Connect with us

News

NAPTIP Vows Tougher Measures Against Gender-Based Violence

Published

on

NAPTIP Vows Tougher Measures Against Gender-Based Violence

By: Michael Mike

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajiya Binta Bello has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating all forms of gender-based violence in the country.

She made the commitment on Monday at a press conference on activities lined up by the agency for the commemoration of the 2025 Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Bello, while describing the annual event as a “powerful reminder of the world’s collective duty to safeguard the rights, dignity, and safety of women and girls,” explained that the 16-day campaign—running from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day)—has evolved into a worldwide movement since its launch in 1991 in memory of the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic.

This year’s UN-led theme focuses on combatting digital violence against women and girls, a rapidly growing threat in the digital age. Bello noted that the campaign seeks to expand awareness, advocate for stronger policies, promote equality and respect, and amplify the voices of survivors.

She said while NAPTIP is best known for its anti-trafficking mandate, the agency also addresses a wider spectrum of abuses, noting that through awareness campaigns, survivor rehabilitation, and law enforcement activities, NAPTIP works to prevent violence and bring offenders to justice.

She highlighted ongoing community outreach programmes as well as partnerships with stakeholders to provide legal, psychological, and social support for victims.

Bello said a major part of the agency’s work revolves around the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, which criminalizes domestic violence, sexual assault, emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, harmful widowhood practices, stalking, and other forms of violence.

She noted that NAPTIP has consistently championed the enforcement of the Act across states by building capacity among police officers, judicial officers, health workers, and community leaders. Multi-sectoral committees, including the High-Level Multi-Agency Task Team and the Service Providers Accountability Resource Committee (SPARC), continue to support coordinated implementation nationwide.

She however acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly cultural and societal barriers that discourage victims from speaking out.

The Director-General revealed that NAPTIP has secured over 40 convictions related to sexual and gender-based violence, including two life sentences, adding that the agency’s Rapid Response Team continues to respond swiftly to emergency reports.

One of the most recent convictions involved a 19-year-old teacher from Kwali who received a life sentence for raping his nine-year-old pupil.

Bello stressed that ending gender-based violence requires collective action, lamenting that growing insecurity, mass displacement, and economic hardship have contributed to increased cases of sexual and gender-based violence across Nigeria.

She however called on religious and traditional leaders, parents, guardians, civil society, and the media to intensify efforts in educating communities, reporting offenders, and supporting survivors.

Bello promised that NAPTIP will strengthen its strategies in the coming months by scaling up awareness to underserved communities, enhancing digital advocacy targeting Gen-Z populations, and deepening stakeholder engagement.

She said: “It will not be rosy for any perpetrator in the coming season,” warning that: “The VAPP Act is not a promise—it is a law, and it must be enforced without fear or favor.”

She expressed appreciation to development partners, especially the ICMPD, whose “TIPVAP Nigeria” project has significantly improved responses across eight implementing states.

Bello urged Nigerians to actively participate in ending violence: “Through sustained advocacy, enforcement of laws, societal transformation, and personal responsibility, we can build a Nigeria where every woman and girl lives free from fear.”

She revealed that part of activities lined up for the 2025 Sixteen Days of Activism include Awareness Walk, High-Level Policy Dialogue, and Mental Health Training.

She appealed for stronger prevention strategies, saying: “The 16 Days is an opportunity to turn laws into justice and rhetoric into genuine care.

NAPTIP Vows Tougher Measures Against Gender-Based Violence

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Chad Accuses Sudanese Forces of Crossing Border, Bombing Convoy Deep Inside Chadian Territory

Published

on

Chad Accuses Sudanese Forces of Crossing Border, Bombing Convoy Deep Inside Chadian Territory

By Zagazola Makama

The Chadian General Staff has accused the warring parties in Sudan of violating Chad’s territorial integrity after aircraft and drones allegedly pursued and bombarded a convoy more than 100 kilometres inside Chadian territory.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, near Chad’s common border with Sudan, particularly around the Mourdi Department in the Ennedi-Est Province.

In a communiqué issued to the national and international public, the Chadian General Staff said aerial and ground assessments conducted throughout Friday, August 21, confirmed that the fighting in Sudan had once again spilled into Chadian territory.

According to the military authorities, aircraft and drones identified as belonging to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and/or forces supporting them were involved in the pursuit of a convoy.

The Chadian military said the operation initially took place on Sudanese territory but subsequently extended deep into Chad, with the convoy reportedly pursued and bombarded more than 100 kilometres inside Chadian territory.

The military authorities did not provide details on the identity of the convoy, the nature of its cargo, or the circumstances that led to the pursuit across the border.

However, the Chadian General Staff described the incident as a fresh violation of the country’s territorial integrity and warned all parties involved in the Sudan conflict against attempting to extend the war into Chad.

“Although no Chadian casualties have been recorded to date,” the military said, it strongly condemned what it described as the latest violation of Chad’s territorial integrity.

The General Staff issued a stern warning to the Sudanese belligerents, saying continued attempts to expand the Sudanese conflict into Chadian territory could have serious consequences.

It described such actions as a “suicidal risk” for those seeking to bring the Sudanese war onto Chadian soil.

The latest incident comes amid the continuing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has increasingly generated security concerns for neighbouring countries.

Chad shares a long and porous border with Sudan, particularly along its eastern frontier, where the security situation has remained fragile due to the movement of armed groups, refugees, weapons and combatants fleeing the Sudanese conflict.

The Chadian military said its defence and security forces remain on the highest level of alert to prevent further violations and protect the country’s population.

It further assured citizens that the security forces are prepared to respond forcefully to any threat capable of undermining the peace and security of the Chadian people.

The statement did not indicate whether Chad had identified the specific aircraft or drones involved through direct visual confirmation, radar data or other intelligence means, but said assessments conducted through aerial and physical means established that the operation had crossed into Chadian territory.

The development raises concerns over the potential regionalisation of the Sudan conflict, particularly as fighting and military operations continue to take place close to Sudan’s borders with Chad and other neighbouring countries.

For Chad, the alleged incursion represents a particularly sensitive security issue given the country’s proximity to the conflict and the potential for cross-border military operations to trigger a broader confrontation.

The Chadian authorities have therefore placed their forces on heightened alert while warning the Sudanese belligerents that further violations of its territory could provoke an energetic response.

The Chadian General Staff stressed that its priority remains the protection of the country’s territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens amid the continuing instability along its eastern border.

Chad Accuses Sudanese Forces of Crossing Border, Bombing Convoy Deep Inside Chadian Territory

Continue Reading

News

Troops Arrest 24-Year-Old Hunter With Dane Gun After Gunshots Report in Plateau

Published

on

Troops Arrest 24-Year-Old Hunter With Dane Gun After Gunshots Report in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have arrested a 24-year-old man and recovered a Dane gun following a report of gunshots in the DTV general area of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred at about 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when troops deployed at DTV responded to reports of gunshots in the area.

According to military sources, the troops arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect, identified as Emmanuel Daniel, 24, who was found in possession of one Dane gun.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect claimed to have fired the shots while hunting in the area.

The suspect and the recovered weapon are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

The arrest followed the prompt response of troops to reports of gunfire as security forces continue efforts to maintain peace and security across communities in Plateau State.

Troops Arrest 24-Year-Old Hunter With Dane Gun After Gunshots Report in Plateau

Continue Reading

News

GOC 3 Division Urges Irigwe Stakeholders to Embrace Dialogue, Peaceful Coexistence

Published

on

GOC 3 Division Urges Irigwe Stakeholders to Embrace Dialogue, Peaceful Coexistence

By Zagazola Makama

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General W.M. Dangana, has urged the Irigwe community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence in resolving differences and restoring lasting peace.

Dangana made the call on Friday, August 22, 2026, during a stakeholders’ engagement held at Miango community in Bassa LGA.

The engagement was attended by the Chief of Staff and Commander, Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, the entire Irigwe leadership and other stakeholders.

During the meeting, participants discussed critical security issues affecting the community and measures required to address the challenges and prevent further escalation of tensions.

The GOC emphasized the importance of dialogue as a means of resolving differences, urging the stakeholders to pursue peaceful solutions to issues affecting the community.

He also called on the Irigwe leadership and residents to promote peaceful coexistence, stressing the need for collective efforts towards restoring lasting peace in the community and Plateau State at large.

The engagement further illustrates the importance of cooperation between the security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities in addressing security challenges and strengthening peace-building efforts.

The meeting was hitch-free.

GOC 3 Division Urges Irigwe Stakeholders to Embrace Dialogue, Peaceful Coexistence

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights