Crime
NAPTIP, ICMPD Sensitise Students on Trafficking, Safe Migration in Abuja
NAPTIP, ICMPD Sensitise Students on Trafficking, Safe Migration in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
About 100 secondary school students in Abuja have been sensitised on the dangers of human trafficking, violence and irregular migration during the Safe Futures Awareness Day organised to commemorate the 2026 celebration of International Women’s Day.
The one-day school outreach programme was organised by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons as part of efforts to educate young Nigerians on personal safety and safe migration practices.
The event, which brought together students, government officials and development partners, was designed to be interactive, accessible and informative, creating a safe space where young people could learn about trafficking risks, ask questions and gain knowledge to protect themselves and their peers.
Organisers said the outreach programme aimed to raise awareness among students about the dangers of human trafficking and how to recognise early warning signs. It also provided clear information on safe and legal migration pathways as opposed to irregular and risky routes that often expose individuals to exploitation.
Participants were further equipped with practical personal safety tips and encouraged to openly discuss issues related to trafficking, migration and online safety. The initiative also sought to build stronger awareness among students about the mandates of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Nigeria Immigration Service in protecting young Nigerians from exploitation and ensuring safe cross-border movement.
Speaking at the programme, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, warned students to be cautious of offers promising quick wealth, overseas jobs or travel opportunities without proper documentation or verification.
According to her, traffickers often exploit the hopes and aspirations of young people by presenting deceptive opportunities that eventually lead to exploitation and loss of freedom.
“Traffickers prey on hope, desperation and lack of information. They promise fast money, travel or glamour, but what they deliver is pain, loss of freedom and danger,” she said.
Bello stressed that irregular migration may appear attractive but often exposes individuals to abuse, trafficking and broken promises.
She advised students to verify any opportunity that involves travelling abroad and to ensure such offers come with the necessary skills, valid contracts, verified employers and legal migration channels.
“If someone offers you a great job abroad, that may sound fantastic, but it must be safe. Offers that come without relevant skills, clear contracts, verified employers or legal migration channels can be traps rather than opportunities,” she cautioned.
The NAPTIP boss also reminded the students that traffickers often manipulate trust and that awareness and fact-checking remain critical in protecting themselves.
“Some of you may think it cannot happen to you because you are careful, but traffickers are clever and know how to manipulate trust. Being informed and checking facts protects you,” she added.
Bello encouraged the students to remain focused on education and skills development, assuring them that their future should never be compromised by unsafe opportunities.
“You are not commodities to be traded. Your safety, your dreams and your future are priceless. Keep learning, keep building your skills and pursue opportunities through safe and legal channels,” she said.
She also assured participants that NAPTIP, together with partners including the International Centre for Migration Policy Development and the Government of the Netherlands, would continue to strengthen efforts to protect Nigerians from trafficking and hold perpetrators accountable.
The Safe Futures Awareness Day is supported by the Ministry of Asylum and Migration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the Building and Environment Free of Human Trafficking and Violence Against Persons in Nigeria (TIPVAP NG) project.
Through discussions, presentations and interactive sessions, students were encouraged to recognise trafficking risks, understand safe migration processes and learn practical ways to protect themselves both online and offline.
Organisers expressed optimism that the knowledge shared during the programme would empower young Nigerians to make informed decisions and pursue their aspirations without falling victim to trafficking networks.
NAPTIP, ICMPD Sensitise Students on Trafficking, Safe Migration in Abuja
Crime
Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache
Breaking…..
Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache
By: Michael Mike
A Federal High Court in Katsina State has sentenced a female arms courier to death by hanging after the Department of State Services (DSS) successfully prosecuted her for conspiracy to commit, aid and abet terrorism. This is the second death sentence secured by the DSS in the month of June.
The convict, Hauwa’u Mukhtar, was arrested by the DSS on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park, Katsina State, while attempting to transport 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to one Ado, a notorious bandit kingpin operating in Dunburum Forest, Zamfara State.
On 3rd June, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four men arrested by the DSS to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022, terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed over 40 lives.
Security sources revealed that, in Katsina, the DSS filed a two-count charge against Hauwa’u Mukhtar
before High Court No. 3, Katsina, presided over by Justice A. B. Bawale.
After evaluating the totality of evidence, witness testimonies, tendered exhibits, and final addresses of both prosecution and defence counsel, the court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding Mukhtar guilty on both counts.
The judge subsequently sentenced the convict to death by hanging in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
“The successful prosecution is a significant milestone for the DSS, demonstrating its capacity to not only intercept criminal actors but to follow through with decisive legal action that results in landmark convictions.’, stated the source.
It could be recalled that, about a month ago, a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted and sentenced one Halima Haliru Umar to 20 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition and attempting to provide support for acts of terrorism marking the second conviction of a female arms courier secured by the DSS this year.
Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache
Troops Repel Terrorists in Yobe, Recover Communication Equipment and Bicycles
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops and local vigilante members have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in Kanama, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, following intelligence reports on insurgent movements in the area.
Security sources said the operation was conducted in the early hours of June 15 after troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kanama, supported by vigilante personnel, acted on credible intelligence indicating the presence of suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists within the community.
The joint patrol team reportedly made contact with the insurgents at about 3:15 a.m., leading to an exchange of gunfire.
According to the sources, the terrorists were forced to retreat towards the Sambisa axis after coming under pressure from the security forces.
Items recovered from the scene included nine bicycles, one Baofeng radio set, a mobile phone, three pairs of slippers and three locally made water bottles believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
One member of the vigilante group sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter and was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
The recovered items have been taken into custody for further exploitation and investigation.
Military authorities said troops remain on heightened alert and are continuing operations aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement across the North-East region.
Troops Repel Terrorists in Yobe, Recover Communication Equipment and Bicycles
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace Arrest Two Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected drug peddlers during a stop-and-search operation at Sabon Gari checkpoint in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Mr. Jerry Joshua, 45, and Mr. Williams Nwaso, 54, were intercepted at about 6:00 a.m. on June 15 at the checkpoint.
The troops, who were conducting routine security checks, reportedly discovered a large quantity of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa in their possession.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to curb drug trafficking and other criminal activities within Plateau State.
Investigations are ongoing.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace Arrest Two Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
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