News
IOM Advises West African counties on Collaboration for Success of War Against Trafficking in Persons
IOM Advises West African counties on Collaboration for Success of War Against Trafficking in Persons
By: Michael Mike
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has said it is imperative for countries in West Africa to synergy and collaborate for success to be recorded in the ongoing fight against trafficking in persons within the region.
The Chief of Mission of IOM in Nigeria, Mr Laurent De Boeck, gave the charge in his address at the inaugural ceremony of the three-day workshop focused on fights against trafficking that started from May 31, to June 2, 2023, in Abuja.
The workshop, which is organised by the Ministry of Solidarity and the Fight against Poverty, as Executive Secretariat of the National Committee for the Fight against Trafficking in Persons (CNLTP) was based on bi-lateral cooperation to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons in Nigeria and Cote d’ Ivoire.
De Boeck said the meeting centered on exchange, experience sharing and study visit to Nigeria between CNLTP and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) aimed at sharing lessons learnt and the best practices on human trafficking.
He said synergy is very important for countries in the West African region to fight against trafficking in persons and therefore, this visit is very timely.
He said: “It comes at a time when NAPTIP will be commemorating 20 years of being in existence and has been instrumental in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
“A lot of milestones have been scored and NAPTIP has been a lead in the region, hence the interest by other countries to learn from the experience.
“One of the key aims of this study visit is to strengthen the government’s efforts, particularly in terms of sub-regional cooperation, in the fight against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
“This study is part of assistance to victims of trafficking and smuggling of migrants project, funded by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and implemented by IOM Côte d’Ivoire in close collaboration with the National Committee for the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons in Cote d’Ivoire.”
He assured that the organisation would support Nigeria to tackle root causes of irregular migration, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, ranging from the need to strengthen efforts in behavioural change communication interventions.
He further promised that socio-economic opportunities would be provided to return migrants to their communities of origin, leverage on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 10:7 and 17, to provide post arrival, reception and protection assistance to over 30,000 Nigerians, of which 4,000 are victims of trafficking among other.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, reiterated the need for shared values between both countries towards the protection of human rights, uphold peace and prosperity, as guiding principles for mutual cooperation.
She said: “Human trafficking and its multi-dimensional effect is a crime that affects every country.
“Although proportionality and strength may differ, trafficking in persons has continued to threaten the existence of humanity, which is why it is imperative we cooperate in the best interest of our citizens and all of society.
“The way we used to think about human trafficking has evolved into microcosms of much bigger problems.”
Regional Project Manager of Expertise France, Mr Modeste Krah, on his part, said the bi-lateral agreement signed between the two countries (Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire) in 2021 served as strategic framework in their fights against human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.
He said the study visit to Nigeria served as platform to further strengthen collaboration of combating heinous crime of human trafficking and smuggling.
He said: “Both Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria find themselves grappling with migration flows, serving as countries of origin, transit and destination.
“A detesting reality is that large number of the victims of trafficking rescued and cared for would have been trajectory to trafficking for sexual exploitation of Nigeria nationals.
“Such complexity pose immense challenges in the identification of victims and prosecution of trafficking, necessitating the concerted collaborative efforts between our two countries,” he said.
The workshop is being hosted under the auspices of the technical and financial support of IOM, and Expertise France had participants drawn from NAPTIP, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria Immigration Service, IOM Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
IOM Advises West African counties on Collaboration for Success of War Against Trafficking in Persons
News
Reverend Dachomo insist “I was a notorious criminal in this village, a drug cartel… but I found Jesus”
Reverend Dachomo insist “I was a notorious criminal in this village, a drug cartel… but I found Jesus”
By: Zagazola Makama
Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has again recounted his past life of crime and subsequent spiritual transformation, attributing his change to his Christian faith.
Dachomo made the disclosure during a religious gathering, where he shared his personal testimony of repentance and renewal.
“I was a notorious criminal in this village, a drug cartel in this village, a wanderer in this village. That is my testimony,” he said.
The pastor also claimed involvement in criminal activities in his earlier years.
“When I say 1980, it is our gang that robbed a bank, and the person that led that operation is my best friend,” he said.
He explained that his life took a new direction after he embrace Jesus during the robbery.
“When I submitted myself to Jesus, who is my Saviour, I allowed Him to control my life, and Jesus forgave my sin. I am a new person in Christ Jesus,” he said.
However, Dachomo has come under relentless attacks with many asking the authorities to investigate his confession and prosecuting him for his past criminality.
They accused him of infighting fire in the already existing crises between farmers and herders in the state especially when he was openly heard asking the youths to go to WAR.
Reverend Dachomo insist “I was a notorious criminal in this village, a drug cartel… but I found Jesus”
Troops foil cattle rustling, recover 84 livestock in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled a cattle rustling attempt and recovered 84 livestock in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A military source said the operation was carried out by troops of 4 Division Demonstration Battalion deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Dumbi.
The source disclosed that the troops responded at about 5:30 a.m. on March 27 to credible intelligence on cattle rustling activities at Pan Daudu settlement.
“Following the information, troops swiftly mobilised and laid ambush at a suspected crossing point between Lamban Zango and Monday Market in Igabi Local Government Area,” the source said.
He added that the suspected rustlers, on approaching the ambush site, abandoned the livestock and fled the scene.
“The terrorists, upon sighting the troops’ position, fled in disarray, abandoning 84 rustled livestock,” he said.
According to him, the recovered animals were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners.
Troops foil cattle rustling, recover 84 livestock in Kaduna
Troops arrest 14 suspects in cordon-and-search operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested 14 suspects during a cordon-and-search operation in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.
Sources said the operation, conducted by troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade, followed credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected terrorist and kidnapper identified as Baba Ali.
The sources disclosed that the operation took place at about 2:20 p.m. on March 25 at Ngurosoye village, where the suspect was being tracked through intercepted communications.
During the operation, troops apprehended 14 suspects at the location where the tracked calls were received.
Two bags of fertiliser, suspected to be for illicit use, were also recovered from the scene.
The suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops arrest 14 suspects in cordon-and-search operation in Borno
Reverend Dachomo insist “I was a notorious criminal in this village, a drug cartel… but I found Jesus”
Troops foil cattle rustling, recover 84 livestock in Kaduna
Troops arrest 14 suspects in cordon-and-search operation in Borno
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
