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NAPTIP Since Inception Has Rescued 23,900 Victims of Human Trafficking, Gotten 692 Convictions- Binta Bello
NAPTIP Since Inception Has Rescued 23,900 Victims of Human Trafficking, Gotten 692 Convictions- Binta Bello
By: Michael Mike
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has been able to rescue 23,900 victims of human trafficking and gotten 692 convictions since its inception, its Director General, Hajiya Binta Bello has said.
Speaking on Wednesday at the High-Level Policy Dialogue 2024 on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence as part of the activities marking the 2024, 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence themed: “Unite to end violence against women and girls,” the DG said NAPTIP has achieved significant milestones in the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria.
She noted that such milestones include the rescue of victims from human trafficking, stating that: “So far, NAPTIP has rescued 23,900 victims of human trafficking, which includes 90% women.”
She added that shelters and safe spaces have been created, stressing that the agency has established 92 offices and 40 shelters across Nigeria and the federal capital territory to provide safe homes for victims.
Bello said NAPTIP has secured 692 convictions for traffickers and 37 for perpetrators of GBV, noting that the agency
conducts regular training programmes for law enforcement agencies, stakeholders, and the public to raise awareness and improve response to GBV.
She equally stated that the agency continuously engage in public awareness campaign, which is aimed at informing, educating and mobilizing communities against the menace of GBV and human trafficking.
Bello said the agency also collaborates with international organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to amplify its efforts and reach a wider audience, adding that: “NAPTIP has also developed and implemented national action plans to combat human trafficking and GBV, ensuring a coordinated and effective response. The agency advocates for stronger policies and legal framework to protect victims and persuade offenders.
She noted that: “These achievements highlight NAPTIP’s unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society, especially for women and girls in Nigeria and beyond. These efforts have not only provided immediate support to victims, but also contributed to long-term systemic changes to prevent this problem. These examples provide us an invaluable platform to assess our strategies, foster collaboration, and ensure that policies are effectively implemented and monitored.
“It is an opportunity to amplify the voices of survivors, engage policymakers, and inspire every stakeholder to act decisively. We cannot do it alone. We need every hand on deck to move our shared vision into reality.”
The DG appealed that: “As we deliberate today, I would like to profess to you our close collaboration in several key areas to enhance our efforts. Capacity building, providing NAPTIP operators with training on best practices for fighting GBV, to ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, Expansion of our shelters, expanding NAPTIP shelters across Nigeria to provide safe havens for war victims. These shelters, if expanded, shall include both closed and open shelters as well, to absorb best practices.
“Empowerment programme. Initiatives to empower victims of this menace through vocational training and economic opportunities and psychosocial support. Let us focus on actionable steps to break the cycle of violence.
“Let us ensure that survivors receive the justice and support they deserve. Let us, as a united front, challenge the social norms and structure that perpetuate violence.”
She insisted that: “Together we can make significant progress in the fight against gender-based violence and build a safer, more equitable society for women and girls.”
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin said: “This event is apt and well-tailored to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This year’s theme, “Towards Beijing 30+: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” is a timely and urgent call to action, one that resonates deeply with all of us as we collectively strive for a world free from violence, where women and girls can live with dignity, equality, and respect.”
She noted that: “Undoubtedly, violence against women and girls remains a pervasive global challenge, but we must remain steadfast in our commitment to addressing and eradicating this violation of human rights. As we reflect on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which is being said to be the most comprehensive and transformative global agenda for the empowerment of women and girls, it is evident that much progress has been made.”
She added that: “However, as we mark this significant milestone, we are also reminded that there is still much work to be done. As such, I am pleased to be in this space with like minds who are focused on women empowerment and resolute to combat GBV.”
She stated that: “The collaboration of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) programme is vital in amplifying the message that we must unite to end violence against women and girls. Through joint efforts, we can build stronger systems of support, develop precautionary strategies, and foster a society that values and protects the rights of all individuals, especially women and girls.”
In his part, the Deputy Country Representative of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Danilo Campisi
said a vote to end violence against women and girls is a clarion call for all. “We cannot afford to stand still. We need action, not words, resources, not empty promises. Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. For many women home, a place that should be a sanctuary, becomes a site of unimaginable harm. In 2023 over 60% of women and girls who were killed were killed by intimate partners or family members. These staggering statistics provided by unlc and UN Women remind us why we must unite to address the epidemic of violence against women and girls.”
He said: “UNODC has been at the forefront of combating gender-based violence and advancing justice for victims. Through tools such as the Feminicide Brief and other resources for criminal justice practitioners, we work to analyze these heinous crimes and identify critical gaps in prevention, response, and accountability. Here in Nigeria, the Third Corruption Survey, which was presented in July 2004, provides valuable insight into how corruption perpetuates gender inequalities and exposes women to hate and vulnerability.”
He added that: “Women’s limited access to public roles and decision-making positions not only undermines equality but also fuels structural violence. This, in turn, reminds us that gender-based violence and corruption are deeply interconnected challenges that require coordinated responses.”
Since 2015, when NAPTIP was given the mandate to enforce the BAP Act in FCT, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind in the fight to unite free from violence. As a nation, we have made commendable strides in policy formulation, legislation, and activism. But we must acknowledge that much remains to be done to eradicate this menace.
NAPTIP Since Inception Has Rescued 23,900 Victims of Human Trafficking, Gotten 692 Convictions- Binta Bello
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ECOWAS, Energy China Explore Partnership to Strengthen West Africa’s Power Infrastructure
ECOWAS, Energy China Explore Partnership to Strengthen West Africa’s Power Infrastructure
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has begun discussions with Energy China International (CEEC) to deepen cooperation on the development of regional energy infrastructure aimed at expanding electricity access and strengthening power systems across West Africa.
The engagement took place during a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, where officials from the ECOWAS Energy and Mines Directorate met with CEEC representatives to advance dialogue on priority regional energy projects.
The session also included participants from the West African Power Pool (WAPP), the regional body responsible for coordinating electricity generation and transmission among West African countries.
During the meeting, participants reviewed project portfolios, technical capabilities and potential financing channels designed to accelerate growth in the region’s power sector and support broader infrastructure development.
Discussions focused on exploring partnership opportunities and funding options for ECOWAS priority initiatives covering power generation, electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Acting Director of Energy and Mines at ECOWAS, William Baidoe, provided an overview of the Directorate’s mandate and ongoing programmes aimed at improving energy access across the region. These include projects to expand electricity distribution networks as well as initiatives to develop energy storage systems that can enhance the stability and reliability of power supply.
Also speaking at the meeting, Director of Planning, Investment Programming and Environmental Safeguards at WAPP, Kodjo Afidegnon, outlined the status of several priority projects under the ECOWAS Master Plan for the Development of Power Generation and Transmission Infrastructure (2019–2033).
Among the flagship initiatives highlighted were the CLSG interconnection project linking Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea; the North Core project connecting Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso and Benin; the OMVG interconnection linking Senegal, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau; and the Medium Backbone project connecting Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Afidegnon noted that the projects present significant financing and investment opportunities for development partners and international energy companies.
On behalf of CEEC, General Manager Huang Aijun highlighted the company’s expertise in conventional and renewable energy, grid expansion, power planning and electricity transmission infrastructure. He reaffirmed the company’s interest in supporting ECOWAS priority projects through technical support and access to diverse funding sources.
Both parties agreed to maintain close engagement on the identified projects in order to assess their development status and explore concrete areas of collaboration.
ECOWAS said the discussions reflect its continued efforts to build strategic partnerships and mobilise investments to improve electricity access, strengthen grid reliability and promote sustainable infrastructure development across West Africa.
ECOWAS, Energy China Explore Partnership to Strengthen West Africa’s Power Infrastructure
Sallah: FRSC deploys 620 personnel in Gombe
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Gombe Sector Command, has deployed no fewer than 620 personnel and operational logistics for the 2026 Eid-el-Fitri Special Patrol Operations.
Mr Samson Kaura, the Sector Commander of FRSC in the state disclosed this in Gombe while speaking in an interview with journalists.
Kaura said that the operation had commenced on Tuesday to end on March 22.
“The Federal Road Safety Corps, Gombe Command has deployed 620 personnel comprising regular and special marshals and operational logistics for the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr Special Patrol Operations.
“This is being done bearing in mind the kind of heavy traffic that comes with such festive period, so we are acting promptly to ensure safe and smooth travels during the Sallah celebrations,” he said.
In addition, he said 10 patrol vehicles, four ambulances and a tow truck were also deployed to serve the motoring public.
“We will enforce adherence to traffic regulations towards ensuring safety during the Sallah celebration.
“We advise drivers against engaging in dangerous driving, over speeding, route violations, overloading, use of phones while driving.
“We urge everyone to observe all traffic rules and regulations towards ensuring easy flow of traffic as personnel would be stationed on major routes.
“We must be mindful of the fact that it is only the living that can celebrate, so let’s drive safety and prioritise safety over speed or profits.
“Underage driving will not be permitted and use of drugs while driving too; we have commenced special patrol for enforcement and control of traffic,” he said.
Kaura further reiterated the command’s warnings against underage driving, particularly during the Sallah celebration in the state.
He said the call was imperative as child driving remained one of the causes of crash, alongside over speeding, overloading, dangerous driving and use of drugs and phone while driving.
He said that it had been observed that persons below 18 years drive cars, motorcycles and tricycles which he said was not permitted, stating that the FRSC would enforce compliance in that regard.
The sector commander assured the motoring populace of the command’s commitment to ensure safety while seeking their cooperation.
“I wish the Muslim faithful Happy celebration while assuring them of our readiness to serve them professionally,” he said.
Sallah: FRSC deploys 620 personnel in Gombe
63 terrorists’ bodies recovered after failed attack on Malam Fatori
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), supported by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), have recovered no fewer than 63 bodies of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists following a failed infiltration attack on Malam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno.
Military sources said the insurgents launched the attack in the early hours of Wednesday, advancing on foot and deploying armed drones in an attempt to overrun the 68 Battalion position.
The sources disclosed that the attack, which originated from the Duguri axis through the frontage of Bravo Company, was met with overwhelming resistance from troops, backed by precision air strikes.
According to the sources, the coordinated response led to a decisive defeat of the terrorists, who suffered heavy casualties during the engagement.
“Following the engagement and subsequent clearance operations, a total of 63 terrorist bodies were recovered within and around the general area of Malam Fatori, indicating the scale of losses inflicted on the insurgents,” a military source said.
He added that the Air Component conducted multiple interdiction missions, delivering accurate strikes on identified enemy concentrations, which significantly degraded their fighting capability.
“The synergy between air and ground forces ensured that the terrorists were fixed and neutralised in large numbers, forcing the remnants to withdraw in disarray towards the Arege axis,” he said.
The sources further revealed that allied Nigerien forces also carried out supportive strike missions, increasing pressure on the fleeing insurgents, although full battle damage assessment from those operations was still ongoing.
On own casualties, the sources confirmed that four soldiers sustained minor injuries during the encounter and have since been treated and stabilised.
They noted that the general security situation in the area remained calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high alert and dominance of the general area to forestall further attacks.
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