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Osinbajo: Punishment of Offenders not Enough to Stop Trafficking
Osinbajo: Punishment of Offenders not Enough to Stop Trafficking
By: Michael Mike
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said punishment is not enough to curb cases of human trafficking in the country, insisting that all hands must be on deck to end the menace.
Speaking on Thursday night at the premiere of the viewing of ‘Dangerous Hope’–a film sponsored by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), which explores human trafficking in the context of irregular migration and forced displacement, the VP who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ade Ipaye said: “To win the fight against human trafficking, we must understand how to prevent such a crime from thriving.
“While prosecution and punishments can serve as useful deterrents of the crime, prevention is even more important — to stop the outcome before the process begins. In addition to this, the root causes of human trafficking and the systems of domination that underpin them must be disrupted.”

The Vice President added that: “This explains government’s commitment to tackle these problems by initiating several social safety nets, for the poorest and most vulnerable groups, primarily made up of women and children. Female victims that have been trafficked are subjected to violence at a rate three times higher than males, while children, at a rate that is almost two times higher than adult.”
He noted that: “The Buhari administration has continued to demonstrate support and commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks to combat the menace of human trafficking. This administration’s social investment programme, which is the largest in Africa with a budgetary provision of over N500 billion, is further directed at reducing the susceptibility of these vulnerable groups to the antics of human traffickers.
Today, the National Social Register contains 46 million persons in over 11 million poor and vulnerable households from across the Federation.”
He further revealed that: “One other outstanding milestone in the fight against trafficking is the development and approval of three key national policy documents by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) geared towards coordinating counter-trafficking activities in Nigeria: the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking in Nigeria (2022 – 2026); Protocol for Identification, Safe Return and Rehabilitation of Trafficked Persons and National Policy for Protection and Assistance to Trafficked Persons in Nigeria.”


He however said: “But beyond having policy documents, it is important to coordinate the implementation of these policies very closely. NAPTIP, under the able leadership of Prof. Fatima Waziri- Azi, is further amending its 2015 Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition), Enforcement and Administration Act, to enhance its operational efficiency and keep up with emergent trends and the constantly metamorphosing modus operandi by criminals.”
He added that “However, a phenomenon like trafficking is too big of a problem to be faced by governments alone. It is important for everyone at all levels to be involved. Within many communities, there are networks, coalitions, and groups that can share information, create new partnerships, and provide localised resources that can promote a whole of government and whole of society’s response to human trafficking. I cannot overemphasize the importance of awareness and advocacy on these issues, which is why such collaboration as we are witnessing here today is commendable.”
The UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Chansa Kapaya also speaking at the event lamented that forcibly displaced persons, such as IDPs, refugees and asylum seekers, are easy targets for traffickers, who take advantage of their precarious situation to exploit them, adding that: “Being away from their familiar surroundings, these people often lose their community support networks and become socially and culturally isolated.”
Kapaya said: “By October 2022, UNHCR and CARITAS had conducted anti-human trafficking awareness and sensitization activities in 90 schools, 18 community town hall meetings, two markets, two mobile parks, and other public places, reaching over 35,000 people in Cross River and Edo states.
“Moreover, ten cases of suspected trafficking were identified and referred to NAPTIP for investigation and prosecution. We fully support the DG NAPTIP’s 5-point strategic priorities: Prosecution, Protection, Prevention, Partnership and Policy.”
On her part, the DG of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri- Azi, disclosed that in
2022, the agency received across its 29 offices and the FCT 1,867 internal trafficking in persons Reports and 255 external trafficking in persons Reports
She added that: “Number of victims received by NAPTIP in 2022 was 2,539 (455 Male, 2,084 Female). Mostly victims of sexual exploitation, followed by victims of forced labour and thirdly procurement for foreign travel that promotes prostitution. Our Katsina office received the highest number of victims of human trafficking in 2022- 995 (705 Female 290 Male).
She also disclosed that in terms of convictions, “we secured:80 convictions in 2022, the highest in a single year since the inception of NAPTIP. We already have 10 convictions for the year 2023. We have 262 ongoing cases in various courts across the country. Cumulatively we have recorded 585 convictions since the inception of NAPTIP. For the first the agency is appealing a judgment by a High Court in Sokoto and we hope to have the judgment overturned for a stiffer penalty.”
Waziri-Azi added that: “The reality of what is happening to Nigerians and consequently to our country, is disturbing. This must change or all will be lost. Lives, freedom, values. Survivors need our solidary! And we need to make the decision that tells us who we are as a people and as a society because we are all implicated in this problem. For NAPTIP we shall continue to scale our efforts and expand our reach through the agency’s 5 prong approaches of prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership and policy.”
Osinbajo: Punishment of Offenders not Enough to Stop Trafficking
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Troops repel ISWAP attack on Gamboru Ngala
Troops repel ISWAP attack on Gamboru Ngala
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by fighters of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) in Gamboru Ngala, a border town in northern Borno State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the insurgents launched the attack on Saturday evening at about 6:15 p.m., attempting to infiltrate through the Flatari axis of Gamboru.
The sources said the troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to retreat after a brief exchange of gunfire.
“No adverse report was recorded during the encounter. The troops are currently on exploitation to track fleeing elements,” one of the sources said.
The situation in Gamboru Ngala has since returned to normal as residents commended the vigilance and prompt response of the military.
Gamboru Ngala, which shares a border with Cameroon, has been one of the strategic towns targeted by insurgents due to its proximity to transnational routes used for smuggling and movement of fighters.
The latest attack comes amid sustained military operations across the North-East aimed at dismantling remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists still operating in isolated enclaves.
Troops repel ISWAP attack on Gamboru Ngala
News
Gombe commissioner, orderly, driver die in auto crash after attending DDR consultation in Maiduguri
Gombe commissioner, orderly, driver die in auto crash after attending DDR consultation in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
The Gombe State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd.), his orderly, Cpl. Adam Hussaini Gamawa, and his driver, have died in a fatal auto crash along the Malam Sidi–Gombe Road.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday, shortly after the trio departed Maiduguri, Borno State, where they had participated in the North-East Regional Consultation on the development of a national Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) framework.
Col. Bello and his team were said to have left Maiduguri cheerfully after the closing ceremony of the three-day consultation, which brought together delegates from Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States.
According to sources , who was among the panelists at the consultation, Col. Bello actively participated in the session, contributing valuable insights on Gombe State’s role in hosting the Operation Safe Corridor facility.
“Col. Bello introduced himself as the third Commissioner since the ministry’s establishment in 2019. He spoke passionately about consolidating the foundation laid by his predecessors and reaffirmed his state’s commitment to the DDR process,” the sources recounted.
He described the late commissioner as a vibrant participant who engaged meaningfully during discussions and later shared perspectives on the unique security dynamics of different states.
“Our last conversation centered on the importance of integrating Disarmament and Demobilization into any dialogue with armed groups. I emphasized that without those key components, such dialogues amount to mere temporary ceasefires,” sources said.
Sources said the consultation ended successfully on Friday, with delegates departing for their respective states. He added that news of the accident broke later that evening, sending shockwaves through the participants and officials of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“Col. Bello and his orderly lost their lives instantly, while the driver, who was critically injured, passed away on Saturday morning. It was heartbreaking these were people we had just interacted with, full of life and dedication,” sources said.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and the people of Gombe State, describing the tragedy as “a painful reminder of the fleeting nature of life.”
“May their souls rest in peace. Indeed, life is transient, and we are all living on borrowed time as mortals,” he added.
Gombe commissioner, orderly, driver die in auto crash after attending DDR consultation in Maiduguri
News
Book Launch: Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Invest in Education, Announces N50 Miliion Donation
Book Launch: Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Invest in Education, Announces N50 Miliion Donation
By: Our Reporter
Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reiterated his adminisration’s commitment to continue to invest hugely in the education sector and reposition the state for a more prosperous future.
The governor made the commitment at the graduation ceremony and official launch of the Book “Echoes of Memory” authored by the daughter of Borno State Deputy Governor, Aisha Umar Kadafur.
Aisha kadafur, a law graduate from Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, is an advocate of peace and a campaigner on girl-child education.
The 25-page book is a collection of 25 different peoms from diverse themes such as girl-child, morality, technology, mental heath among others.p

Professor Zulum congratulated the celebrant for the accomplishment, describing education as the most effective weapon that can transform an individual and the society.
“Today, we gather not only to rejoice over an academic milestone but to honour a young lady whose passion for learning and writing has produced a meaningful contribution to literature and personal development,” Zulum said.
“Government of Borno State under my leadership together with my deputy and other members of council shall do everything possible to transform the education sector and reposition the state to greater heights. We will, insha Allah, deliver to the good people of Borno State both concrete and quantum values,” he assured.
“Education remains the most powerful weapon through which we can transform individuals and societies. When a young person, especially one from our state, distinguishes themselves through both academic excellence and intellectual creativity, it rekindles our hope for a brighter future. Aisha’s journey is a reflection of what is possible when vision meets commitment.
“The book “Echoes of Memory” is not just a title, it is a voice, a voice of reflection, courage and inspiration. It mirrors the thoughts and experiences of a young mind determined to leave a positive mark on the world. Through her words, Aisha reminds us that stories have the power to heal, to inspire and to shape our collective understanding of life.
“I feel a deep sense of pride seeing one of our own youths achieving such an outstanding feat. It gives me renewed confidence that our investments in education, empowerment and human development are not in vain. It is our young people, like Aisha, who will carry forward the torch of progress, peace and prosperity for our dear Borno State and Nigeria at large.
Governor Babagana Zulum during the Book presentation re-echoed the cordial working relationship between himself and the deputy governor “looking at the relationship between myself and the deputy, I said I must be around, I felt in my absence there will be a missing link, which is the father of the family. indeed I am the father of Aisha,”.ll

“I want to confess to the gathering that my stay with the deputy governor in the last six years needs not to be overemphasized. I cherishe him and I think people from other parts of the country would come and emulate from Borno State how governors should work with their deputies,” Zulum stated.
The governor launched copies of the book for N50 million “On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I am donating the sum of N50 million for this book launch. May the Almighty Allah bless the celebrant for the good work that she has done,” he concluded.
Book Launch: Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Invest in Education, Announces N50 Miliion Donation
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