In a major victory for child safety and regional security, the Nasarawa State Police Command has successfully intercepted a human trafficking operation, rescuing seventeen young victims. The discovery was made by an alert patrol team during a routine stop-and-search operation at a location known as Sharp Corner within the Karu Local Government Area.
The drama unfolded late Saturday afternoon when officers attached to the Mararaba ‘A’ Division flagged down a white Volkswagen Sharon vehicle. Upon inspecting the car, which was being driven by 36-year-old Nanle John, the police found it packed with eleven boys and six girls, all between the ages of 10 and 19. The sheer number of young passengers and their travel circumstances immediately raised red flags for the investigating officers.
Initial questioning revealed a troubling pattern often seen in trafficking cases. Both the driver and the young passengers claimed they were traveling from Shendam in Plateau State to Kwara State. They alleged that a man known only as “Umaru” had promised them lucrative farming jobs in Kayama town. However, the police grew more suspicious when repeated attempts to reach the supposed employer or the children’s guardians proved unsuccessful.
The victims have been identified as Nanpar Zwaltur, Monday Zinglak, Ramnap Selchum, Nankat Ayuba, Burnan Yilkur, Timnan Ponfa, Nantip Nanbut, Kumlyan Nanbut, Zwalkur Zingdap, Nanfar Zwalkur, Nanpar Nanbut, Nanchu Bwoi, Godiya Lagang, Yulbyen Zingdap, Nanna Chirvyok, Sholyen Rapkat, and Ladi Dinfa. Many of these children are as young as ten years old, highlighting the vulnerability of the group intercepted.
The Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has taken a firm stance on the matter, ordering that the seventeen victims be placed in protective custody immediately. He has also mandated a comprehensive investigation to track down “Umaru” and dismantle any wider network involved in this suspected trafficking syndicate.
The command emphasized that it remains dedicated to flushing out those who exploit young people for forced labor. This interception serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges with human trafficking in the region and the importance of police vigilance on major transit routes.
