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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 engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly engaged armed bandits in a heavy gun battle during a clearance operation at Yankuzo area in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
Security sources said the operation followed aggressive fighting patrol on armed groups into the area, believed to be a stronghold used by suspected bandit elements operating within the axis.
According to the sources, troops advanced into deep into the terrorists enclave of Ado Allero in the early hours of the day and made contact with the armed men, leading to an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes.
Residents reported heavy gunfire during the confrontation.
Although details of casualties were still being assessed at the time of filing this report, security sources confirmed that troops maintained dominance of the general area and continued pursuit of fleeing armed elements.
Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued three kidnapped victims during a swift response to a distress call in Kusheri village area of Niger state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on April 21, 2026, when armed bandits invaded the community and abducted three civilians identified as Abdullahi, Saidu Julfe and Kamilu Joddi.
According to the sources, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Dokan Karji immediately mobilised after receiving the distress alert and advanced towards the area of operation.
On arrival, the troops discovered that the attackers had already fled the scene with the abducted victims towards the Kafin Gora axis.
The troops subsequently launched a pursuit operation, engaging the fleeing suspects in intermittent contact before successfully rescuing all three hostages unharmed.
The rescued victims were later handed over for medical evaluation and debriefing, while troops withdrew to base after securing the general area.
Security sources confirmed that the situation within the area of responsibility remains calm but unpredictable, adding that patrols and surveillance operations have been intensified to prevent further incidents.
They further noted that troop morale and combat effectiveness remain high as operations continue across vulnerable communities within the state.
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State
Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed a suspected Boko Haram insurgent during a confrontation in Lotori-Garbiya village, Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe state.
Sources said the incident occurred on April 20 at about 7:00 p.m. after gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram elements stormed the community and imposed illegal levies on residents.
According to the sources, security forces were swiftly mobilised following a distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
One of the suspected insurgents was killed during the encounter, while others reportedly fled into surrounding bushes.
The sources said an AK-47 rifle and two Kasea motorcycles were recovered at the scene.
Security authorities confirmed that the area had been placed under close surveillance, while patrols were intensified to prevent further attacks.
They added that efforts were ongoing to track down fleeing members of the group.
Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles
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Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State
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