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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
News
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.
He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.
He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.
Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.
He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”
No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta
News
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.
Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.
He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.
According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.
The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.
He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.
He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.
The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.
Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria
News
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.
Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.
The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.
According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.
They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.
The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies
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