News
NAPTIP Warns Youths Against Antics of Human Traffickers
NAPTIP Warns Youths Against Antics of Human Traffickers
By: Michael Mike
The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi has warned youths nationwide to be wary of the antics of human traffickers who come around them in the clothing of helpers.
She insisted that just like devils in sleep clothing looking for who to devour, human traffickers come around youths disguising as helpers to take advantage of their naivety and sometimes helplessness.
The Director General emphasized that these individuals aim to deceive and derail the future dreams and aspirations of unsuspecting youths.
Waziri-Azi delivered this crucial advice on Monday, during her address to the Management and Students of Government Day Secondary School, Dutse-Alhaji, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in commemoration with the 2023 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
Her address coincided with the inauguration of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Violence Against Persons Vanguard at the school, marking the 104th Vanguard inaugurated by the agency across the country with support from the Ford Foundation.
Waziri-Azi outlined that one of the primary objectives of the Vanguard is to provide a platform for students to receive education on issues that relate to human trafficking and violence against persons, adding that the intention is to empower students to, in turn, educate others within their school, homes, and communities.
She said: “Education is not just a tool for preventing trafficking; it is a shield that empowers individuals to recognize the signs and protect themselves and others.”
She further highlighted the ongoing initiative of inaugurating Vanguards in secondary schools, emphasizing the responsibility of students as advocates against the crimes of human trafficking and violence against persons, recognizing the red flags for these crimes and knowing the various reporting channels to report issues of human trafficking and violence against persons.
“This is why since last year we have been inaugurating Vanguards in Secondary Schools, a platform for you to sensitize yourself and sensitize others using the whole-of-school and whole-of-family approach. So far, we have inaugurated 103 Vanguards across the country comprising Federal government Unity Schools, Military Schools, Government Schools, Faith-Based Schools and Abuja School for the Deaf” she added.
The Principal of the School, Mr. Emmanuel Balogun Ayodeji, expressed commendation for NAPTIP’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate of providing adequate information and enlightenment for vulnerable groups in society through platforms like school Vanguards. He acknowledged NAPTIP’s deliberate effort to nurture students towards making informed life choices.
The programme also featured a panel discussion on the topic “Investing in the Girl Child, towards a Sustainable Nation.”
NAPTIP Warns Youths Against Antics of Human Traffickers
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
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions3 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics8 months agoKashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident
