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NAPTIP Calls for Unified National Response to Rising Violent Crime

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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

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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.

Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.

🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence

In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.

The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.

According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.

Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.

🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction

A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.

She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.

🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed

AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.

🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm

In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.

According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.

The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.

The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.

🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial

Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.

Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.

Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.

The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.

The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.

One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.

Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.

Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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