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IOM Supports Ongoing Battle Against Trafficking in Persons, Rewards Short Film Makers

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IOM Supports Ongoing Battle Against Trafficking in Persons, Rewards Short Film Makers

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has extended support for war against human trafficking in Nigeria with awards to makers of short films on the crime to further sensitize the members of the public of the antics and harms of human traffickers.

IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mr Laurent De Boeck reiterated the commitment of the UN agency to empowering young Nigerians combating trafficking in persons in the country through short films, during the presentation of awards to the second edition winners of the Short Film contest on Combating Trafficking in Persons in Nigeria on Monday.

He described film as universal medium to illustrate untold stories that can inspire, educate and guide people against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.

De Boeck explained that the contest was inaugurated in 2023 with the aim of empowering young creative voices in the fights against trafficking in persons.

He said: “Indeed, youth are among those most vulnerable to this crime, so it only makes sense that their voices are put at the centre of our efforts to address it.

“The winners crowned today have demonstrated not only artistic talent, but also social responsibility and awareness.

“They have used the power of storytelling to shed light on the dark realities of human trafficking and to inspire hope, and action.

“Their films are a testament to the resilience and dignity of the survivors, and the courage and dedication of the advocates.”

On his, the Permanent-Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Amb. Tanimu Aduda said the causes of human trafficking may differ from one country to another.

Aduda who was represented by the Chief Community Development Officer on Child Protection, Mr Felix Nwaeseni, traced poverty, insurgency and lack of awareness to what makes many Nigerians vulnerable to the tricks and intentions of trafficking in persons cartels among others.

Aduda said: “Therefore, key preventive strategies are developed to work for us in Nigeria through extensive public awareness.

“The renewed hope agenda of the present administration is geared towards strengthening our conscious implementation of economic and social policies.

“Such policies aimed at significant reduction in societal, institutional and individual poverty level; data collection and research efforts; strengthening legislative measures on major reforms.

“These are significant steps in the right direction that elicit actionable antidotes for eliminating the vulnerabilities to Human Trafficking and building resilience of vulnerable groups.

Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, commended the short film contest initiative for being apt in sensitising people about the dangers of human trafficking.

Waziri-Azi, represented by the Director of Intelligence, Training and Manpower Development Department in NAPTIP, Dame Ebele Ulasi, commended the efforts against human trafficking.

According to her, the fight against human trafficking demand not only action, but also awareness and understanding.

“This is why this award ceremony is so crucial. The powerful stories showcased through these Short Films are more than just entertainment.

“They are beacons of hope shining light on the realities of trafficking and inspiring action.

“We celebrate the power of storytelling in raising awareness and igniting action against the horrific crime,” she said.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of First Prize Cheque of $2,000 to David Michael, Second Prize Cheque of $1,000 to Grace Olubiyo and one-high resolution laptop to Erica Bale as the Third Prize.

IOM Supports Ongoing Battle Against Trafficking in Persons, Rewards Short Film Makers

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FCT police arrest 59 suspects in raid, investigate suicide in Lugbe

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FCT police arrest 59 suspects in raid, investigate suicide in Lugbe

By: Zagazola Makama

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 59 suspects during coordinated raids across major black spots and criminal hideouts in Abuja.

Sources revealed that the raids were conducted late Saturday by operatives from Apo, Kubwa, Karu, Karmo, Life Camp, Maitama, Wuse, Mabushi, Nyanya, Jikwoyi, Zuba, and Tungan Maje Divisions.

The police said the operation targeted uncompleted buildings and identified criminal hideouts within the divisions’ areas of responsibility.

According to the sources, all suspects are currently undergoing screening and interrogation, and those found culpable will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the command is also investigating an alleged suicide involving a 20-year-old labourer identified as Alfred Habila, from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Habila was reportedly found hanging in an uncompleted building behind River Park Estate, Lugbe, on Sunday morning.

A resident, Engr. Jatto Abdulkareem, told the police that he received a distress call from another resident, Joshua, who discovered the deceased’s body around 8 a.m.

Police operatives who visited the scene took photographs and conveyed the victim to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The corpse has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy and preservation, while investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.

FCT police arrest 59 suspects in raid, investigate suicide in Lugbe

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Security forces repel bandits’ attack in Sokoto community

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Security forces repel bandits’ attack in Sokoto community

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces in Sokoto State have foiled an attempted attack by armed bandits on Mangwarori Kwandawa area of Isa town, Isa Local Government Area of the state.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that
heavily armed bandits invaded the community, shooting sporadically in an attempt to penetrate the town.

According to the sources , troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA army responded swiftly and engaged the bandits in a gun duel that lasted several minutes.

The superior firepower of the security forces forced the attackers to retreat into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds.

The sources added that four civilians sustained minor injuries from stray bullets during the exchange, while no casualties were recorded among security personnel.

Security operatives are currently conducting bush combing operations to trace the fleeing bandits, while adjoining divisions have been placed on alert to block possible escape routes.

Security forces repel bandits’ attack in Sokoto community

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NSA, service chiefs meet over Trump’s directive on Nigeria

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NSA, service chiefs meet over Trump’s directive on Nigeria

By: Zagazola Makama

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, is currently meeting with service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Abuja, following reports of a directive by U.S. President Donald Trump to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria.

A security source told Zagazola Makama that the emergency meeting, which began on Monday afternoon, is aimed at assessing the implications of Trump’s statement accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militant groups.

Trump’s remarks, made late Saturday, alleged that the U.S. military was being prepared to “act in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militancy” a statement that has triggered widespread concern across diplomatic and security circles in Abuja.

According to the source, the NSA convened the session to coordinate a unified national security response and review intelligence assessments on the potential fallout of the U.S. president’s pronouncement.

Zagazola reports that Trump did not specify which killings he was referring to, though claims of a “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria have been circulating in some right-wing U.S. circles in recent months.

However, independent monitoring groups and analysts have noted that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism and banditry in the country, with no evidence of a targeted campaign against one faith.

The outcome of the meeting is expected to be communicated through official channels from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

NSA, service chiefs meet over Trump’s directive on Nigeria

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