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NAPTIP Calls for Unified National Response to Rising Violent Crime
NAPTIP Calls for Unified National Response to Rising Violent Crime
By: Michael Mike
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dr. Binta Bello has called for a coordinated national effort to confront the growing wave of violent crime across the country.
She made the appeal in Abuja on Wednesday at the High-Level Policy Dialogue on stopping violent crime in Nigeria.
Speaking to an audience of government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and security agencies, Dr. Bello said the country could no longer rely on fragmented responses to issues ranging from gender-based violence to cyber-enabled crimes.
She said: “This Dialogue is not ceremonial; it is a strategic gathering. Nigeria must move beyond isolated interventions and embrace a truly integrated framework for protecting its citizens—especially women, children, and vulnerable groups.”
She disclosed that the forthcoming 2024 Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Report paints a troubling picture.
According to her, the data shows increasing cases of gender-based violence, widespread underreporting, delayed justice processes, and weak survivor support systems in several states.
She noted that although more states have domesticated the VAPP Act and awareness continues to grow, gaps in institutional capacity and data coordination still hinder effective response, warning that: “No society can achieve sustainable peace when the vulnerable remain unprotected.”
The NAPTIP DG also highlighted significant progress made by the Agency’s Cybercrime Response Team (CRT) in tackling online exploitation and tech-enabled trafficking. She revealed that between January and November 2025, the specialized unit handled 56 cases, investigated 48, referred 12, and secured three active court prosecutions.
The CRT, which works with partners including INTERPOL, NCA-UK, UNODC, ICMPD, Meta, NFIU, ONSA, and the Nigeria Police NCCC, recently became a founding member of the Joint Case Team on Cybercrimes (JCTC) established by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
She said: “These achievements position NAPTIP as a national leader in combating cyber-enabled trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations in the digital ecosystem.”
A major highlight of the event was the launch of NAPTIP’s E-Learning App, designed to expand capacity-building for law enforcement officers, social workers, prosecutors, community leaders, and other stakeholders nationwide.
Bello described the platform as a strategic tool to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure no state or institution is left behind in the fight against violent crime.
She however emphasised that effective prevention and response require seamless collaboration between sectors including health, education, justice, traditional institutions, the media, and digital service providers.
She also called for the strengthening of early-warning systems, improved reporting channels, trauma-informed service delivery, and harmonised national and state-level data systems.
She said: “As Nigeria marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we must reaffirm our commitment to ending digital violence and all other forms of abuse.”
She expressed gratitude to the First Lady, the Attorney-General of the Federation, development partners, and the various ministries, departments, agencies, and community groups represented at the Dialogue.
She added that: “Our deliberations today must translate into stronger policies, stronger partnerships, and stronger protection for every Nigerian.”
NAPTIP Calls for Unified National Response to Rising Violent Crime
News
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
By: Zagazola Makama
Less than 24 hours after three Fulani youths were reportedly killed in an attack in Plateau state, another youth has allegedly been killed and one abducted in targeted attack in Riyom LGA by Birom Militia.
Security and local informants told Zagazola Makama that the latest incident occurred on Feb. 21 in Jol community, where suspected Birom militia members attacked herders, killing one Muhammed Sani, while another victim, identified as Faruq Jamilu, was abducted. An unspecified number of cattle were also reportedly killed or injured during the assault.
The development came barely a day after three youths Tahiru Muhammad, Jibrin Salisu and Abdulmumin Isyak were said to have been ambushed and killed on Feb. 19 while returning from Dorowan Babuje in Barkin Ladi area.
Zagazola report that the earlier attack occurred at about 7:00 p.m. near Jong Fulani community. Sources alleged that the victims were intercepted by armed Birom Militia assailants, and security personnel later recovered spent cartridges and a motorcycle and a bottle of alcohol otherwise known as Goskolo at the scene.
Community representatives alleged that the succession of incidents reflected sustained pattern of attacks targeting pastoral settlements and livestock in parts of the state in recent months.
Zagazola report that repeated cases of attacks and killing, cattle poisoning, rustling and arson had heightened tensions and triggered fears of reprisals across the affected areas while the state government and concerned authorities have done little or nothing to fish out the perpetrators.
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
A retired Commissioner of Police, CP David Danjuma Auta (Rtd), JP, KSM, KSS, has died.
He passed away on Feb. 19, 2026, at the Air Force Military Hospital, Jos, after a brief illness.
Born on June 11, 1941, CP Auta enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on Feb. 26, 1962, and served in several capacities, culminating as Commissioner of Police in Ogun State before retiring on Feb. 26, 1997.
He hailed from Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
He is survived by his wife and seven children. The corpse has been deposited at the hospital morgue, and burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos
Five killed, house burnt in cross-border communal attack in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Five persons have been killed and a house razed following a late-night attack on Azoke village in Ado Local Government Area of Benue.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 19 when suspected assailants from Akparata community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi allegedly invaded the village.
The victims were identified as Nwefuru Elu, Nwefuru Agnes, Nwali Nworie Christianana, Obasi Nwode and Nwozo Nwode.
It was gathered that the attackers also set ablaze a house belonging to one Elumu Nwokwo during the assault, heightening tension in the area.
Security personnel who responded to a distress alert visited the scene and documented evidence as part of preliminary investigation.
Authorities said efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible, while further investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Residents were urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as measures were being intensified to prevent escalation of violence in the area.
Five killed, house burnt in cross-border communal attack in Benue
APC conducts congress in 17 local councils in Yobe
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
Police arrest officer previously at large over missing firearms in Riyom Division in Plateau
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