News
No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall
No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall
By: Michael Mike
No cultural practice, tradition, economic, or social pressure can justify the suffering endured by millions of women and girls. Our role is to challenge these harmful narratives.
Gender inequality and violence against women remain among the greatest challenges to sustainable development, not just in Nigeria but globally. According to UN Women, globally, an estimated 736 million women, almost one in three have been subjected to physical and, or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life, which represents 30 per cent of women aged 15 and older. This figure does not include sexual harassment.
Violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights. It undermines the principles of equality, dignity, and respect. This violence takes many forms—physical, emotional, sexual, and economic; and occurs in every part of the world, including Nigeria. From intimate partner violence to harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, trafficking, exploitation, sexual harassment, and assault, the pervasive nature of gender-based violence reflects deep-rooted societal inequalities.
Reports have also established that women who have experienced violence are more likely to suffer from depression, and anxiety disorders with long-lasting dire consequences. The United Nations further captured the situation of gender-based violence globally: “For at least 51,100 women in 2023, the cycle of gender-based violence ended with one final and brutal act—their murder by partners and family members. That means a woman was killed every 10 minutes.”
In Nigeria, violence and harmful practices against women and girls happen every day, and most of the time they are not reported. The Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey in 2018 found that 9 percent of women aged 15 to 49 had suffered sexual assault at least once in their lifetime and 31% had experienced physical violence. Restrictions and implications from the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the gender-based violence (GBV) in the nation.
One of the global initiatives that consistently puts a spotlight on the issue of gender-based violence is the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence which starts on 25 November, the International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women and ends on 10 December, the Human Rights Day. This period serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness, mobilize action, and demand an end to all forms of violence against women and girls.
During these 16 Days of Activism, let us not only reflect on the stories of pain but also celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of women and girls in Nigeria and the rest of the world. Let us honor their voices and commit to a future free from violence. It is a time to reflect on our progress and acknowledge the work that still lies ahead.
“No Excuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women” is this year’s theme, and according to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, it means standing with activists around the world who are calling for change and supporting survivors of violence. It is a powerful call to action. It asserts our collective responsibility to ensure that no woman, or girl is subjected to violence in their homes, communities, or workplaces. Violence in any form is never justified, acceptable, or excusable.
It is critical that we unite in our efforts to eliminate violence in all its forms. We must collaborate with governments, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector, to address the root causes of violence. We need to confront the harmful attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory norms that perpetuate a culture of violence. It is essential to break the silence and ensure that survivors receive the support and protection they need to rebuild their lives.
There is no excuse for violence against women. No cultural practice, tradition, economic, or social pressure can justify the suffering endured by millions of women and girls. Our role is to challenge these harmful narratives. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every woman and girl can live free from fear of violence and discrimination. We must create safer environments where women and girls can access education, work, health services, and lead fulfilling lives without fear.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I stand with the global community in declaring an urgent truth: There is no excuse for violence against women and girls. This is not a matter for debate; it is a call to immediate action. The United Nations in Nigeria stands firmly against violence in all its forms. We are resolute in our commitment to supporting the Nigerian government and all stakeholders to end gender-based violence.
Our work in Nigeria focuses on strengthening legal frameworks, improving access to justice, and creating awareness to change mindsets and behaviours.
But we cannot do this alone. We need support from everyone: community leaders, religious institutions, educators, and individuals. It is vital to engage men and boys as partners in this fight, encouraging them to speak out against violence, challenge harmful gender norms, and foster respect and equality in their homes and communities.
We must also ensure that survivors of violence have access to the services and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. This includes healthcare, legal aid, and counseling services. It is essential to create spaces where survivors can share their stories without fear of retaliation and where their dignity is preserved.
Together, we can unlock the full potential of every Nigerian and build a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
There is no excuse for violence against women. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can create a world free from violence and discrimination. A world where women can live with diginity and respect.
Mohammed M. Fall, is the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria. He writes from Abuja.
No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall
NDLEA Foils Fake Pregnancy Drug Plot, Nabs Alleged Real Estate Kingpin in Nationwide Crackdown
By: Michael Mike
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have thwarted dramatic attempts by suspected traffickers to smuggle illicit drugs through Nigeria’s borders, intercepting a woman who faked pregnancy to conceal narcotics and an Ivorian national who excreted 82 wraps of cocaine at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The arrests formed part of a sweeping nationwide crackdown that also led to the capture of a Lagos-based real estate chief executive allegedly heading a drug distribution network, a 68-year-old grandmother, and several other suspects across multiple states.
At the Seme land border in Lagos last Monday, NDLEA officers intercepted 35-year-old Kano businesswoman, Rabi Muhammad, as she attempted to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic. Officers became suspicious of her visibly protruding abdomen during departure checks.
A comprehensive search exposed the deception: her “pregnancy” was fabricated using a pink-coloured calabash strapped to her stomach. Concealed inside were 3,200 capsules of tramadol intended for sale across the border.
On the same day, NDLEA operatives at the departure hall of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport stopped 41-year-old Ivorian national, Michael Gohouri, during outward clearance for Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 bound for Milan via Addis Ababa.
Body scan results confirmed ingestion of illicit substances. Under observation, the suspect excreted 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms.
Investigations revealed that Gohouri had arrived in Lagos from Milan on January 17, 2026, travelled between Lagos and Enugu for three weeks, and later moved to Kano where he ingested the cocaine in a hotel room. He was reportedly promised €5,000 upon successful delivery in Milan.
The suspect, who claims dual Nigerian and Ivorian heritage, applied for asylum in Italy in 2013 and holds a resident permit valid until May 25, 2026. He also possesses a Nigerian National Identification Number under the name Anunwa Onyinye Michael.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trans Fortress Global Resources, Mr. Kolapo Oladapo Raji, described by authorities as a suspected drug kingpin.
Raji, 57, was apprehended on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at his Safe Court Apartment residence in Ikate, Lekki, shortly after returning from the United Kingdom. He had reportedly been on the agency’s watchlist since 2025.
A search of his residence uncovered four large bags containing 89.20 kilograms of “Canadian Loud,” a potent cannabis strain. Officers also recovered a 2024 Toyota Hilux at the point of arrest.
According to NDLEA, Raji admitted financing drug consignments for overseas associates and later establishing his own distribution network after receiving hundreds of millions of naira in profits.
In separate operations: Ugwuja Kingsley was arrested in Agbara, Lagos, with 56kg of skunk, while Ekwe Arinze was caught with 76kg at a motor park in Oshodi.
At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State, NDLEA, working with Customs and other security agencies, intercepted 170,900 bottles of codeine-based syrup in a container following intelligence-driven inspection.
Along the Okene/Lokoja highway in Kogi State, officers recovered 7,300 tramadol 225mg pills concealed in two sound systems aboard a commercial bus. Follow-up operations in Zuba, Abuja led to the arrest of two suspects.
In Ondo State’s Iju forest, operatives arrested suspects with a combined 393kg of skunk.
In Bauchi State, 936kg of skunk was seized in Azare town, alongside additional arrests and recoveries totaling 85.8kg.
In Delta State, 37kg of skunk was seized from a female suspect in Ughelli.
In Edo State, NDLEA operatives destroyed 1,266.8475kg of skunk on three farms in Owan West LGA, recovering 23kg of processed cannabis and arresting two suspects, including a 68-year-old grandmother.
Beyond enforcement, the agency intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign across schools and communities nationwide, delivering lectures and awareness programmes in Oyo, Yobe, Imo, Gombe, Cross River, Kano, and Lagos states.
Commending officers from various state commands for the arrests and seizures, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, lauded their balanced strategy combining supply reduction with demand reduction efforts.
“The operational successes recorded across commands demonstrate our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation from the devastating impact of illicit drugs,” he stated.
NDLEA Foils Fake Pregnancy Drug Plot, Nabs Alleged Real Estate Kingpin in Nationwide Crackdown
News
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
By: Zagazola Makama
Less than 24 hours after three Fulani youths were reportedly killed in an attack in Plateau state, another youth has allegedly been killed and one abducted in targeted attack in Riyom LGA by Birom Militia.
Security and local informants told Zagazola Makama that the latest incident occurred on Feb. 21 in Jol community, where suspected Birom militia members attacked herders, killing one Muhammed Sani, while another victim, identified as Faruq Jamilu, was abducted. An unspecified number of cattle were also reportedly killed or injured during the assault.
The development came barely a day after three youths Tahiru Muhammad, Jibrin Salisu and Abdulmumin Isyak were said to have been ambushed and killed on Feb. 19 while returning from Dorowan Babuje in Barkin Ladi area.
Zagazola report that the earlier attack occurred at about 7:00 p.m. near Jong Fulani community. Sources alleged that the victims were intercepted by armed Birom Militia assailants, and security personnel later recovered spent cartridges and a motorcycle and a bottle of alcohol otherwise known as Goskolo at the scene.
Community representatives alleged that the succession of incidents reflected sustained pattern of attacks targeting pastoral settlements and livestock in parts of the state in recent months.
Zagazola report that repeated cases of attacks and killing, cattle poisoning, rustling and arson had heightened tensions and triggered fears of reprisals across the affected areas while the state government and concerned authorities have done little or nothing to fish out the perpetrators.
Less than 24 hours after triple killing, another Fulani youth slain in fresh Plateau attack by Berom Militia
Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
A retired Commissioner of Police, CP David Danjuma Auta (Rtd), JP, KSM, KSS, has died.
He passed away on Feb. 19, 2026, at the Air Force Military Hospital, Jos, after a brief illness.
Born on June 11, 1941, CP Auta enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on Feb. 26, 1962, and served in several capacities, culminating as Commissioner of Police in Ogun State before retiring on Feb. 26, 1997.
He hailed from Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
He is survived by his wife and seven children. The corpse has been deposited at the hospital morgue, and burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Former CP David Danjuma Auta dies at Air Force Military Hospital, Jos
NDLEA Foils Fake Pregnancy Drug Plot, Nabs Alleged Real Estate Kingpin in Nationwide Crackdown
Midala 2027: A Call for Accountability in Hawul and Askira/Uba Constituency
APC conducts congress in 17 local councils in Yobe
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
