By Israel Adamu
The Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS) has commended the Plateau State Government for a coordinated rescue operation that led to the recovery of dozens of minors from alleged sexual exploitation, drug abuse, and human trafficking across the Jos–Bukuru metropolis.The operation, carried out overnight on December 31, 2025, was executed by the Plateau State Task Force Committee on Human Trafficking in collaboration with multiple security and law enforcement agencies. CWEENS described the intervention as timely and critical in protecting vulnerable children.In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Professor Oluwafunmilayo Josephine Para Mallam, MNI, CWEENS said the rescue of minors—some as young as 11 years old—underscored the scale of child vulnerability in society. The group noted that those rescued included girls living with disabilities, a breastfeeding mother, and a pregnant young woman.“
These are children who should be in school, safe at home, and protected—not exposed to abuse and exploitation in unsafe environments,” the statement said. CWEENS described the situation as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger child protection systems.The organisation praised the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Justice, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Immigration Service, National Agency for the Control of Trafficking in Persons (NACTAL), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Police Force, Plateau State Command.
According to CWEENS, the joint operation demonstrated the effectiveness of multi-agency cooperation in combating human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The group stressed that sustained collaboration among stakeholders remains essential to dismantling trafficking networks.CWEENS aligned with comments by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Plateau State, Hon. Barr. Philemon Audu Daffi, who described the situation as a painful indictment of society. The organisation identified insecurity, economic hardship, broken homes, and weak child protection mechanisms as key factors pushing children into exploitative conditions.The group welcomed the state government’s firm stance against compromise and impunity, particularly the warning issued to hotels, lodges, and similar establishments found harbouring underage persons. CWEENS said accountability across all sectors is vital to ending child exploitation.
While commending enforcement actions, CWEENS emphasised that rescue operations must be followed by comprehensive rehabilitation. The organisation urged the Plateau State Government to ensure that all rescued children receive trauma-informed care, psychosocial support, access to education, and long-term reintegration services that protect their dignity and wellbeing.CWEENS also called for the consistent enforcement of existing child protection laws, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, noting that sustained legal action is necessary to deter offenders and prevent recurrence.“This operation should not be a one-off event,” the statement said. “It must mark the beginning of sustained action, continuous enforcement, and stronger community-based prevention mechanisms.”
The organisation stressed that protecting children is a shared responsibility involving families, communities, institutions, and government. It urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child abuse, trafficking, or exploitation.CWEENS reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy for child protection and justice, calling for the creation of safe spaces where every child can grow, learn, and thrive without fear or exploitation.
