News
UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime
UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has described human trafficking as an assault on human dignity not just a crime.
Speaking at the 27th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum (NSCF) on Human Trafficking organised by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Wednesday in Abuja, the Country Representative of the UNODC in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, while lauding Nigeria’s fight against Human trafficking, said: “Human trafficking isn’t just a crime, it’s an assault on dignity, a drag on development, and a threat to national security.”
Toure added that: “This forum remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national response to trafficking. It’s where policy meets practice, federal and state actors converging around a shared vision of a trafficking-free Nigeria.”
He noted that “the importance of a multisectoral, victim-focused, and relentless response,” while acknowledging the joint efforts of NAPTIP and UNODC under the “From Policy to Action” project, supported by the Swiss government.
He also lauded the DG of NAPTIP for her leadership role and also commended contributions from the Attorney General, of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), state governments, development partners including the European Union (EU), France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD, and various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the war against human trafficking.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who gave the keynote address, called on state’s Commissioners for Women Affairs to leverage on their strategic positions to advocate and influence state budgets and policies.
He said: “I urge Commissioners for Women Affairs across the country to leverage their strategic positions to advocate and influence state-level policies, budgets, and programmes that directly or indirectly impact trafficking and exploitation.
“Creation of a budget line for State Task Force activities is highly recommended as it would also guarantee the institutionalization of State Task Forces on human Trafficking in the states.”
In his words “The Federal Ministry of Justice remains committed to supporting NAPTIP through continuous policy formulation, legal reforms, strategic coordination, and high-level advocacy. Let me assure you that we will continue to work closely with NAPTIP and other partners to ensure that the legal and institutional frameworks for tackling trafficking remain dynamic, responsive, and effective.
The Swiss Ambassador to Belgium and NATO, Jacques Pitteloud, in his goodwill message also lauded Nigeria’s progress and reaffirmed Switzerland’s long-term support.
He called for international cooperation in addressing root causes of trafficking and commended NAPTIP’s efforts under the “From Policy to Action” project.
“Our partnership with Nigeria goes beyond financial contribution. It is built on trust, shared priorities, and joint ownership. We’re especially encouraged by the involvement of local governments, signaling a grassroots approach to combating trafficking,” Pitteloud said.
He also noted the development of a new dashboard and reporting hub, as well as the inclusion of critical actors like the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the national response.
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, in her welcome address highlighted key achievements under the agency’s 5Ps strategy: Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.
She noted that over 7,000 victims have been rescued between 2022 and 2024, with 205 convictions secured within the same period.
She also announced the development of new digital tools to enhance data reporting, increased public awareness campaigns, the inauguration of over 200 Anti-TIP school vanguards, and the expansion of State Task Forces to 24 states.
“We are proud of the milestones achieved, from setting up the Human Trafficking Digital Centre in Katsina to revamping our training center with German support. Yet, the road ahead requires deeper collaboration and renewed commitment at all levels,” Bello said.
UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime
Bandits kill two, rustle cattle in Kaduna community
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have attacked Unguwan Namaje, Lukora village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing two residents and rustling an unspecified number of cattle.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 2:50 a.m. on Friday when the bandits stormed the residence of one Abdullahi Yunusa.
According to the sources, three victims were shot during the attack.
“Those fatally injured were identified as Audu Yunusa, 15, and Salisu Yunusa, 23. They sustained gunshot wounds to the stomach and were later certified dead by a doctor.
“Another victim, Isiyaku Yunusa, 25, also sustained serious gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment at Saint Gerard Hospital, Kaduna,”said the sources.
Nigerian troops were immediately mobilised to the scene, while efforts were intensified to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen cattle.
Bandits kill two, rustle cattle in Kaduna community
Police rescue eight kidnapped victims, confirm one dead in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Katsina State says its operatives have foiled a kidnapping attempt, rescued eight victims and confirmed the death of one person in Dandume Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama learnt that on Friday night, yet-to-be identified armed men laid an ambush along Funtua–Mahuta road and opened fire on a moving Golf vehicle with registration number EDT 693 AA, apparently intending to kidnap the occupants.
Sources said that the driver lost control of the vehicle which veered into a farmland.
“APC patrol teams promptly responded, cordoned off the area and engaged the hoodlums in an exchange of fire, thereby rescuing eight victims unhurt,” the sources said.
The sources dded that three other passengers sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries and were rushed to General Hospital, Dandume, where one of them was later confirmed dead.
The sources further said that search and rescue operations were ongoing to trace other passengers who might have scattered into nearby farms during the attack.
Police rescue eight kidnapped victims, confirm one dead in Katsina
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover AK47 in ambush near Buni Gari
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised a terrorist in a long-range ambush around Ndoksa village near Buni Gari, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama on Saturday that the ambush was conducted following intelligence on the movement of terrorists in the axis.
The source said the troops killed one terrorist during the operation and recovered an AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles.
“The successful ambush is part of the ongoing aggressive operations to deny terrorists freedom of movement, disrupt their logistics, and safeguard communities in the North East,” the source said.
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover AK47 in ambush near Buni Gari
Bandits kill two, rustle cattle in Kaduna community
Tanker explosion kills one in Kaduna workshop
Police rescue eight kidnapped victims, confirm one dead in Katsina
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics2 months ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
