Nigeria, Spain Sign MoU on Political Consultations

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Spain have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations, establishing a mechanism for regular dialogue to advance areas of mutual interest and consolidate cooperation between Spain and Nigeria.

Joint Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria issued on Tuesday read that: “Today, in Madrid, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, José Manuel Albares, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, held a working meeting aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations between both countries within the framework of the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025-2028.

“During this meeting, both Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations, establishing a mechanism for regular dialogue to advance areas of mutual interest and consolidate cooperation between Spain and Nigeria.”

It added that: “Nigeria is a strategic partner for Spain in West Africa, a region of special priority within the Spain-Africa Strategy. Likewise, Spain is a strategic partner for Nigeria and a key ally within the European Union, playing an active role in promoting stronger relations between the EU and the African continent. In this context, both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in various fields, including economic development, security, education, energy, and the fight against climate change.

“They also discussed the regional situation, particularly in the Sahel and West Africa, highlighting the importance of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a key player in regional stability and development. Additionally, they exchanged views on other challenges facing the continent.

“On international affairs, the Ministers shared their concerns regarding the situations in Gaza and Ukraine, reaffirming their commitment to peace, stability, and respect for international law.

“Both Ministers agreed that this visit represents a significant step in deepening relations between Spain and Nigeria. They reiterated their commitment to continuing close cooperation for the benefit of their peoples and the strengthening of Africa-Europe relations.”

Nigeria, Spain Sign MoU on Political Consultations

NAPTIP, DSS Smash Cross-Country Human Trafficking Syndicate

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Agency Prohibition of Ttaffickixlng in Persons (NAPTIP) and officials of the Department of State Service (DSS) have smashed a human trafficking syndicate headed by a female truck driver who is alleged to be a staff of one of the nation’s topmost cement company.

A statement on Tuesday by the press officer of NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye read that a suspect, Hassana Jacob, 33 years old, an alternate female truck driver of a popular Cement Company was arrested along with the Cement Truck branded in the name and logo of the Company together with six other suspected members of the gang namely Aisha Suleiman, Murtala Tanimu, Shamsu Tanimu, Adamu Jacob, Abubakar Ahmed, and Ali Muhammed.

Adekoye said they were caught in Abuja by the operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) while trying to sell off their latest victim, a 3-year-old girl that was stolen from Damaturu, Yobe State.

He said investigation revealed that Hassana Jacob commands a professional human trafficking syndicate that specializes in stealing children from age 1 and above, selling them to interested buyers at the rate of N600,000 each.

Adekoye, said investigation revealed that because Hassana because she is a Truck Driver with this popular Cement Company, had several successes stealing children at any of the terminals across the country, evading security checks on the roads, and delivery of stolen children to her gang members at any location without being noticed.

He said it is strongly suspected the syndicate has membership across the country with different assigned roles, with some members of the trafficking ring, hunting and luring victims to the truck terminal where they will be picked up by Hassana, others arrange interested buyers at any of the terminals across the country even before the arrival of the victims thereby making it fast for the gang leader to dispose of the stolen child and collect her money.

Speaking on the development, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, while thanking the Director General of the DSS for his sustained support to the agency which culminated in the arrest of the smashing of the notorious human trafficking syndicate, expressed sadness over the situation describing it as a heinous crime against humanity.

The NAPTIP Director General who was represented by the Director, Research and Programme Development, Mr. Josiah Emerole, said: “I am deeply sad by the latest arrest. It is painful to note that human beings will organize a criminal gang, use a branded vehicle of a Company, move from one part of the Country to another, steal children belonging to other families, and sell them to interested buyers whose motives for the children are not known.

“They create everlasting sorrow and pain for those families and smile to the bank after selling those children. This is unimaginable and it is a condemnable act of wickedness. This is more painful when the arrowhead of this evil syndicate is a woman who knows the pain of motherhood.

“I sincerely appreciate the support of the Director General and Operatives of the DSS for the agency in the fight against human trafficking. I thank other sister law enforcement agencies also and I sue for more robust cooperation as we continue to scale our activities to ensure the protection of our children from human traffickers in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the 22-tired cement truck used to traffic the Child has been impounded by NAPTIP.

NAPTIP, DSS Smash Cross-Country Human Trafficking Syndicate

Boko Haram Attack in Cameroon’s Far North Kills 10, Including Army Lieutenant

By: Zagazola Makama

At least 10 people, including a Cameroonian army lieutenant, have been killed in a Boko Haram attack on Wolgo, a locality in the Far North region of Cameroon, security sources confirmed on Tuesday.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the assailants, suspected to be members of the Boko Haram terrorist group, stormed the area late Monday night, setting fire to military vehicles, looting ammunition, and briefly occupying a security post before withdrawing.

Cameroonian authorities have not yet disclosed the number of casualties among the attackers, but the Cameroonian military has launched counter-offensives in response.

Boko Haram Attack in Cameroon’s Far North Kills 10, Including Army Lieutenant