Crime
NIDCOM Gets 17 Trafficked Girls Rescued, 5 Traffickers Arrested in Ghana
NIDCOM Gets 17 Trafficked Girls Rescued, 5 Traffickers Arrested in Ghana
By: Michael Mike
Seventeen young Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana have been rescued and repatriated back to the country while five traffickers were equally arrested.
This latest rescue operation brought to 130 girls repatriated back to Nigeria from Ghana alone since July 2024.
According to a statement signed on Sunday by the Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). Abdur-Rahman Balogun, this was sequel to the combined and coordinated efforts of the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana, and the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.
Speaking on this latest efforts, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO NiDCOM, expressed her gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her support in facilitating the safe return of the young girls back to the country.
She also commended the vital roles played by the BOT Chairman of NIDO Ghana, Chief Callistus Elozieuwa,, and the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit in bringing the traffickers to justice.
She reiterated NiDCOM’s commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which gave priority to combating human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of Nigerian citizens at home and in the Diaspora.
Balogun, in the statement, stated that the rescued young girls, ages 18 to 29 years, come from various states, including Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ebonyi.
He said they were lured to Ghana under false promises of employment but were instead forced into exploitative situations and bound by an oath of secrecy.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed her determination to the rescue of those still trafficked in conjuction with various stakeholders, noting that many more trafficked Nigerians are still awaiting rescue.
Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Mr. Williams Ayaregah praised NiDCOM’s efforts under Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership.
He said: “More than ever, traffickers must realise that Ghana is no longer a safe haven.”
The operation, conducted in Kpone Katamanso, Tema, resulted in one of the largest single- operation arrests, with five traffickers apprehended.
Mr. Akinboye Akinsola, representing NiDCOM, played a critical role in escorting the rescued women back to Nigeria, where they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Chief Callistus Elozieuwa added that two young men were also repatriated, including one who was previously detained in Ghanaian prison.
With NIDO Ghana’s assistance, the young man underwent rehabilitation and has now returned to his home state, Anambra, for family reintegration.
This cross-national effort underscores NiDCOM’s dedication to eradicating human trafficking and highlights the importance of international collaboration to protect Nigerians abroad.
NIDCOM Gets 17 Trafficked Girls Rescued, 5 Traffickers Arrested in Ghana
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have arrested two suspected impostors dressed in military camouflage in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the suspects were apprehended at about 8:30 p.m. on May 1 along Bauchi Street in Kafanchan town by troops of Sector 7 of Operation Safe Haven.
The sources disclosed that the suspects were found wearing military uniforms, raising suspicion among security personnel on patrol.
According to the sources, preliminary investigation revealed that the camouflage uniforms allegedly belonged to a serving soldier who is currently on pass.
They added that the suspects are in custody for further investigation to determine their motives and possible involvement in criminal activities.
The sources further said efforts are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure appropriate action is taken.
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have conducted an offensive operation in a forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, targeting suspected hideouts of IPOB/ESN members.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 6:30 a.m. on May 1 by troops comprising personnel of 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion and 197 Special Forces Battalion, supported by air components, police operatives and forest guards.
The sources disclosed that the operation followed intelligence reports on suspected activities of IPOB/ESN elements around the Ajali Forest.
According to the sources, troops located and searched a cave believed to have been used by the group as a holding facility for kidnapped victims.
They, however, noted that nothing of significant value was recovered during the search.
The sources added that security operations are ongoing in the area to sustain pressure on criminal elements and prevent further activities within the forest.
Troops Raid Another Suspected IPOB/ESN Hideout in Enugu Forest
Army Hands Over Arrested Blogger to Civil Authorities Over Alleged Subversion Activities
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has said that a blogger and social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere, also known as Justice Crack, has been handed over to relevant civil authorities for investigation over alleged subversive activities.
In a statement issued on Friday by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Army said the action followed ongoing investigations into interactions between the blogger and some soldiers.
According to the statement, preliminary findings indicate that the blogger engaged the soldiers on a range of issues, including discussions that allegedly bordered on incitement and attempts to create discontent within the system.
“The matter is being investigated for breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy and an attempt to misinform the public,” the Army said.
It added that concerns were raised after complaints by some soldiers regarding feeding and welfare issues were circulated on social media.
The Army noted that while the affected soldiers are currently in military custody, the blogger has been transferred to appropriate civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
It stressed that any attempt by civilians to influence military personnel towards acts capable of undermining discipline poses serious implications for national security.
The statement reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the rule of law and due process, adding that it would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies in addressing the matter.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty within the ambit of the law,” it said.
Army Hands Over Arrested Blogger to Civil Authorities Over Alleged Subversion Activities
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
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