Nasarawa police rescue trafficking victims as 17 minors are intercepted in Karu during a stop-and-search operation

The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued 17 suspected victims of human trafficking after intercepting a vehicle conveying minors during a stop-and-search operation in Karu Local Government Area of the state.

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The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Ramhan Nansel, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday in Lafia, confirming that the Nasarawa police rescue trafficking victims during a routine patrol on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

According to the statement, patrol officers attached to Mararaba ‘A’ Division stopped a white Volkswagen Sharon vehicle at about 5:50 pm at Sharp Corner in Karu.

The vehicle, bearing registration number SHD 253 YU, was driven by a 36-year-old man identified as Nanle John.

Police said 17 passengers were found in the vehicle, comprising 11 boys and six girls aged between 10 and 19 years. Officers became suspicious during questioning and launched preliminary investigations at the scene.

Ramhan Nansel stated that both the driver and the occupants claimed they were travelling from Shendam in Plateau State to Kayama in Kwara State, where they were allegedly promised farming jobs by a man identified only as Umaru.

Further inquiries raised red flags when attempts to reach the parents or guardians of the minors, as well as the said Umaru, failed, with all phone numbers provided proving unreachable.

The circumstances, police said, pointed strongly to an organised trafficking attempt.

Following the interception, the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, ordered that the minors be taken into protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lafia.

He also directed a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend all individuals linked to the suspected trafficking network.

The rescued victims were 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.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and intensifying efforts to eradicate human trafficking across Nasarawa State.

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He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station, describing community cooperation as vital in dismantling trafficking syndicates.