National News
NAPTIP, UNODC, IOM, OHCHR, Expertise France, FIIAPP partner with States to combat human trafficking in Nigeria

NAPTIP, UNODC, IOM, OHCHR, Expertise France, FIIAPP partner with States to combat human trafficking in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
As part of activities organized to commemorate the World Day against Human Trafficking, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), International Organisation on Migration (IOM), Expertise France, International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), with the Nigerian government are hosting a “boot camp” for state task forces on human trafficking and the Network of Civil Society Organisations against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL).
The theme for this year’s day against human trafficking is the use and abuse of technology. It focuses on the role of technology as a tool that can both enable and impede human trafficking. The 2020 UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, reported that the use of internet has been integrated into the business model of traffickers. The expanded global usage of technology triggered by the COVID – 19 pandemic has further increased these risks, with traffickers using the internet to identify, recruit and control their victims, advertise services and launder the proceeds of their crimes.
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The peer review bootcamp is organized for the 21 states which have inaugurated task force against human trafficking, namely Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Borno, Cross-river, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Jigawa, Lagos, Kaduna Kano, Katsina, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau and Rivers.
The key objective of the bootcamp is to bring together the members of the state task forces on human trafficking with the leadership of NAPTIP, relevant NGOs active in the fight against trafficking and international development partners to engage in a peer-to-peer exchange of experiences.
In his good will message, the Country Representative of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr Oliver Stolpe underscored the critical role of the State Task Forces.
In his words, “Most of these victims, their families and communities can only be reached through communication channels at the grassroots. Mobilizing the states, local governments and eventually communities is key. You, members of the State Task Forces are the first and most essential link in the chain needed to effectively translate the Federal Government’s policies, and most notably the recently adopted National Action Plan on Human Trafficking 2022-2026 into practical outcomes on the ground.”
Declaring the event open, the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dr Fatima Waziri-Azi, noted that human trafficking is a national crisis, as all states in Nigeria are affected by human trafficking. “According to NAPTIP statistics from 2019-2022, analysis shows that 61% of human trafficking in Nigeria happens internally, that is, within the states and across state lines, 39% across our borders,” she said.
Funded by the governments of the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United States as well as the European Union, the boot camp is organized under various projects being implemented by international development partners in cooperation with NAPTIP.
NAPTIP, UNODC, IOM, OHCHR, Expertise France, FIIAPP partner with States to combat human trafficking in Nigeria
National News
GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting

GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting
By: Michael Mike
The German Development Cooperation (GIZ) has launched a new initiative, “PeaceCORE,” in Taraba State as part of
strategic effort to foster peacebuilding and strengthen conflict-sensitive journalism in some states in the North.
The programme aims to equip media professionals with the tools and knowledge to promote peaceful coexistence in conflict-prone communities.
The PeaceCORE project, formally titled “Strengthening Capacities for Conflict Transformation and Livelihood for Groups in Vulnerable Situations in Nigeria’s Central Zone,” is being implemented in Taraba, Kaduna, and Plateau states, and focuses on enhancing the capacity of government and civil society actors to manage conflict through sustainable dialogue, accurate information dissemination, and inclusive engagement.
As part of the initiative, GIZ hosted an intensive three-day training from October 6 to October 8, 2025, in Jalingo, bringing together 30 journalists from radio, television, print, and digital media platforms.
The training emphasized responsible and ethical reporting in times of conflict, and provided participants with hands-on experience using fact-checking tools while addressing the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation in Nigeria’s volatile media landscape.
Facilitators at the workshop include: Silas Jonathan from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) in Nigeria; Jérôme William Bationo, a conflict media specialist with MiCT in Germany; and Oluwole Oladipo Olurishe, a media development expert with GIZ.
The trio delivered sessions that blended theoretical frameworks with practical tools to enhance journalistic objectivity and sensitivity in reporting conflicts.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Taraba State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Mathew Eliud Jen, commended GIZ for its commitment to sustainable peace through media engagement. He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to drive narratives that promote unity and discourage incitement.
“This training is a timely intervention. As journalists, we have the power to shape public perception. Let’s use our platforms to build peace, not stoke division,” Jen emphasized.
The PeaceCORE project is expected to roll out a series of media-for-peace initiatives across the state in the coming months, reinforcing GIZ’s broader objective of stabilizing conflict-affected regions through inclusive communication strategies and livelihood support.
With increasing political, ethnic, and resource-based tensions in parts of the country, stakeholders believe empowering thev media with conflict transformation tools is a crucial step toward lasting peace and sustainable development in Nigeria.
GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting
National News
AUDI LEADS NSCDC’S MORALE-BOOSTING VISIT TO EBONYI

AUDI LEADS NSCDC’S MORALE-BOOSTING VISIT TO EBONYI
By: Michael Mike
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi in his continued strategic operational tour of the South East was in Ebonyi State, where he emphasized the Corps’ renewed focus on personnel welfare, grassroots security, and collaborative engagement with stakeholders.
Audi, who was warmly received by the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, noted that his visit was to assess operational challenges, boost morale, and strengthen inter-agency cooperation for sustainable peace and development in the state.

During the courtesy visit at the Government House, Abakaliki, the Commandant General commended the Governor for his administration’s commitment to security and rural development, stating that the Corps remains steadfast in complementing the state government’s vision through intelligence-driven and community-oriented operations. He also requested the continued support of the State Government in the area of logistics and operational vehicles to further enhance the Corps’ capacity to respond effectively to security challenges.
“Security is the foundation upon which progress stands. Our officers in Ebonyi are dedicated, resilient, and ready to defend the people with integrity and professionalism. The NSCDC will continue to enhance its presence at the grassroots and protect critical infrastructure vital to the prosperity of the state,” Prof. Audi affirmed.
Nwifuru, in his remarks, lauded the NSCDC for its proactive contributions to peace and security across Ebonyi, describing the Corps as a dependable partner in maintaining law and order. He pledged the continued support of the State Government in providing logistics and operational resources to ensure that the Corps can deliver on its mandate effectively.
“Ebonyi, the Salt of the Nation, thrives on resilience, hard work, and unity. Our people are industrious and peace-loving, and we appreciate the NSCDC for its unwavering service to our communities,” the governor said.
After the courtesy call, the Commandant General proceeded to the NSCDC Ebonyi State Command Headquarters in Abakaliki, where he addressed officers and men of the Corps. He charged them to remain disciplined, committed, and proactive in their duties while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Prof. Audi also reaffirmed his administration’s continuous efforts to improve welfare, training, and logistics to enhance operational efficiency.
The Commandant General was accompanied throughout the visit by the Ebonyi State Commandant, Francis Nnadi, and other senior officers.
The tour reflects the Corps’ ongoing efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, foster synergy with state actors, and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s internal security architecture under Prof. Audi’s leadership.
AUDI LEADS NSCDC’S MORALE-BOOSTING VISIT TO EBONYI
National News
Air Peace flight aborts take-off in Abuja after engine failure

Air Peace flight aborts take-off in Abuja after engine failure
By: Zagazola Makama
Passengers on board an Air Peace flight from Abuja to Asaba escaped a potential disaster on Friday after the aircraft suffered an engine failure while preparing for take-off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft had gained speed and was almost closing in on the runway for take-off when a loud blast was heard, followed by flashes of light. There was, however, no fire outbreak.

The pilot immediately aborted the take-off procedure and taxied the aircraft safely back to the terminal, where all passengers were safely disembarked.

Eyewitnesses said the situation caused panic among passengers, some of whom broke into prayers and songs of thanksgiving after the aircraft came to a halt.
A passenger, told Zagazola Makama that the pilot maintained composure and quickly announced that the flight would no longer proceed due to a technical issue.

“We had gained full speed on the runway when we suddenly heard a loud bang. The plane shook slightly, and there was a flash like lightning. The pilot calmly informed us that there had been an engine failure and that we would return to the terminal,” the passenger said.
Air Peace officials were yet to issue an official statement as at the time of filing this report. However, sources at the airport confirmed that engineers were already inspecting the affected aircraft to determine the cause of the failure.

No injuries or damage were reported, and all passengers were safely evacuated in accordance with aviation safety procedures.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is expected to investigate the incident in line with standard air safety protocols.
Air Peace flight aborts take-off in Abuja after engine failure
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