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NAPTIP Says Police Needs Broad Understanding of Issues Around SGBV for Successful Prosecution
NAPTIP Says Police Needs Broad Understanding of Issues Around SGBV for Successful Prosecution
By: Michael Mike
The Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi has said for successful prosecution of sexual and gender violence in the country, the police needs a broad understanding of issues surrounding it.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at a 3-day training for 30 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Gender Desk Officers and Police Prosecutors on Handling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Cases, a programme funded by the Ford Foundation, in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force, NAPTIP and Justice Research Institute (JRI), Waziri-Azi said “Police officers especially gender desk officers need continuous training to understand relevant laws, protocols, and investigative techniques to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and handle the legal aspects of SGBV cases effectively.”
She added that: “Investing in comprehensive training for police officers on handling SGBV cases is essential for promoting accountability, preventing further victimization, and advancing justice for victims.
“As the implementing agency for the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015 in the FCT, NAPTIP has been collaborating and would continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Police to ensure that incidences of domestic and sexual violence are reduced in the FCT”.
She explained that the training is aimed at enhancing the strategic efforts of the police gender desk officers and prosecutors in the prevention of, response to and prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence cases in the FCT.
She recalled that in May 2022, NAPTIP and JRI conducted an intensive 10-day residential training of 40 gender desk officers from the 36 states and the FCT., noting that the training focused on steps in responding to SGBV cases, investigation, communication techniques for successful handling of SGBV cases, and data collection and management.
On his part, the Executive Director, JRI, Mr Ikem Isiekwena, said: “The project to strengthen the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force and Federal Capital Territory Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Team to effectively respond to violence against women and girls in Nigeria, commenced in 2021 with support from Ford Foundation. This training is one of the outcomes of the project targeted at strengthening the capacity of police to effectively respond to violence against women and girls.”
He added that: “The training would help police officers adopt a victim-centered approach, focusing on the needs and well-being of victims. This approach prioritizes the safety, dignity, and rights of survivors throughout the investigation and legal process.”
Resources developed by the project were formally presented and they include: Training Manual on Preventing, Responding and Prosecuting SGBV Cases; Standard Operating Procedure on Preventing, Responding to, and Prosecuting SGBV Cases and a demonstration and handing over of the E-Training Portal for SGBV Courses to enhance the knowledge of police officers on how to prevent, respond, and prosecute gender-based violence.
NAPTIP Says Police Needs Broad Understanding of Issues Around SGBV for Successful Prosecution
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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