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NAPTIP DG: War Against Human Trafficking Needs Input of All

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NAPTIP, others secure freedom of 15 Nigerian girls trafficked to Mali

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.”

READ ALSO: https://dailypost.ng/2023/08/03/over-one-million-children-out-of-school-in-north-east-unicef/

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

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Terrorism: Woman bags 20 years jail term on DSS Charges of Unlawful Possession of 302 Rounds of Live Ammunition

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Terrorism: Woman bags 20 years jail term on DSS Charges of Unlawful Possession of 302 Rounds of Live Ammunition

By: Zagazola Makama

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday sentenced a housewife, Halima Haliru Umar, to 20 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 302 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition and supporting acts of terrorism.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa after the defendant pleaded guilty to two out of a four-count charge filed against her by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Yilwa held that the growing menace of banditry and terrorism in the country had become a serious threat to national security and should not be handled with leniency.

The judge noted that although the convict appeared remorseful and pleaded for mercy, offences connected to terrorism and arms trafficking remained grave threats to the safety of citizens.

The court heard that the convict admitted serving as a courier for the transportation of ammunition intended for bandits operating in Plateau State.

During the trial, the first prosecution witness and DSS operative, Fahad Tahir, told the court that the accused was arrested on July 6, 2025, with 302 rounds of AK-47 rifle ammunition and N57,100 cash while allegedly transporting the items to armed bandits in Plateau.

According to Tahir, the defendant made a confessional statement in Hausa language at the DSS Plateau State Command, where she disclosed that one Alhaji Sani had sent her to Zaria in Kaduna State to procure the ammunition from another individual.

The witness further stated that the accused was later transferred to the DSS National Headquarters in Abuja on Aug. 11, 2025, where another interview was conducted in the presence of a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council.

He said the defendant again admitted ownership and transportation of the ammunition and cash exhibits.

The prosecution counsel, Dr. Callistus Samson Ezeh, tendered the 302 rounds of ammunition, the cash sum of N57,100, and the defendant’s statements as exhibits before the court.

The exhibits were admitted without objection from defence counsel, Hamza Dantani.

In open court, the defendant also admitted being in possession of the ammunition and cash at the time of her arrest.

One of the charges stated that the convict knowingly rendered support for acts of terrorism by transporting 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition between Katsina and Plateau States, contrary to Section 13(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Another charge accused her of unlawful possession of ammunition contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, 2004.

The DSS also accused the defendant of concealing information about suspected gunrunners and kidnappers allegedly linked to terrorist activities.

Following her guilty plea and review of the evidence presented, Justice Yilwa convicted and sentenced the defendant to 20 years imprisonment.

Terrorism: Woman bags 20 years jail term on DSS Charges of Unlawful Possession of 302 Rounds of Live Ammunition

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Troops Discover 7,800 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil in Rivers State

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Troops Discover 7,800 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil in Rivers State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 343 Artillery Regiment (Army) deployed at Oando Oil Company in Omoku have uncovered a large cache of illegally refined crude oil concealed within the riverine area of Ebocha Egi LII in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Security sources said the discovery was made at about 9:40 a.m. on May 13 during a routine patrol and surveillance operation in the area.

The troops reportedly recovered about 7,800 litres of suspected illegally refined crude oil, stored in 130 sacks and concealed along the riverine corridor.

According to the sources , the recovered products were handled in line with existing directives under Operation Delta Safe.

Military authorities stated that follow-up operations were ongoing to track down individuals and networks involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the region.

Troops Discover 7,800 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil in Rivers State

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Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa

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Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 16 Brigade Garrison operating under the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have intercepted a vehicle conveying about 400 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Security sources said the interception occurred at about 3:10 p.m. on May 12, 2026, along the Oruma–Kolocreek road during ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the area.

According to the sources, the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the troops approaching the area.

The vehicle and the illegally refined petroleum products were subsequently handled in accordance with operational directives guiding Operation Delta Safe activities.

The military has sustained operations across the Niger Delta to curb crude oil theft, illegal refining and related economic sabotage threatening the nation’s oil infrastructure.

Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa

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