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NAPTIP Begins Renewed Clampdown on Human Traffickers

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NAPTIP Begins Renewed Clampdown on Human Traffickers

NAPTIP Begins Renewed Clampdown on Human Traffickers

By: Michael Mike

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has begun a renewed clampdown on all child traffickers including those involved in buying and selling of human beings.

The agency in the last one year has rescued no fewer than 30 babies from criminal elements, traced the parents and reunited the babies with them while those arrested are facing prosecution in different courts across the country for child trafficking, according to a statement issued it’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Stella Nezan

According to the statement, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi has directed all Zonal and State Commanders of the agency across the country to commence surveillance operations within their jurisdiction to ensure that all child traffickers including those involved in buying and selling of human beings are apprehended and made to face the wrath of the law.

Also Read: Borno ministry confirms killing of lion in Konduga LG

Waziri-Azi also directed that all homes where buying and selling of babies are suspected to be going on (also known as baby factories) should be unearthed, shut down and the operators apprehended for prosecution. 

She directed the Zonal and State Commanders to liaise with sister law enforcement agencies within their areas of operation for joint actions to stem the tide of child abduction, trafficking and buying and selling of such children.

The Director-General who recalled the recent case in the Shongatedo area of Lagos State where a dispatch rider had a child in his dispatch box apparently meant to be delivered to someone, said that such cases should not be allowed to fester in Nigeria. 

She expressed confidence that the Nigerian Police Force, who is already handling the case, will get to the root of the matter, while stressing the readiness of the agency to work with the Police to investigate and prosecute all perpetrators.

She said: “We cannot allow this type of evil to continue in our country and before our eyes. The Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 empowers us to deal with all cases of human trafficking including the buying and selling of human beings as well as cruelty to children. Who knows the intentions of that dispatch rider and those that sent him? Who knows the state of the mother of that baby right now?

‘’We have already rescued many of such children over the years, traced the parents and reunited the children with them while prosecuting those involved, but we must do more as the crime is not abetting. Every day, the criminals are devising new strategies and we must in collaboration with other sister law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders including members of the public so that we can get ahead of this national crisis. That is why we are being paid by taxpayers, to protect them by delivering on our mandate.“

She lamented that: “These criminal elements do not mean well for the children and their parents. What drives them is the money they make from such sales while the agony of such parents and what becomes of the children do not matter to them. There is currently an entire value chain for the buying and selling of children in Nigeria.”

She also called on members of the public to be vigilant to the happenings within their environment as the criminals involved in the abduction and trafficking of the children are not strangers but people they know. “We are not saying that the members of the public should take the law into their hands by going after the criminals but rather, they should share intelligence with relevant agencies.”

She however, advised law enforcement agencies to make themselves trustworthy before the people so that the members of the public can have the confidence to share information and intelligence with them, noting that: “If the members of the public are not sure that you will protect their identities or bring the criminals before the law, they will not come to you.“

NAPTIP Begins Renewed Clampdown on Human Traffickers

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Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna

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Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna

By Zagazola Makama

Security operatives have arrested two suspected impostors dressed in military camouflage in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Security sources said the suspects were apprehended at about 8:30 p.m. on May 1 along Bauchi Street in Kafanchan town by troops of Sector 7 of Operation Safe Haven.

The sources disclosed that the suspects were found wearing military uniforms, raising suspicion among security personnel on patrol.

According to the sources, preliminary investigation revealed that the camouflage uniforms allegedly belonged to a serving soldier who is currently on pass.

They added that the suspects are in custody for further investigation to determine their motives and possible involvement in criminal activities.

The sources further said efforts are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure appropriate action is taken.

Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna

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Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest

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Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have conducted an offensive operation in a forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, targeting suspected hideouts of IPOB/ESN members.

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 6:30 a.m. on May 1 by troops comprising personnel of 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion and 197 Special Forces Battalion, supported by air components, police operatives and forest guards.

The sources disclosed that the operation followed intelligence reports on suspected activities of IPOB/ESN elements around the Ajali Forest.

According to the sources, troops located and searched a cave believed to have been used by the group as a holding facility for kidnapped victims.

They, however, noted that nothing of significant value was recovered during the search.

The sources added that security operations are ongoing in the area to sustain pressure on criminal elements and prevent further activities within the forest.

Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest

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Army Hands Over Arrested Blogger to Civil Authorities Over Alleged Subversion Activities

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Army Hands Over Arrested Blogger to Civil Authorities Over Alleged Subversion Activities

By Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army has said that a blogger and social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere, also known as Justice Crack, has been handed over to relevant civil authorities for investigation over alleged subversive activities.

In a statement issued on Friday by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Army said the action followed ongoing investigations into interactions between the blogger and some soldiers.

According to the statement, preliminary findings indicate that the blogger engaged the soldiers on a range of issues, including discussions that allegedly bordered on incitement and attempts to create discontent within the system.

“The matter is being investigated for breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy and an attempt to misinform the public,” the Army said.

It added that concerns were raised after complaints by some soldiers regarding feeding and welfare issues were circulated on social media.

The Army noted that while the affected soldiers are currently in military custody, the blogger has been transferred to appropriate civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

It stressed that any attempt by civilians to influence military personnel towards acts capable of undermining discipline poses serious implications for national security.

The statement reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the rule of law and due process, adding that it would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies in addressing the matter.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty within the ambit of the law,” it said.

Army Hands Over Arrested Blogger to Civil Authorities Over Alleged Subversion Activities

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