Crime
NAPTIP DG: War Against Human Trafficking Needs Input of All
NAPTIP DG: War Against Human Trafficking Needs Input of All
By: Michael Mike
The Director General, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri -Azi has called for input of all in the fight against human trafficking.
Speaking in Abuja at the Launch of the Compendium of State Task Forces on Human Trafficking, Waziri-Azu said: “We must all remember that to control human trafficking, we must equally recognize the fact that it is a battle that no one entity can tackle alone and collaboration serves as the backbone of a successful fight against this crime for several reasons.”
She explained that human trafficking is a highly organized and intricate network of criminals. It operates within and across borders, making it difficult for any one entity to address effectively. And only through joint efforts can we dismantle these criminal networks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
She lamented that human trafficking victims often face multiple challenges when seeking help and support, insisting that collaborative efforts between government and NGOs can ensure that victims receive the necessary protection, and rehabilitation that they need, stressing that: “By working together, we can provide a safety net that helps survivors rebuild their lives and find hope for a brighter future.”
She noted that raising awareness and educating communities is crucial in preventing trafficking, adding that: “Collaboration allows us to pool our resources, expertise, and outreach capabilities to create comprehensive awareness campaigns. By joining forces, we can empower individuals to recognize the signs of trafficking, thus preventing potential victims from falling prey to the traffickers’ schemes.”
Waziri-Azi said: “Let me particularly emphasize the need to strategically partner with traditional institutions because the role traditional rulers play in the society due to their influence as custodians of cultural norms and values cannot be overstated. With their extraordinary moral authority, they are able to influence thinking, foster dialogue and set priorities for members of their communities and advocate for social and legal change.”
She added that: “We must recall that human trafficking is a moral crisis that demands a united response and collaboration is the key that unlocks our collective strength in this battle. Let us put aside our differences and work together with determination and compassion. Together, we can create a world where human trafficking is nothing but a dark chapter in history. Remember, our success in this fight depends on the strength of our unity.”
She explained that: “This compendium serves as a repository of information and resources that would be useful in your work. Most importantly, no matter how fantastic an initiative is without deliberate and targeted funding that initiative will die a natural death. Which is why funding task forces is of paramount importance.
“As this is an essential investment in our collective commitment to combatting human trafficking. Only by providing the necessary financial resources can we build a robust response to the problem and strive towards a world where exploitation has no place.”
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Also speaking at the occasion, the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) Team Leader, Trafficking in Persons/Smuggling of Migrants Portfolio, Abimbola Adewumi, who was actively involved in the drafting of the compendium said the document would build the capacity of State Task Forces (STFs) to chronicle their journey, showcase the milestones and achievements of STFs in combatting human trafficking in Nigeria to enhance state government interest and the drive for sustainable solutions
She noted that it documents the peculiarity and dimensions of human trafficking in the states to inform tailored interventions by project implementers.
NAPTIP DG: War Against Human Trafficking Needs Input of All
Fugitive Wildlife Trafficker Arrested After Five Years on the Run
By: Michael Mike
A suspected wildlife trafficker, Shamsideen Abubakar, who had been on the run for five years, has been apprehended in a joint enforcement operation involving the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).
Abubakar, who was previously declared wanted by the Federal High Court in Lagos, is believed to be a key figure in an international wildlife trafficking network. He had evaded arrest since September 2021, following a major crackdown that led to the arrest of his associates, Sunday Ebenyi and Salif Sandwidi.
That earlier operation, carried out by the WJC and NCS, resulted in the seizure of over 1,000 kilogrammes of pangolin scales in the Ikeja area of Lagos—one of the largest such seizures in the country, underscoring the scale of illegal wildlife trade operations linked to Nigeria.
Authorities say Abubakar’s eventual arrest highlights the persistence of Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their international partners in tracking down suspects involved in environmental crimes. It also reflects a sustained, intelligence-driven approach to dismantling trafficking networks operating across borders.
Reacting to the development, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, reiterated the agency’s commitment to eradicating wildlife crime in the country. He stated that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for traffickers, emphasizing that offenders would be pursued and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Barikor attributed the success of the operation to strong inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement efforts. He also called on members of the public to support authorities by reporting suspicious activities, warning that the era of impunity for wildlife crimes is over.
The arrest is seen as a significant blow to already weakened trafficking networks and sends a strong message that arrest warrants will continue to be enforced, regardless of how long suspects remain at large.
Nigeria has in recent years intensified its crackdown on wildlife trafficking, a crime that threatens biodiversity, undermines conservation efforts, and violates both national and international regulations. Authorities say the latest development reinforces the country’s zero-tolerance stance and its commitment to protecting endangered species.
Fugitive Wildlife Trafficker Arrested After Five Years on the Run
Troops Raid Hideout, Arrest Suspected IPOB/ESN Commander and Four Others in Ebonyi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), alongside four other suspects during a targeted raid in Ebonyi state.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was conducted at about 1:42 a.m. on April 21 by troops of Sector 2 under Operation UDO KA, following credible intelligence on the location of the suspect.
The sources said the raid targeted the hideout of a wanted suspect identified as Mr. Chinedu Igautu, also known by the alias “Calamity,” who is believed to be a commander within the IPOB/ESN structure operating in Delta State.
Further intelligence reportedly linked the suspect to an attack on police personnel at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State in February 2026.
According to the sources, troops stormed the hideout located in Nwofe community, Ebonyi Local Government Area, where the suspect and four others were apprehended without resistance.
Items recovered during the operation include five mobile phones and a motorcycle key.
Military authorities said the suspects are currently in custody for further interrogation and investigation.
They added that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal and separatist-linked networks operating within the South-East and adjoining states.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at ensuring peace, security, and stability in all affected areas.
Troops Raid Hideout, Arrest Suspected IPOB/ESN Commander and Four Others in Ebonyi
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cultists in Imo
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested three suspected cultists following a distress call from a community vigilante group in Imo State.
Security sources Zagazola that the operation was carried out at about 9:00 p.m. on April 20 by troops of 24 Support Engineer Regiment deployed at a location in Onicha.
The sources said the troops responded to reports from members of the Onichibueze community vigilante, who raised alarm over suspected cultists allegedly harassing residents of the area.
“On receipt of the distress call, the troops swiftly mobilised to the community and apprehended three suspected cultists,” a source said.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the police in Isu for further investigation and necessary action.
Military authorities commended the vigilance of community members and reiterated the importance of timely information sharing with security agencies.
They assured residents of continued collaboration with other security agencies to maintain peace and security across the state.
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