Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.

However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.

The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.

Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.

The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.

Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.

For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.