National News
FG Says Legal Frameworks to Safeguard Country’s Biodiversity Being Reviewed

FG Says Legal Frameworks to Safeguard Country’s Biodiversity Being Reviewed
By: Michael Mike
The federal government has said it is currently reviewing the nation’s legal frameworks, among other steps to safeguard the country’s biodiversity and curb the illegal activities that is presently threatening Nigeria’s wildlife and natural heritage.
Speaking at the launch of the international consortium on combating wildlife toolkit assessment report for Nigeria, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass said the Nigeria stand at a critical juncture in our nation’s efforts to safeguard it’s rich biodiversity and to curb the illegal activities that threaten our wildlife and natural heritage.
He said: “Nigeria is a nation blessed with an abundance of natural endemic iconic natural resources such as gorilla, elephant, pangolin, ostrich, lion, flora, including some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. However, these blessings come with immense responsibility. Over the past few decades, we have witnessed an alarming increase in wildlife crime, including poaching, illegal logging, and trafficking of endangered species. These crimes only threaten our environment but also undermine the rule of law, fuel corruption, and deprive communities of their livelihoods, undermine public health and natural security.”

The Minister, who was represented by the Director Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry, Stanley Jonah, noted that the ICCWC toolkit assessment report was a comprehensive and timely document that provides us with a clear-eyed view of the challenges we face, as well as the opportunities for strengthening our efforts to combat wildlife crime.
He disclosed that one of the key findings of the report highlights the need for enhanced coordination among national agencies, improved law enforcement capacity, and stronger legal frameworks in response.
Lawal said: “in response, the Federal Government of Nigerians taken several proactive steps. We have strengthened the capacity of our law enforcement agencies, currently reviewing our legal frameworks, signed the Cooperation Agreement Framework between Nigeria and Cameroon on Transboundary Ecosystems Conservation and Sustainable Management of Wildlife and Forest Resources and increased public awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation.
The Minister while acknowledging that wildlife crime was complex for it is transnational issues that requires a multi-faceted and collaborative approach, noted that the recommendations in the ICCWC toolkit assessment report provide us with a valuable guide as we work to improve our efforts
He said: “As we launch this important report today, I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, international partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector to come together and renew our collective commitment to combating wildlife crime,” adding that: “Let us remember that the protection of our wildlife is not just an environmental issue, it is a matter of national security, economic prosperity, and global responsibility.”
On his part, the Officer-in-Charge
UNODC Country Office, Nigeria, Danilo Campisi said: “The World Wildlife Crime Report 2024 reminds us that the harms resulting from wildlife crime include a range of interlinked negative environmental, social, economic, and governance impacts, which are evident in the ongoing exploitation of Nigeria’s rich biodiversity.
Campisi, while commending the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts which has resulted in increased seizures at land, sea, and airport border points, two-thirds of all seizures involving Nigeria were reported by authorities of other countries, said this suggests that interception capabilities still need to be strengthened.
He added that: “Enhanced information exchange and cooperation with relevant authorities in countries of origin, transit, and destination offer opportunities for intelligence-led operations and parallel or joint investigations aimed at detecting and dismantling trafficking networks.
“In this context, it is critical to understand what further steps are required to tackle the illegal trade in wildlife and forest products.
“The ICCWC Analytical Toolkit for Nigeria, conducted by UNODC in cooperation with all relevant Nigerian authorities under the overall lead of the Federal Ministry of Environment, examines the effectiveness of the legal and regulatory environment, as well as the institutional capacities of specialized law enforcement, prosecution, and the judiciary to prevent, detect, investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate wildlife and forest crimes. This assessment provides important inputs for the effective implementation of the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime in Nigeria 2022-2026, which was first launched in 2022.”
He explained that: “The ICCWC toolkit report provides us with new insights and recommendations aimed to strengthen the legal and institutional response to wildlife and forest crime in Nigeria and I urge all national stakeholders to work together to advance the implementation of these recommendations.”
FG Says Legal Frameworks to Safeguard Country’s Biodiversity Being Reviewed
National News
VAPP Act @10: Be Ready for Strong Bite, Increased Prosecution of Sex Offenders- NAPTIP DG

VAPP Act @10: Be Ready for Strong Bite, Increased Prosecution of Sex Offenders- NAPTIP DG
By: Michael Mike
Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello has promised a strong bite, increased prosecution of sex offenders, proactive implementation of the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015 to enhance the protection of Nigerians from issues of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV).
She gave the promise at the agency’s headquarters, Abuja, while speaking on the 10th year anniversary of the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015.
The VAPP Act, which was designed to eliminate violence in public and private life, prohibits all forms of violence against persons and provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims, and punishment for perpetrators, was passed on May 25th, 2015, and is being implemented by NAPTIP.
The Act is applicable within the Federal Capital Territory and already domesticated by several states across the country.
The Director General, who hailed the efficacy of the Act, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a just, inclusive, and violence-free society. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, signed into law in 2015, is 10 years old. This landmark legislation remains one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive legal frameworks for the protection of human rights, especially for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
“As the Director General of NAPTIP, I am immensely proud to announce a decade of impactful implementation of the VAPP Law, which has been domesticated and gazetted by 32 states across Nigeria.
“Over the past 10 years, we have raised the bar for justice and given voice to the voiceless, empowering survivors of violence to seek redress. We have protected the vulnerable, restored dignity to victims, and enhanced support systems for survivors of abuse.We have contributed to the restoration of peace and harmony in homes, communities, and institutions affected by gender-based violence.
“We have fought relentlessly to end the culture of silence and impunity, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under the law.
“The journey has not been without challenges, but our resolve has remained unshaken. With the unwavering support of our partners, stakeholders, and civil society, NAPTIP has successfully secured 25 convictions of perpetrators, including two life imprisonment sentences of high-profile individuals in Nigeria, with over 1557 cases in courts and provided support to over 5000survivors through shelters, legal aid, psychosocial services, and reintegration programmes.
“As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthened enforcement of the VAPP Act across all States of the Federation by scaling up advocacy and enlightenment to ensure that every Nigerian understands their rights under this law, collaboration with traditional, religious, and community leaders to deepen grassroots impact, and a proactive, data-driven approach to tackling all forms of violence, especially those rooted in harmful cultural and gender norms”, she stated.
The Director General thanked the Federal Ministry of Justice and the entire Judiciary for sustained support to the agency in implementing the Act, the partnering Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Development Partners, members of the Civil Society Organization (CSOs), the Media, and other stakeholders for their collaboration and partnership with NAPTIP, which have culminated in the successful implementation of the legislation.
“While extending our heartfelt gratitude to all who have walked this journey with us and survivors whichcontinue to show courage, the law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, legal advocates, development partners, and the general public, we promise double portion of trouble for perpetrators in the years ahead”, the DG said.
VAPP Act @10: Be Ready for Strong Bite, Increased Prosecution of Sex Offenders- NAPTIP DG
National News
Beyond condemnation, why Governor Kefas must act decisively to end karim lamido crisis

Beyond condemnation, why Governor Kefas must act decisively to end karim lamido crisis
By: Zagazola Makama
The latest attack on Munga Lelau community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has once again thrust the fragile security situation in the region into national focus. The attack, which reportedly occurred on Friday evening, left many dead and communities in mourning.
In response, Governor Agbu Kefas swiftly condemned the incident, describing the carnage as “horrendous and unacceptable.” In a press statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, the governor expressed outrage at the continuous assaults, warned of grave repercussions for the perpetrators, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to securing the state.
However, while such condemnation is commendable and necessary to signal empathy and political will, what is urgently required now is a comprehensive, transparent, and sustained response that goes beyond words. The time has come for Governor Kefas to not only condemn the attacks but also to lead a full-fledged, fact-based investigation into what truly transpired and why.
The attack in Munga Lelau is not an isolated case. It follows a recent incident in Bandawa where two farmers were reportedly killed by suspected bandits. This recurring pattern of violence often fueled by retaliatory attacks between farmers and herders points to deeper, unresolved tensions in the Karim Lamido axis. While the rainy season usually heightens competition for land and water resources, what we are seeing is the escalation of low-grade communal tension into full-blown armed conflict.
Security forces have, on several occasions, brokered peace accords between aggrieved parties. Yet, these agreements have often been short-lived. Just Yesterday, troops under Operation Lafiyan Jamaa had to intervene after youths from Badanwa reportedly attacked herders grazing near their village, sparking reprisals and further bloodshed.
This cycle of provocation and retaliation is precisely why Governor Kefas must now go beyond condemning the violence and institute a full investigation. There is a growing concern that certain individuals referred to as “conflict entrepreneurs” may be exploiting these tensions for personal or political gain. These actors must be identified and held accountable, regardless of ethnic or political affiliation.
Equally, justice must not be selective. All sides must be heard, and those found culpable, whether among farmers or herders, must face the full weight of the law. Only a fair and balanced approach can restore confidence in government intervention and prevent further descent into lawlessness.
To achieve lasting peace, the state government must adopt a three-pronged approach:
Deploy additional security personnel to flashpoints in Karim Lamido and impose necessary restrictions, including curfews, where needed to prevent reprisal attacks. Peace committees comprising community leaders, religious heads, and youth representatives should be activated or reconstituted to immediately de-escalate tensions.
Establish an independent investigative panel to ascertain the root causes of the recurring violence. This panel should be empowered to take testimonies, review previous peace accords, and recommend actionable strategies. Simultaneously, set up mobile courts to fast-track justice delivery and deter impunity.
Develop and implement a comprehensive land-use and grazing policy, supported by modern conflict resolution training and dialogue platforms across LGAs. More investments should also go into education, vocational training, and rural infrastructure to address some of the socioeconomic drivers of insecurity.
Taraba must not be allowed to slide into a theatre of unchecked violence. Now is the time for Gov. Kefas to lead boldly, ensuring not only that peace is restored but that it is sustainable, just, and inclusive.
Beyond condemnation, why Governor Kefas must act decisively to end karim lamido crisis
National News
NDLEA, US-DEA to strengthen collaboration on drug war

NDLEA, US-DEA to strengthen collaboration on drug war
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States (DEA) have stressed the need to strengthen current collaboration between the two agencies on the fight against the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
This was the highpoint of discussion during a meeting between the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) and the Country Attache of US-DEA, Ms. Daphne Morrison on Friday at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja

Marwa, while appreciating the cordial
working relationship and partnership between NDLEA and DEA, Ms. Morrison who was recently posted to Nigeria said “I wanted to make this one of my priorities to come meet with you so we can continue to collaborate and work together.
“And thank you so much for your support over the years, and we’re ready to keep things going. I know you’ve been working well with the last Country Attaché, so I’m ready to get back in and collaborate and do some really great things with you.”
She said efforts are ongoing to organise more trainings for officers and men of the Special Operations Units of the afency Amwhile looking forward to a number of joint operations with NDLEA in already identified areas of interests.
In his response, the NDLEA boss acknowledged the excellent relationships with Morrison’s predecessors. He said: “They’ve been very, very supportive, and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that it will be the same, if not better, with you.” He acknowledged the recent evolution of NDLEA in the size of its workforce, expansion of operational and administrative structures as well as remarkable successes recorded in its drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.
While acknowledging the support received from DEA over the years especially in areas of equipment, training, and joint operations, Marwa expressed hope that more of such support will continue. “I think we would welcome much more support but because this being your first visit to introduce yourself, I’m not going to bring out a long list of demands or requests, but just to acknowledge that we appreciate all the support we’ve been receiving.”
NDLEA, US-DEA to strengthen collaboration on drug war
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