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Transnational Organized Human Trafficking Syndicate Busted in Nigeria, Three Suspects Arrested, 20 Foreign Nationals Rescued
Transnational Organized Human Trafficking Syndicate Busted in Nigeria, Three Suspects Arrested, 20 Foreign Nationals Rescued
By: Michael Mike
In a deliberate effort to combat the activities of suspected trans-border criminal syndicates operating within Nigeria and other West African Countries,
Combined teams from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) have arrested three key individuals believed to be members of a trans-border criminal syndicates operating organized criminal network in Nigeria.
According to a statement by the Press Officer, NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, the well–coordinated operation, which was carried out in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Osun and Nasarawa States, targeting the criminal cells and their kingpins, led to the rescue of 20 victims trafficked from the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and Togo to Nigeria for various forms of labour exploitation.
Following the directive of the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, the agency increased surveillance within border communities across the country in a bid to halt the activities of some suspected criminal syndicates who are believed to have infiltrated Nigeria from certain African countries.
Adekoye said the agency also strengthened collaboration with sister Law Enforcement Agencies and partners to nip the unwholesome activities of the criminal gangs in the bud.
Adekoye said during interviews, the victims said they were deceived by members of the syndicate with promises of high-paying jobs in Nigeria, while they processed documentation for onward journeys to different locations in Europe.
He no ed that they were, however, subjected to sundry labour exploitation upon arrival in Nigeria.
In a related development, NAPTIP, in partnership with the Nigerian Embassy in Senegal, has successfully rescued a middle-aged Nigerian victim of human trafficking from Dakar.
According to Adekoye, the victim, which name was withheld, arrived at the NAPTIP Lagos command, Ikeja, a few hours ago after a close shave with death in the hands of mindless traffickers in one of the remote villages of Senegal.
She was deceived into traveling to Senegal with promises of a job as a hair stylist and make-up artist, only to discover that there was more, as her boss, whom she referred to as ‘Madam Rose’, was into the business of child/sex trafficking.
She was subsequently forced into prostitution. When she refused to comply, her so-called employer confiscated her identification documents and threw her out, leaving her unable to move freely or return home.
“She was left stranded somewhere in Kidira, Senegal. She reported that her trafficker is diabolical and has been tormenting her mentally and emotionally to the point where her sanity is at risk. She is extremely distressed, and we fear for her life”, her relation in a petition to the agency stated.
Adekoye said the agency immediately reached out to the Nigerian Embassy in Dakar and other relevant partners, and she was immediately rescued and brought to Nigeria.
Speaking on the development, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, said the successful operations that led to the rescue of all the victims and arrest of the suspects were a reflection of the growing synergy between the agency. sister Law Enforcement and Intelligence Agencies in Nigeria.
She said, “The operation was strategic and targeted at the transnational organized criminal elements that are now making Nigeria an attractive human trafficking destination.
“This is just the beginning of our planned onslaught on them. These unpatriotic individuals move from one neighboring country to the other, deceiving victims with promises of gainful employment in Nigeria. As soon as they bring the victims to Nigeria, they subject them to various forms of exploitation after collecting all their means of identification and preventing them from having access to any form of communication.
“These operations will be a continuous exercise, and we are also focusing on other parts of the Country to rid the nation of all activities of these criminalsyndicates.
“I want to sincerely thank the Chief of DefenceIntelligence (CDI), Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, for his sustained support to NAPTIP in its activities, the operatives of both agencies, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), for providing the necessary platform for strengthening inter –agency collaboration in Nigeria, and all other stakeholders who assisted us in the operation.
“The case of the rescued victim from Senegal is very pathetic. She is a graduate of one of the famous Universities in Nigeria and a mother of one. She was approached by a recruiter who showed up in her life suddenly like a timely helper. She was promised a hair stylist job in Senegal with an expected monthly salary that would make her rich within a short time.
“Sadly, when she got there, the reverse was the case. She is lucky to be alive to tell the story, even though extremely traumatized.
“We have commenced a manhunt for her trafficker and also reached out to sister law enforcement agencies in Senegal to apprehend the so-called “Madam Rose”. They will be arrested and face the full wrath of the law.
“I wish to place on record the support and cooperation from the Nigerian Embassy in Dakar under the leadership of the Ambassador and the entire Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Embassy assisted greatly in accommodating and feeding her, even with the procurement of the Emergency travel certificate, because her passport had been seized by the trafficker.
“Also, NAPTIP appreciates the support from the personnel of the Nigerian Immigration Service at the border who helped us to receive her on arrival. These are clear demonstrations of inter-agency cooperation”, the Director General stated.
The latest rescue brings the total number of victims rescued and received from neighboring countries by NAPTIP in the past week to 21.
Transnational Organized Human Trafficking Syndicate Busted in Nigeria, Three Suspects Arrested, 20 Foreign Nationals Rescued
UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has said the principles of the United Nations Charter offers guidance to Nigeria and other African countries bedeviled by terrorism and other violent conflicts.
The message was given by the Director-General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of United Nations.
Ochogwu said: “Today, October 24, 2025, marks exactly 80 years since the entry into force of the United Nations Charter. As the world commemorates this historic milestone, we are reminded of the enduring vision of the Charter to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, and promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. This vision remains profoundly relevant to Africa and to Nigeria, where the pursuit of peace, justice, and inclusive development continues to shape our collective aspirations.
“In today’s complex and rapidly changing security environment, the principles of the Charter, namely sovereign equality, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international law offer essential guidance. Across Africa, the persistence of violent conflicts, terrorism, and governance challenges underscores the urgent need to strengthen multilateral cooperation, preventive diplomacy, and mediation capacities. Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and her experience in regional peacekeeping and conflict resolution affirm our commitment to these ideals and to the transformative role of international law in sustaining peace and security.
“The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) stands as a bridge between national policy and global peace initiatives. We reaffirm our partnership with the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, and other stakeholders to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and institution-building. In this decade of action, we must deepen investments in peace infrastructure, youth empowerment, and cross-border cooperation to realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
He added that: “As we look to the future of the United Nations in Africa, the challenge before us is clear: to make peace sustainable, justice accessible, and security inclusive. The continued faith of Member States and communities in the principles of the UN Charter is an enduring source of hope for a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous continent.”
UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts
How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity.
By Fathia Adenike
The heartbeat of Nigeria’s bustling cities and quiet villages lies ìtàn a Yoruba word meaning “story” or “history” a powerful force shaping cultural identity. Across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic landscapes Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa,and beyond. Storytelling isn’t just tradition; it’s a living bridge connecting past, present, and future.It’s an Oral Threads of Heritage,From moonlit Yoruba folktales whispering òrìṣà deeds to Igbo elders recounting ancestral proverbs, Nigeria’s oral traditions transmit values, wisdom, and belongings. These stories embed moral codes, communal bonds, and cosmological maps that ground Nigerians amid rapid change. Ancient myths seep into contemporary Nigerian life. Olókun’s oceanic power meets Lagos’ tech-driven streets; Ọṣun’s fertility echoes in art exploring feminine resilience. Writers like Chinua Achebe Things Fall Apart and Ben Okri The Famished Road weave such mythic threads into explorations of identity, disrupting colonial ruptures.
Today, Nigerian storytelling leaps into digital realms. Podcasts like “The Nairaland Podcast and Twitter threads” retelling folklore showcase ìtàn’s adaptability. Social media becomes a virtual àbù̀ (drumbeat), amplifying voices across Nigeria’s youthful diaspora.
Ìtàn fosters cultural resilience. As Nigeria navigates urbanization, migration, and tech disruption, these stories offer anchors. They articulate collective memory, mediate conflict, and nurture belonging across ethnic lines Igbo, Yoruba.
Hausa in a nation of profound diversity.In Nigeria’s mosaic, ìtàn remains a vital pulse reminding Nigerians, globally, of roots nourishing identity’s complex, beautiful branches. ìtàn remains an irreducible heartbeat reminding Nigerians globally of identity’s deep, branching roots nourishing complex beauty. As Nigeria braids tradition with cutting edge innovation, these stories transmute into luminescent beacons, diachronistic continuity. Resonating poignantly in diaspora conversations spanning oceans.
Echoing vibrantly in Nigeria’s creative expressions celebrating Ultimately, ìtàn transcends mere retrospection; it dynamically sculpts Nigeria’s unfolding narrative vectors. These andaren’t antiquarian tales; they’re heritage-infused blueprints propelling Nigeria’s stories into uncharted tomorrows narratives carrying ancestral essence into modernity’s unspooling scroll. ìtàn brings identity filaments, affirming storytelling as Nigeria’s quintessential cultural DNA.
How Nigeria’s Ancient Storytelling Traditions Shape Modern Identity
ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture
LAGOS, NIGERIA – October 11, 2025 — Nigerian sportswear brand, ShightVault is making bold strides in redefining the culture of movement and style in Africa. The brand recently led a major collaboration with the Èkó Runners Club, hosting a vibrant community event themed “RUNWITHLAGOS” at The Finery, Ikoyi.
The activation brought together over 280 guests, including more than 140 runners who took part in a 5KM morning run through the heart of Lagos. The day unfolded into a full lifestyle experience, from yoga sessions and high-intensity training classes to ice baths, networking, food, drinks, and friendly competitions, blending wellness and urban culture in one energetic celebration.
At the center of it all was ShightVault, showcasing its limited-edition collaborative run-fit, a sleek performance line that sold out quickly at the venue.
Speaking at the event, Riches Efe Arhiakpore, Executive Director of ShightVault, described the collaboration as a reflection of the brand’s growing vision:
ShightVault is more than a sportswear label, it’s a movement. This collaboration with Èkó Runners Club represents how we want to connect fashion, fitness, and community. We’re open to working with more run clubs across the country and internationally as we expand our reach in both the sports and fashion industries.
The event was powered by key sponsors including KNGSMN, Pocari Sweat, ZoneX, Red Bull, and Glacee Table Water, alongside partners who helped deliver one of Lagos’ most engaging fitness activations of the year.
As ShightVault continues to grow beyond Nigeria’s borders, the brand is positioning itself as a global voice for African sportswear innovation, bridging performance, design, and cultural expression in every stride.
ShightVault X Èkó Runners Club: Running Through Lagos, Redefining African Performance Culture
UN@80: IPCR Says Charter Offers Guidance to Solving Terrorism, Violent Conflicts
PRESIDENT TINUBU CHANGES SERVICE CHIEFS
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