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UK Government Hosts Stakeholder Meeting on Serious and Organised Crime
UK Government Hosts Stakeholder Meeting on Serious and Organised Crime
By: Michael Mike
The United Kingdom Government has hosted a multi-stakeholder meeting in Abuja to discuss how its Serious & Organised Crime (SOC) Prevent Programme is making significant strides in deterring vulnerable young people from joining Organised Crime Groups in Nigeria.
Launched as a three-year pilot in December 2021, the programme is designed to disrupt Nigerian Organised Crime Groups by redirecting at-risk youth towards positive alternatives in Bayelsa, Edo, Zamfara and Lagos states.
In select local governments of these states, the SOC Prevent Programme has established robust structures and delivered various interventions, including Back-to-School Initiatives, Digital Skills Acquisition, Dance and Drama Workshops and Sports Interventions.
Collaborating closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the programme has trained 83 officers in the Prevent methodology, reinforcing the commitment to institutionalise this approach in tackling SOC, and to date, approximately 1,500 beneficiaries across the four states have been diverted from potential involvement in organised crime.
Speaking at the meeting, the Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever said: “Serious & Organised Crime is a priority for both Nigeria and the UK, and can take many forms. Ranging from online focussed activities like cybercrime to the physical movement of illicit commodities and people in the form of trafficking.
“Our results in Nigeria have proven that the Prevent methodology works, and it has been successful in diverting young people from choosing a life of crime. I believe that the valuable discussions that took place today will smoothen the way for Prevent to be fully institutionalised in Nigeria.”
The meeting included representatives from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Police Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), INTERPOL, Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), Ministry of Police Affairs, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and others.
The Prevent programme is an approach to tackling SOC. Others are Pursue, Protect and Prepare. Prevent methodology looks to prevent or deter people from engaging in SOC by raising awareness of the consequences of SOC and developing techniques to deter people from continuing in criminality.
UK Government Hosts Stakeholder Meeting on Serious and Organised Crime
Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation
By Zagazola Makama
Fifty cows have been stolen by suspected cattle rustlers in Gbugbu, Lafiagi, Kogi State, the Police Command has reported.
Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred on December 18 at about 1600 hours when two Fulani herders, Hassan and Husseini, both aged 25, were grazing their cattle on the outskirts of Gbugbu. Unknown gunmen attacked the herders and made away with 50 cows.
The report was filed by Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu, 50, and Malam Tijani Ahmed, 62, Secretary of Miyeti Allah, Lafiagi branch.
Following the report, a joint team comprising Army troops, police operatives, Village Guard Network (VGN) and local hunters were mobilized to the scene to comb the surrounding bush for possible recovery of the stolen livestock.
Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation
Bandit attack in Sobon Birni LGA leaves one dead in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
One person has been killed following an armed bandit attack on Garin Idi Village in Sobon Birni District, Sokoto State, the State Police Command has confirmed.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred on December 18 at about 2140 hours, when a large group of heavily armed bandits launched a sporadic shooting attack on the community.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, promptly responded and engaged the bandits in a gun duel. The attackers were overpowered and fled into the surrounding forest.
During the attack, one Malam Saluhu, aged 60, was shot and killed.
Joint security teams have intensified efforts to track down the bandits, and troops have been alerted to remain vigilant for any movements by the fleeing criminals.
End
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
By Zagazola Makama
Over twenty vehicles have been destroyed following a fire outbreak at Malaysia Market, Zuba, near the main motor spare parts area.
Sources said that the incident occurred on December 17 at about 2300 hours. The market, known for scrap vehicles, was engulfed in flames before police patrol teams promptly mobilized to the scene.
Through the combined efforts of security forces and community members, the fire was successfully contained, preventing further escalation. No injuries or loss of life were reported.
The cause of the fire and the estimated value of the destroyed vehicles are yet to be determined as security sources said Investigations are ongoing.
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation
Bandit attack in Sobon Birni LGA leaves one dead in Sokoto
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
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