NAPTIP on Global Manhunt for Human Traffickers

… Receives 78 Victims of Human Trafficking from Abidjan

By: Michael Mike

Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello has assured of the readiness of the agency to employ all available means and strategies to arrest and prosecute members of the organized human trafficking syndicate responsible for the recruitment and trafficking of Nigerian girls for sundry exploitation anywhere around the world.

She gave the assurance in Lagos while receiving Nigerian victims of human trafficking recruited and trafficked to Côte D’ d’Ivoire and were rescued and evacuated with the support from partners. The victims were brought to Nigeria by the Air Peace Airline.

It would be recalled that the popular social media influencer, Vincent Otse (aka VeryDarkMan), had recently during his visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, expressed concern about the plight of Nigerian girls who are victims of human trafficking and were stranded in Abidjan.

In a swift response to the situation, operatives of NAPTIP few weeks ago arrested two high-profile individuals mentioned by some of the victims, as their traffickers. They were arrested inside their high-wired mansion located within one of the sprawling estates in Lugbe Area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

In addition, the agency commenced discussion with partners in Abidjan, leading to the identification, profiling, and the eventual rescue of the victims.

The plane carrying the victims landed at Terminal 2 of the Lagos International airport at about 10.45pm Saturday, and they were received by the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, and the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema.

Speaking at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport shortly after the arrival of the victims, the Director General of NAPTIP said: “This is a momentous occasion, a day that marks not only the safe return of our beloved daughters, but also a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the fight against human trafficking.

“To the young women and girls who have just returned, we say welcome home. You were taken far from the safety and dignity you deserve, but today, you are back on Nigerian soil, and you are not alone; this country stands with you.

“And to those who have perpetuated this evil, let today be a reminder that Nigeria will never relent in pursuing justice.

“We have also apprehended some of those responsible for this heinous trade, and they will face the full force of the law.

“Let me assure every Nigerian that NAPTIP remains ever committed, ever vigilant, and ever determined to end human trafficking in Nigeria. We will continue to work tirelessly to combat human trafficking, prosecute the traffickers, and protect and rehabilitate the victims. This is our sole duty”, the NAPTIP boss stated.

On plan to assist the Victims, the Director General said, “We have just received them a while ago, our officers shall commence detailed profiling of each and every one of them in addition to a medical check to determine their health status.

“Thereafter, we shall counsel them and allow them to express themselves in the area of skill they want, and they will be adequately trained.

“In addition to this, we shall commence a serious manhunt for their traffickers and ensure that they are brought to justice. There is no hidden place for them anywhere.”

Speaking also, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, said he decided to evacuate the victims free of charge to identify with the victims and help them to overcome their challenges. This is in addition to the medical intervention he already sponsored for all of them.

A total of 78 victims comprising 75 females adults which age ranges from 13 to 30 years, three babies and two male adults, were evacuated. They all looked malnourished, battered and ruffled, giving a clear indication of mindless exploitation.

About four of them, mostly the underage ones, were pregnant.

Speaking with newsmen, one of the victims, Clara (not real name) said she may not be able to recover from the trauma experienced as a result of the exploitation she facec in Abidjan.

She said: “I thank God that I am alive today. I saw hell in Abidjan and I may not be able to forget the suffering and pain I passed through forever. Human life worth nothing in the hands of those madams over there. I thank the Director General of NAPTIP who personally came to the airport to receive us. She spoke and encouraged us. Since that time that she spoke to us inside the aircraft before we came out, my spirirt is happy again. I thank the Owner of Air Peace also. May God continue to bless them all.”, she stated.

NAPTIP on Global Manhunt for Human Traffickers

NGF SUPPORTS STATE POLICE TO CURB SECURITY CHALLENGE

By: Mamman Mohammed

The Northern Governors Forum has called on the National Assembly to institute a legislation for the creation of state police to boost security across the country.

This is contained in a communique at the end of its meeting on Saturday which was read by the Chairman of the Forum, and Governor of Gombe state, Alh. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

He said “the Forum resolved to support the creation of state police and called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the enactment of the legal framework for the its take off”

The Forum resolved to boost inter state border survellience to effectively combat insurgency, banditry and other crimes

It also appreciated the Federal government in addressing security challenges and infrastructural deficits in Nigeria.

The Forum also expresses its determination for enhanced synergy with the Nigeria Governors Forum in combating the security challenges.

The meeting was attended by the 19 Northern Governors and state Chairmen of the traditional rulers.

NGF SUPPORTS STATE POLICE TO CURB SECURITY CHALLENGE

FG Flags Off Inaugural Airlift Of Pilgrims For 2025 Hajj In Imo State

• As VP Shettima applauds Gov Uzodimma for fostering religious tolerance, mutual respect, inclusion
• Charges intending pilgrims to conduct themselves in line with Nigerian values

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Friday flagged off the Federal Government’s inaugural airlift of pilgrims from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, with a charge to intending pilgrims to ensure their conduct throughout their stay in the holy land reflects the values Nigeria holds dear.

The grand ceremony at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, South East Nigeria, marked the airport’s first international departure. A total of 64,188 Nigerians are billed for this year’s pilgrimage.

Flagging off the inaugural airlift, Senator Shettima applauded Governor Hope Uzodimma for promoting unity, religious tolerance, mutual respect and inclusion by hosting the inaugural flight ceremony in his state, noting that the gesture is emblematic of Nigeria unfolding into harmony with itself as a nation.

“Let me also take a moment to commend His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for fostering this atmosphere of religious tolerance, mutual respect, and inclusion. His support is both heartening and symbolic of a nation coming into harmony with itself,” he stated.

VP Shettima conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill to the pilgrims, saying, “The President, in his characteristic foresight, has once again made available all the necessary resources to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj.

“This commitment reflects our administration’s covenant with the people to protect, to support, and to elevate every Nigerian, in every sphere of life,” he added.

The Vice President cautioned the pilgrims against overlooking the dignity of the Nigerian flag they are carrying, even as he reminded them that the success of the Hajj operation rests on their shoulders.

His words: “And to our dear intending pilgrims, know that you are more than spiritual travellers. You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you not only your faith, but also the pride and dignity of this nation. Your conduct, your devotion, and your unity must reflect the values we hold dear. This responsibility is not light. It is noble.

“Distinguished guests, the success of this Hajj operation rests on all our shoulders. If any of us falters, whether a logistical officer who overlooks a detail or a pilgrim who forgets the dignity of the flag he carries, the consequences could turn what should be a joyful experience into yet another avoidable catastrophe. We must not let that happen.”

The VP urged logistics officers to treat their duties as an assignment entrusted to them by God, just as he maintained that they must avoid the mistake of previous exercises, and “ensure that every pilgrim departs and returns with a heart full of gratitude and a voice free of complaints.

“There is no room for negligence where lives, hopes, and sacred obligations converge,” the Vice President warned.

He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), including stakeholders who worked behind the scenes, for coordinating the 2025 Hajj exercise and making its operations a success.

Earlier, Governor Hope Uzodimma described the moment as a significant milestone in the state’s aviation history.

He said, “For us in Imo State, it’s a moment of pride. The airport, built over 40 years ago through communal efforts, reflects our history, how far we have come. The steps we took to reposition the airport for international operations are a thing of joy to the people of Imo State and the neighbouring States.”

The Governor thanked President Tinubu for all the approvals that made the inaugural airlift possible,” highlighting the economic significance of the flag-off, which he said will open investment doors for Imo State.

The Governor also revealed plans to fly Christian pilgrims from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, saying “next month, Christian pilgrims will still depart for the holy pilgrimage from this airport and it’s a testament to our inclusive governance and religious harmony.”

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended the governor of Imo State for promoting religious tolerance and peace in the state.

“This event is a big statement that in this blessed country called Nigeria, we still have people like the Governor of Imo State who stood up so tall to ensure that this programme was held in Imo.

“And I believe this is an important message to all and sundry that if we want our country to move forward, we have to respect one another, we have to respect various religious beliefs, we have to tell ourselves religion is an individual personal matter between one and their Creator, the Almighty.

“But uniting one another is our problem – it is our issue that we must face. And I think Imo State has been doing this for some time,” he said.

Also, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Saleh Usman, described the inaugural flight as “the first of its kind in the region, and a testament to the level of religious harmony the Imo State Governor is promoting in the region.”

Prof. Usman disclosed that of the total number of 64,188 pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj, 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa States are scheduled to depart on Friday aboard Air Peace flight for the 2025 Hajj from the Imo State Airport.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, extended special greetings from the Senate, wishing all “intending pilgrims journey mercies,” just as he prayed Allah to accept their Hajj.

Other dignitaries present included Deputy Governor of Imo State, Chinyere Ekomaru; House of Representatives members representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala federal constituency, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, and Aba North/Aba South federal constituency, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh; Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chike Olemgbe; former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim; Chairman of the Council of Imo State Traditional Rulers, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, among many others.

FG Flags Off Inaugural Airlift Of Pilgrims For 2025 Hajj In Imo State