Police in Nasarawa Rescue 17 Victims of Human Trafficking

The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued seventeen young persons suspected to be victims of human trafficking.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, the individuals were intercepted on Saturday evening during a routine stop-and-search operation at Sharp Corner in the Karu Local Government Area.

A patrol team from the Mararaba ‘A’ Division halted a white Volkswagen Sharon vehicle with seventeen passengers eleven boys and six girls aged between 10 and 19 years. The driver was identified as 36-year-old Nanle John.

Upon questioning, it was revealed that the group was traveling from Shendam in Plateau State to Kayama in Kwara State. They stated they were going to meet an individual named Umaru, who had promised them farming jobs.

Police noted that attempts to contact the parents or guardians of the young persons, as well as the alleged contact Umaru, were unsuccessful as the provided phone numbers were not reachable.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has ordered that the rescued persons be placed in protective custody. He has also directed a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances of the incident and apprehend anyone involved in the suspected trafficking network.

The command has released the names of the rescued individuals and reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons. The public is urged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.