News
UN System Meets to Coordinate Response to Transnational Organized Crime in West Africa
UN System Meets to Coordinate Response to Transnational Organized Crime in West Africa
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has convened a pivotal Field Dialogue in Abuja, bringing together UN agencies and national counterparts to chart a coordinated response to the growing threat of transnational organized crime (TOC) in Nigeria and the West African region.
The meeting was opened by the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Fall, and chaired by UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure.
Representatives from UNICEF, UNESCO, WHO, UNDSS, IOM, UNFPA and NDLEA participated, underscoring the UN system and Nigeria’s commitment to collaborative action.
In his opening remarks, Mr Fall stated: “I stand before you as the Head of the UN family in Nigeria, underscoring our shared awareness that Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) poses a significant threat to the work of every UN agency. It undermines our collective efforts across various sectors and impedes our achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Stressing the importance of the gathering and why Nigeria must lead the fight against TOC, Country Representative of UNODC, Mr Cheikh Toure added: “TOC in Nigeria manifests in diverse and interconnected forms: drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, cybercrime, illicit financial flows and the illegal exploitation of natural resources, to name a few. These crimes are not isolated; they thrive in environments where corruption erodes governance and insecurity restricts access. For instance, banditry and terrorism in the Northwest and Northeast, coupled with kidnapping for ransom, create no-go zones that limit our programmatic reach.”
Also speaking, Director, Assets and Financial Investigation, NDLEA, Dr Ibrahim Abdul equally emphasized that: “Criminals have become technologically adept. Fora like this help us understand their tactics better and stay ahead of them.”
This Field Dialogue forms part of a global UN initiative launched by UNODC Headquarters following discussions in October 2024 within the High-Level Committee on Programmes (HLCP), the UN’s principal platform for system-wide policy coherence and coordination on TOC issues, particularly across the UN system. Recognizing TOC as a major threat to peace, security, and sustainable development, the UN is working to develop a unified conceptual framework and enhance inter-agency coordination.
Field Dialogues are being held in key regions – Southeast Asia, the Andes, and Nigeria – to identify gaps, leverage expertise, and develop integrated strategies. Insights from these dialogues will inform the upcoming HLCP meeting in New York later this year.
Nigeria’s strategic position in West Africa, coupled with vulnerabilities to human trafficking, arms smuggling, illicit financial flows, and counterfeit medicines, places it at the center of this effort. During her recent visit, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed reaffirmed Nigeria’s pivotal role in tackling transnational organized crime at both regional and global levels.
The Dialogue in Abuja marks a critical step in strengthening joint UN efforts to support Nigeria in addressing the complex challenges posed by organized crime.
UN System Meets to Coordinate Response to Transnational Organized Crime in West Africa
Police arrest two suspected informants to bandits in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Two suspected informants to bandits have been arrested by the police in Kwara State.
According to a police sources, the suspects, Abdullah Yakubu, 27, and Jamilu Hamidu, 25, both from Kaima, were arrested on April 26, 2025, in Chikanda via Yashikira.
They were brought to the station by a retired DSP and vigilante members.The suspects, who had escaped from Kainji National Park, confessed to providing information to bandits operating within the park. They reportedly received ₦20,000 for each tip-off given to the criminals.
Police arrest two suspected informants to bandits in Kwara
Army troops rescue Deputy Commander of NDLEA officer, five others from kidnappers in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies rescued six persons, including a senior officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), from suspected kidnappers in Taraba State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue followed a distress call received at about 11:40 p.m. on April 27 from a youth leader, Abe Samuel, who reported that a Toyota Hilux vehicle had come under attack along the Wukari–Kente Road.
Responding swiftly, the troops deployed to the area and found the abandoned vehicle with registration number FG 117-B03 and a punctured tire, but the occupants were missing.
A joint search and rescue operation was immediately launched, and by 6:00 a.m. on April 28, troops successfully rescued the Deputy Commander of NDLEA Zone 1, Ibadan, Musa Hudu, and five other victims from a nearby bush.
The victims were unharmed, and preliminary investigation revealed that they had fled into the bush after three armed men attacked their vehicle and shot at them with a dane gun.
The victims were safely escorted out of the area and allowed to proceed with their journey after their vehicle was repaired.
Rival gangs clash at wedding, one dead in Kontagora, Niger State
By Zagazola Makama
A deadly clash between rival gangs erupted at a wedding ceremony in Bayan-Waya area of Kontagora, Niger State, on April 27, 2025, resulting in the death of one man.
According the a police source, the fight involved members of rival groups known locally as “Sarasuka.” During the altercation, Aliyu Abubakar, 25, from Gangare Sagi Area, was seriously injured.
A team of police officers quickly responded to the scene and rushed the victim to Kontagora General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
The sources said efforts are ongoing to arrest the culprits involved in the fatal incident.
Rival gangs clash at wedding, one dead in Kontagora, Niger State
Police arrest two suspected informants to bandits in Kwara
Army troops rescue Deputy Commander of NDLEA officer, five others from kidnappers in Taraba
Rival gangs clash at wedding, one dead in Kontagora, Niger State
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