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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
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Woman in Katsina Community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade deployed at Yantumaki in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State have rescued a 30-year-old woman abducted by suspected terrorists during an early morning attack on the community.
Security sources said the troops responded swiftly after hearing gunshots from the outskirts of the town in the early hours of May 21.
According to the sources, the soldiers immediately mobilised to the area where frightened residents informed them that the terrorists had abducted a woman identified as Mrs Abida Rufai and escaped into the surrounding bush.
The troops were said to have trailed the attackers along their withdrawal route and subsequently engaged them in a gun duel.
Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the terrorists reportedly abandoned the victim and fled into the bush.
Mrs Rufai was thereafter rescued unharmed and safely reunited with her family amid relief and excitement from members of the community.
Military authorities said troops have continued aggressive patrols and domination operations within the general area to forestall further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Woman in Katsina Community
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected impostor who allegedly posed as a personnel of the Nigerian Navy in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources disclosed that the arrest followed a report concerning the activities of a suspicious individual identified as Mohammed Auwal at Grovos Hotel, Apata area of Jos North.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the intelligence report at about 2:56 p.m. on May 23 and apprehended the suspect at the hotel premises.
Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect allegedly claimed to be a serving naval personnel, prompting security concerns and further scrutiny by the troops.
The suspect is currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to ascertain his identity, motive and possible involvement in other unlawful activities.
Security authorities have continued to warn members of the public against impersonation of military and security personnel, describing such acts as criminal offences capable of undermining public trust and security operations.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or activities to security agencies for necessary action.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Jos
Senegal President sacks Prime Minister Sonko, dissolves government amid growing tensions
By: Zagazola Makama
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the country’s government following months of growing political tensions between the two leaders.
The decision was announced late Friday through a presidential decree broadcast on state television.
According to the decree read by a presidential aide, President Faye “ended the duties of Ousmane Sonko and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state who are members of the government.”
No immediate replacement for Sonko was announced as of the time of filing this report.
The dismissal followed a parliamentary session earlier in the week during which Sonko openly criticised President Faye, further exposing divisions within the ruling political establishment.
Political observers said relations between the two leaders had deteriorated in recent months over issues relating to party leadership, governance direction and the management of state affairs.
Analysts noted that the development could introduce fresh political uncertainty in Senegal at a time the country is facing mounting economic pressures, including rising public debt and broader fiscal challenges.
The dissolution of the government is expected to trigger consultations within the ruling coalition ahead of the appointment of a new prime minister and cabinet.
Senegal has long been regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, but recent political tensions have continued to attract regional and international attention.
Senegal President sacks Prime Minister Sonko, dissolves government amid growing tensions
Troops intensify anti-bandit operations in Katsina, neutralise terrorist
Troops Rescue Kidnapped Woman in Katsina Community
Troops Foil Mob Action Against Customs Officer in Katsina after reckless shooting of local
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