CHILD TRAFFICKING: Police Rescue 17 Suspected victims in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued 17 children suspected to be victims of human trafficking in Karu Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement made available to journalists in Lafia, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ramhan Nansel, explained that police operatives attached to Mararaba ‘A’ Division intercepted a white Volkswagen Sharon vehicle with registration number SHD 253 YU at Sharp Corner during a stop-and-search operation on Saturday, January 17, at about 5:50 p.m.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), noted that the vehicle, driven by a 36-year-old man, Nanle John, was conveying 17 children 11 boys and six girls aged between 10 and 19 years. 

According to him, preliminary investigation revealed that the children were allegedly being trafficked from Shendam in Plateau State to Kayama in Kwara State to meet one Umaru, who reportedly promised them farming jobs.

Nansel said attempts to reach the parents, guardians, or the said Umaru were unsuccessful, as all contact numbers provided were unreachable.

SP Ramhan Nansel added that the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, has ordered that the children be placed in protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia while investigation is ongoing to dismantle the trafficking network and arrest all those involved.

The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and urged the public to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.