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NAPTIP Vows Tougher Measures Against Gender-Based Violence
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
Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is open to a fair, credible, and transparent primary election if there is no general agreement on the consensus mode.
Governor Buni started this while commenting on the crisis rocking the party over the governor candidate for the 2027 general election. He said the party has not foreclosed direct election to produce its candidates for the contestable offices for the 2027 general election.
According to him, the party is still working on dialogue; “we are talking to each other and reaching out to the stakeholders, including the aspirants, to arrive at an amicable solution.”
“As the governor of Yobe state, I will be the happiest person to see that the state and party are peaceful and united, noting that we remain citizens of Yobe state and members of APC.
“My expectation is to see us more united and collectively working for our candidates to win the 2027 general elections,” Governor Buni said.
Governor Buni further said, “As a founding member, former secretary, and national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the unity and progress of the party mean so much to me personally; therefore, I will continue to support and protect the ideals of the party to remain Nigeria’s ruling political party.”
He expressed optimism that the aspirations for public offices in the state are driven by the desire to serve the people for a better and improved life.
Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Kaduna State, Recover Phone and Cash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Kamuru village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the arrest was made at about 0330 hours on May 12 during a coordinated operation in the area.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Husaini Jibrin, 45, was reportedly apprehended at Kamuru village over alleged involvement in a kidnapping incident that occurred in Angwan Ali community on April 26, 2026, within the same local government area.
According to the sources, the suspect is believed to be linked to the planning and execution of the abduction, which had triggered security concerns in surrounding communities at the time.
Items recovered from the suspect include one mobile phone and the sum of ₦10,000 in cash.
The military said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as part of ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks operating in the region.
Authorities added that troops have intensified surveillance and patrol operations across vulnerable communities in southern Kaduna to curb criminal activities and improve public safety.
Operation Enduring Peace continues to conduct joint operations with local security outfits and community-based structures as part of efforts to address insecurity in affected areas.
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Kaduna State, Recover Phone and Cash
Troops Repel Attack in Plateau State, Two Residents Killed — Military Launches Manhunt
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have repelled an armed attack on an isolated settlement in Vwang Kagot community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, in an incident that left two civilians dead.
Security sources said the troops responded swiftly at about 0130 hours on May 12 following reports of an attack by suspected armed assailants on the rural community.
The attackers, reportedly described as suspected armed herdsmen, stormed the settlement and engaged in violent activities before the arrival of security forces.
Upon intervention, troops in collaboration with Keystone Kuru Division forced the assailants to withdraw from the area.
However, the attackers had already killed two residents identified as Ngo Shetu Badung, 78, and Mr. Danjuma Badung, 52, before fleeing the scene.
Following the incident, troops launched clearance operations in the general area and are currently trailing the fleeing suspects.
Military authorities said additional patrols and surveillance measures have been intensified to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.
Operation Enduring Peace noted that it remains committed to stabilising vulnerable communities across Plateau State and ensuring that perpetrators of violent attacks are brought to justice.
Local security stakeholders have also continued engagements with community leaders to strengthen early warning systems and improve response to emerging threats in rural settlements.
Troops Repel Attack in Plateau State, Two Residents Killed — Military Launches Manhunt
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