Crime
United Nations call for Collective Action to end Violence against Women and Girls
United Nations call for Collective Action to end Violence against Women and Girls
By: Michael Mike
The Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the UN Women Nigeria Country Office convened a high-level Orange the World Ceremony and the Lighting of the UN House to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism for the year. During the event, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Nigeria and heads of government and agencies concertedly called for policy action and escalated interventions
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an annual international campaign. It commences on 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women). It climaxes on 10th December (Human Rights Day), indicating that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide. The global theme of the 16 Days of Activism for 2022 is UNiTE! Activism To End Violence Against Women and Girls!”
The United Nations leverages the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign to draw attention to the need for concerted action towards preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls. The event aimed to strengthen partnerships to end violence against women and girls among UN agencies, Government MDAs, Diplomatic Missions and Development Partners, Security Agencies, CSOs and Media, among other stakeholders, while increasing visibility and public support for the local efforts to end violence against women and girls.
In Nigeria, 30 per cent of girls and women aged between 15 and 49 reported having experienced sexual abuse. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey shows that 14 per cent of women in Nigeria have experienced physical violence. Cases of violence against women increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
A UN report revealed that by April 2020, cases of gender-based violence increased by 56 per cent after only two weeks of lockdown.
UNICEF reports that “six out of every ten children experience some form of violence – one in four girls and 10 per cent of boys have been victims of sexual violence”. Notably, violence against women in the home usually involves the abuse of children and other household members.
“Another major aspect of this ceremony is the official orange lighting of the UN Building. The light initiative is integral to the UN Women and the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE Campaign and is used to “symbolize a brighter future without violence.” The “orange” comes from the fire ignited by the many women’s groups dedicated to combating violence against women around the world. We call on our partners to join us in promoting the orange campaign throughout the 16 days and beyond so as to galvanize more support to end violence against women and girls. We must sustain the momentum for a brighter future where men and women, girls and boys enjoy equal rights, devoid of discrimination and all forms of violence” said Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS in her special remarks.
The 2020 Trafficking in Humans Report found that 70% of globally trafficked people are young girls and adult women. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2019 reported that women and girls together account for 72% of all human trafficking victims detected globally, with girls representing more than three out of four child trafficking victims.
Most cases of sexual violence are not reported to the authorities. Fewer than 40 per cent of the women who experience violence seek the help of any sort. Most women who seek help look to family and friends, and very few look to formal institutions such as the police and health services. In some cases, women who accuse men of sexual assault have faced backlash and apathetic attitudes from security agencies.
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The United Nations believes there is a need for deliberate action by government and security agencies to improve response to gender-based violence, prosecution, and redress for survivors.
“We are calling for an increased spotlight on the many forms that this violence can take and the culture of silence that often surrounds its victims. Much progress has been made recently with the Violence Against Person’s Prohibition Act which has been passed into law by 34 out of the 36 states. This has been made possible by the collective efforts of government, civil society, development partners, UN agencies, and the donor community. Let this be an inspiration to us for further partnership and coordination,” remarked Matthias Schmale, UN Resident Coordinator in his welcome address.
Part of the event was an exhibition What Was She Wearing? (Curated by Education As Vaccine with support from the Government of Canada and Frontline Aids) the exhibition addresses one of the most pervasive myths of rape culture. It also aims to create new conversations and disrupt harmful social attitudes to prevent violence and ensure access to justice for all survivors.
The event’s highlight was lighting of the UN House in orange. The light initiative is integral to the UN Women and the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE Campaign and “symbolises a brighter future without violence.” The “orange” comes from the fire ignited by the many women’s groups dedicated to combating violence against women worldwide.
The event drew participants from high profile delegations such as top-level government officials, high level UN Delegation, Donor Communities, Civil Society Organizations, young women organizations, male champions, persons living with disabilities, among others.
United Nations call for Collective Action to end Violence against Women and Girls
Crime
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Burglars Attempting to Steal Chickens in Plateau
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Burglars Attempting to Steal Chickens in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested two suspected burglars while allegedly attempting to break into a poultry house to steal chickens in Doi community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 6:10 a.m. on Nov. 7, 2026, by troops deployed at Latya Guard Location.
The suspects were reportedly caught while attempting to gain entry into the poultry house with the intention of stealing chickens.
They were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, B Division, Bukuru, for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Burglars Attempting to Steal Chickens in Plateau
Crime
Troops Arrest Herder Over Alleged Destruction of Farmland in Benue
Troops Arrest Herder Over Alleged Destruction of Farmland in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a herder over alleged malicious grazing on farmland at Tse Tur, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was arrested by troops deployed at Umbago at about 5:50 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026.
The arrest followed reports of alleged unauthorised grazing on the farmland, which resulted in damage to crops.
The suspect remains in military custody for further action.
Troops Arrest Herder Over Alleged Destruction of Farmland in Benue
Crime
NDLEA Arrests Ugandan Woman with Cocaine Concealed in Private Parts, Uncovers Multi-Billion-Naira Drug Cartels
NDLEA Arrests Ugandan Woman with Cocaine Concealed in Private Parts, Uncovers Multi-Billion-Naira Drug Cartels
…Intercepts N900m opioid shipment, busts synthetic cannabis syndicate, uncovers drugs concealed in female headwear bound for UK, Australia
By: Michael Mike
A Ugandan woman who travelled to Nigeria with members of her church for a religious programme has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle 1.15 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed around her pelvic region, in a sweeping crackdown by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that also exposed international drug trafficking networks and massive illicit drug consignments across several states.
The 34-year-old suspect, identified as Farida Nansubuga, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, last Tuesday while preparing to board a flight to Uganda with 87 wraps of cocaine strapped around her body beneath two layers of underwear.

Her arrest formed part of a series of operations in which the agency intercepted a shipment of 750,000 tablets of the highly potent opioid, Tapentadol, valued at about N900 million, dismantled a network importing chemicals for the production of synthetic cannabis and recovered hundreds of kilogrammes of illicit drugs destined for local and international markets.
According to a statement on Sunday by NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, Nansubuga arrived in Nigeria on October 29 with members of her church for a prayer programme at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos.

While the other members of her delegation reportedly returned to Uganda after the religious engagement, she remained behind to collect a drug consignment allegedly arranged by an associate identified as Joy, who resides in Uganda.
The agency said preliminary investigations revealed that Joy had connected her to a Nigerian contact who arranged transportation to a hotel on the morning of her scheduled departure.
It was allegedly at the hotel that a man handed her the cocaine and instructed her to conceal it beneath her clothing to evade airport security.
She reportedly expected to receive at least $1,000 upon successfully delivering the drugs in Uganda, although no definite payment had been agreed.
Babafemi said her arrest followed a joint passenger-screening operation involving NDLEA operatives and aviation security personnel at Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport. A preliminary body search raised suspicion, prompting her transfer to a designated private search room, where the 87 wraps weighing 1.150 kilogrammes were recovered.

In another major interception at the airport, NDLEA operatives uncovered 750,000 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg, weighing 526 kilogrammes and valued at N900 million, in a consignment imported from India.
The shipment, which arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Ahmedabad last Tuesday was declared as Paracetamol 500mg and packed in 11 cartons concealed within two wooden structures.
However, suspicious of the declaration, the agency placed the consignment under surveillance until November 6, when a joint examination with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies exposed the deception.
Babafemi noted that the opioid tablets were discovered in 10 of the 11 cartons, while only the last carton contained paracetamol tablets allegedly used as cover for the illicit shipment.
The airport operations also exposed attempts to move cannabis and synthetic drug-manufacturing materials through international cargo channels.

The spokesman said last Wednesday, operatives intercepted 32 parcels of Loud, a potent cannabis strain weighing 16.15 kilogrammes, concealed inside two wooden sofas in a consolidated cargo from Houston, Texas, United States.
A freight agent, Ibrahim Abdulwaheed Adewale, who presented himself to clear the consignment, was arrested. A follow-up operation on November 6 led to the arrest of a 34-year-old Ibadan-based caterer, Adeoye Sarafa Ojo, who allegedly came to collect the package.
Ojo reportedly told investigators that he was acting on the instructions of a friend, Taiwo Anuoluwapo Olusegun.
Similarly, the agency uncovered an alleged international syndicate importing chemicals used in the production of Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, from the United Kingdom.
The investigation followed the interception, on October 23, of nine parcels of illicit substances concealed in two cartons of snacks bearing the label “Michael Tea Guy” in a consolidated cargo arriving aboard an Air Peace flight from the UK.
Two of the parcels contained 1.2 kilogrammes of cannabis, while forensic analysis established that the remaining seven contained chemicals used in manufacturing synthetic cannabis.
A 51-year-old freight agent, Afolabi Wale, was arrested while attempting to clear the consignment.
Further investigations led operatives to two additional cartons shipped to the same recipient aboard an Allied Air flight. A sting operation conducted between October 26 and 28 resulted in the arrest of another 51-year-old suspect, Okwuite Benjamin Ojone, when he arrived to take delivery.
A search of the additional cartons uncovered three parcels weighing 3.30 kilogrammes concealed in detergent packs and 11 plastic bottles containing mainly liquid substances weighing 16.25 kilogrammes.
The seizures brought the total recovery from the operation to 1.20 kilogrammes of cannabis and 28.65 kilogrammes of chemicals suspected to be intended for synthetic cannabis production.
Beyond the airport interceptions, the NDLEA also uncovered several attempts to export illicit drugs through courier companies.
In Lagos, operatives last Tuesday intercepted 46 blocks of cannabis weighing 22.2 kilogrammes packed in two cartons and destined for the United Kingdom.
Earlier, on October 30, the agency intercepted 296 tablets of Swinol destined for Australia, alongside three separate shipments of tramadol intended for the UK.
The tramadol consignments included 20 capsules from Benin City and 96 capsules from Sapele, Delta State, concealed in vitamin C containers, as well as 600 tablets of Tramadol 225mg from Asaba hidden inside female headwear.
The latest discoveries underscored the increasingly elaborate concealment methods employed by trafficking networks, which exploit ordinary household items, clothing, food containers and international cargo channels to move illicit substances across borders.
The agency also recorded significant recoveries from domestic distribution networks.
In Lagos, a 32-year-old suspect, Abubakar Ali, was arrested on November 6 at Marine Beach, Apapa, after operatives discovered a drug storage facility built inside the sitting room of his apartment.
Items recovered included 1.06 kilogrammes of Tramadol 250mg, 1.27 kilogrammes of Tramadol 225mg, 400 grammes of pregabalin capsules, 355 grammes of diazepam, 200 millilitres of codeine and 6.07 kilogrammes of cannabis.
In Ondo State, operatives raided Odofin Road, Uso, last Friday recovering 148 bags of cannabis weighing 1,818 kilogrammes.
On the same day, officers raided a cannabis plantation in Board Forest, where they destroyed one hectare of the farm, recovered 242 kilogrammes of the substance and arrested a 36-year-old suspect, Itoro Linus Akpan.
In neighbouring Ekiti State, a 53-year-old man, Agbo Paul Peter, was arrested at Osin Forest, Osin-Ekiti, on November 5 with 216 kilogrammes of cannabis and cannabis seeds.
Edo State also recorded major interceptions, with operatives stopping a Golf saloon car carrying 19 bags of cannabis weighing 201 kilogrammes along the Auchi-Ibillo Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
The driver, Abdulmumid Isah, 39, and a passenger, Danako Godwin, 25, were arrested.
Three other suspects were apprehended during a raid on a notorious drug joint along Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City, where quantities of Colorado, Loud and cannabis were recovered.
In Taraba State, three suspects were arrested within two days at the agency’s checkpoint in Lankaviri, Yorro Local Government Area, with 283 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 226.255 kilogrammes.
The arrests involved Ibrahim Abdullahi, 45, who was found with 156 blocks weighing 149.275 kilogrammes; Kabiru Usman, 25, with 80 blocks weighing 40.07 kilogrammes; and Babangida Babayo, 32, with 47 blocks weighing 36.91 kilogrammes.
In Enugu State, officers arrested a 57-year-old man, Celestine Ejiakor, at Eke Obinagu checkpoint last Tuesday with 44 blocks of cannabis weighing 22.5 kilogrammes.
Another operation at Ugwuoba checkpoint led to the arrest of Godwin Shaapera, 40, with 24,000 capsules of tramadol weighing 13.4 kilogrammes and 697 grammes of ketamine.
Delta State was not left out of the nationwide operations, as operatives arrested Edugua Othuke, 30, at Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, on October 31, recovering 10.54 kilogrammes of skunk, 9.4 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds and 4.3 grammes of methamphetamine.
Another suspect, Akpofure Tobore, 34, was arrested last Wednesday at Upper Agbarho, Ughelli, with quantities of skunk, tramadol, Rohypnol and laughing gas.
Beyond enforcement, the agency said its commands continued public enlightenment campaigns under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, targeting schools, religious institutions, workplaces and communities.
Reacting to the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended personnel of the agency’s commands in Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Taraba and Enugu for the arrests and seizures.
Marwa described the Ugandan woman’s arrest as a disturbing illustration of how drug cartels exploit religious gatherings and international travel to recruit unsuspecting or financially vulnerable individuals as couriers.
He urged officers across the country to sustain the pressure on trafficking networks through intensified supply reduction operations and public awareness campaigns.
NDLEA Arrests Ugandan Woman with Cocaine Concealed in Private Parts, Uncovers Multi-Billion-Naira Drug Cartels
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