Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
NASARAWA, Nigeria – Police in Nasarawa State intercept a vehicle and rescue 17 young persons suspected to be victims of human trafficking during a routine operation in Karu Local Government Area.
The rescue occurred on January 17, 2026, when officers attached to the Mararaba ‘A’ Division stopped a white Volkswagen Sharon bus at Sharp Corner around 5:50 p.m.
In a statement on Sunday, Police spokesperson Ramhan Nansel says the bus, driven by a 36-year-old man identified as Nanle John, is found conveying 11 boys and six girls aged between 10 and 19.
“Preliminary questioning raised suspicion that the occupants were being trafficked,” Nansel says.
The passengers claim they are travelling from Shendam in Plateau State to Kayama in Kwara State, where they were allegedly promised farming jobs by a man identified as Umaru.
Police say attempts to contact parents, guardians or the recruiter prove unsuccessful, as the phone numbers provided cannot be reached.
Following the interception, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, orders that the victims be placed under protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lafia.
“A comprehensive investigation has commenced to uncover the full details and identify all those involved,” Nansel adds.
The rescued individuals are now receiving care as investigations continue into the suspected trafficking network.
Police reaffirm their commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and urge residents to report suspicious movements and recruitment activities across the state.
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