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NAPTIP on Global Manhunt for Human Traffickers

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NAPTIP on Global Manhunt for Human Traffickers


… Receives 78 Victims of Human Trafficking from Abidjan

By: Michael Mike

Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello has assured of the readiness of the agency to employ all available means and strategies to arrest and prosecute members of the organized human trafficking syndicate responsible for the recruitment and trafficking of Nigerian girls for sundry exploitation anywhere around the world.

She gave the assurance in Lagos while receiving Nigerian victims of human trafficking recruited and trafficked to Côte D’ d’Ivoire and were rescued and evacuated with the support from partners. The victims were brought to Nigeria by the Air Peace Airline.

It would be recalled that the popular social media influencer, Vincent Otse (aka VeryDarkMan), had recently during his visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, expressed concern about the plight of Nigerian girls who are victims of human trafficking and were stranded in Abidjan.

In a swift response to the situation, operatives of NAPTIP few weeks ago arrested two high-profile individuals mentioned by some of the victims, as their traffickers. They were arrested inside their high-wired mansion located within one of the sprawling estates in Lugbe Area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

In addition, the agency commenced discussion with partners in Abidjan, leading to the identification, profiling, and the eventual rescue of the victims.

The plane carrying the victims landed at Terminal 2 of the Lagos International airport at about 10.45pm Saturday, and they were received by the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, and the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema.

Speaking at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport shortly after the arrival of the victims, the Director General of NAPTIP said: “This is a momentous occasion, a day that marks not only the safe return of our beloved daughters, but also a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the fight against human trafficking.

“To the young women and girls who have just returned, we say welcome home. You were taken far from the safety and dignity you deserve, but today, you are back on Nigerian soil, and you are not alone; this country stands with you.

“And to those who have perpetuated this evil, let today be a reminder that Nigeria will never relent in pursuing justice.

“We have also apprehended some of those responsible for this heinous trade, and they will face the full force of the law.

“Let me assure every Nigerian that NAPTIP remains ever committed, ever vigilant, and ever determined to end human trafficking in Nigeria. We will continue to work tirelessly to combat human trafficking, prosecute the traffickers, and protect and rehabilitate the victims. This is our sole duty”, the NAPTIP boss stated.

On plan to assist the Victims, the Director General said, “We have just received them a while ago, our officers shall commence detailed profiling of each and every one of them in addition to a medical check to determine their health status.

“Thereafter, we shall counsel them and allow them to express themselves in the area of skill they want, and they will be adequately trained.

“In addition to this, we shall commence a serious manhunt for their traffickers and ensure that they are brought to justice. There is no hidden place for them anywhere.”

Speaking also, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, said he decided to evacuate the victims free of charge to identify with the victims and help them to overcome their challenges. This is in addition to the medical intervention he already sponsored for all of them.

A total of 78 victims comprising 75 females adults which age ranges from 13 to 30 years, three babies and two male adults, were evacuated. They all looked malnourished, battered and ruffled, giving a clear indication of mindless exploitation.

About four of them, mostly the underage ones, were pregnant.

Speaking with newsmen, one of the victims, Clara (not real name) said she may not be able to recover from the trauma experienced as a result of the exploitation she facec in Abidjan.

She said: “I thank God that I am alive today. I saw hell in Abidjan and I may not be able to forget the suffering and pain I passed through forever. Human life worth nothing in the hands of those madams over there. I thank the Director General of NAPTIP who personally came to the airport to receive us. She spoke and encouraged us. Since that time that she spoke to us inside the aircraft before we came out, my spirirt is happy again. I thank the Owner of Air Peace also. May God continue to bless them all.”, she stated.

NAPTIP on Global Manhunt for Human Traffickers

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Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery

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Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery

By: Michael Mike

In a significant move to bolster public service efficiency, Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has formalized performance contracts with heads of agencies under the Ministry of Interior. This initiative aims to strengthen institutional legacy and ensure measurable improvements in service delivery.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday at the conclusion of the 2025 retreat of the Ministry of Interior, the minister highlighted the event, which also featured the signing of performance contracts by all board members.

He said: “This initiative is about the effect on Nigerians and on Nigeria as a whole.”

Tunji-Ojo during the signing ceremony, said: “Our Ministry signed a performance contract with Mr. President last year, and after executing that for a year, it is time to extend this level of accountability to each agency.”

The performance contracts, which include measurable timelines for delivery, are designed to improve services to Nigerians and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he noted.

The Minister also emphasized that this exercise is not merely symbolic but is intended to have a meaningful impact on Nigeria’s security landscape.

Challenging common stereotypes, Tunji-Ojo commended the ministry’s staff for their commitment and hard work. He said: “Some people often say civil servants are ‘evil servants.’ Personally, I do not share that view. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best people God has created here in the Ministry of Interior.”

The Minister paid tribute to M.T. Umar, who retired after 35 years of service, describing him as central to Nigeria’s passport reforms. “The story of our passport revolution cannot be told without his name,”

He further stated that retirement does not depriving your nation of your knowledge, your character, or your service.

He urged staff to emulate Umar’s loyalty and integrity, stressing that “talent and brilliance are important, but it is loyalty and integrity that sustain a career.”

Addressing the agencies under the ministry the Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, NCoS, FFS, and NIMC the minister commended their achievements but called for greater efforts in immigration reforms, protection of critical assets, correctional transformation, emergency response, and data security.

He said: “Our task is to ensure Nigerians feel our impact in their daily lives through safer communities, efficient services, and systems that inspire trust,” while further reminding the agencies that their collective output contributes directly to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Meanwhile, heads of key agencies pledged to scale up performance following the retreat.

Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, said the exercise offered a chance to review past achievements and correct lapses. “From the contracts we signed last year, we have fared very well. But of course, there are areas for correction, and that is the essence of this retreat,” he said.

Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, described the retreat as timely. “Sometimes when you are busy trying to improve performance, you need to take time to measure yourself. By the first part of next year, we should be able to appraise our progress,” he said.

For his part, Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Olumode, said the exercise was an “eye-opener” for his agency. “By the next retreat, there will be positive impact, and Nigerians will know there is a new fire service in place,” he assured.

Olumode stressed that the performance contracts were a pledge of accountability. “It’s all about signing a bond to let the Nigerian public know it’s not business as usual. We must strengthen mechanisms that make us perform and give real value to our jobs.”

Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery

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Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects

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Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects

By: Zagazola Makama

The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested two suspects in connection with the crime in Kachia Local Government Area of the state.

Sources said the incident followed a report by one Williams Ayuba of Azara village, who disclosed that his wife, Theresa Williams, was abducted while working on their farm at Bishini village on Aug. 27.

Zagazola learnt that the operatives from Katari Division, in collaboration with sister security agencies, launched a search operation in the surrounding forests.

Sources added that on Aug. 29, acting on credible information, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Jere mobilised a rescue team which successfully rescued the victim unhurt.

The sources saod two suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi, of Nasarawa Toto, and Kabiru Abdullahi, of Mallam Tanko village, were arrested.

“The suspects have confessed to the crime and provided useful information to the police. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang,” it added.

The victim, the sources said, was taken to Abaku Hospital for medical attention and has since been reunited with her family.

Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects

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Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau

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Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Four Nigerian soldiers have sustained injuries in a vehicle accident on the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State.

The accident occurred on Thursday while the troops were moving across the mountainous terrain of the area, Zagazola reports.

The Emir of Mambilla, Dr. Shehu Audu Baju, was said to have personally joined in the rescue operation to ensure that the soldiers received prompt assistance.

Following the rescue, the injured personnel were evacuated to the 20 Battalion Barracks in Serti for urgent medical care.

Community members and traditional leaders in the area have expressed sympathy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the soldiers, while also calling for the safety of other security operatives on duty.

Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau

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