By Nkechi Eze
The Nasarawa State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against human trafficking with the rescue of 17 suspected victims, mostly minors, during a routine stop-and-search operation in Karu Local Government Area of the state.
The operation took place on Friday, January 17, 2026, at about 5:50 pm, when patrol officers attached to Mararaba ‘A’ Division intercepted a white Volkswagen Sharon bus with registration number SHD 253 YU at Sharp Corner, Karu. The vehicle was driven by a 36-year-old man identified as Nanle John and was conveying seventeen passengers made up of eleven boys and six girls, all between the ages of 10 and 19 years.
According to an official statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Nasarawa State Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, the conduct and responses of the occupants during interrogation immediately raised suspicion, prompting further checks by the officers. Preliminary findings indicated that the young passengers were likely victims of human trafficking.
Further investigation revealed that both the driver and the passengers claimed they were travelling from Shendam in Plateau State to Kayama in Kwara State, where they were allegedly lured with promises of farming jobs by a man identified only as Umaru, whose surname remains unknown. Attempts by the police to contact the supposed recruiter as well as the parents or guardians of the young persons were unsuccessful, as all the phone numbers provided were unreachable.
In view of the circumstances and the vulnerability of the passengers, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, ordered that the rescued children be taken into protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lafia. He also directed a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full details surrounding the suspected trafficking operation and ensure that all individuals connected to the network are identified and brought to justice.
The rescued victims include 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.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to the protection of vulnerable persons, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed stated that the police will not relent in its resolve to combat human trafficking and related crimes across the state. He also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The Nasarawa State Police Command assured that further updates will be provided as investigations progress and efforts are intensified to dismantle any trafficking networks operating within or beyond the state.
