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United Nations call for Collective Action to end Violence against Women and Girls

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United Nations call for Collective Action to end Violence against Women and Girls

By: Michael Mike

The Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the UN Women Nigeria Country Office convened a high-level Orange the World Ceremony and the Lighting of the UN House to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism for the year. During the event, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Nigeria and heads of government and agencies concertedly called for policy action and escalated interventions

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an annual international campaign. It commences on 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women). It climaxes on 10th December (Human Rights Day), indicating that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide. The global theme of the 16 Days of Activism for 2022 is UNiTE! Activism To End Violence Against Women and Girls!”

The United Nations leverages the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign to draw attention to the need for concerted action towards preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls. The event aimed to strengthen partnerships to end violence against women and girls among UN agencies, Government MDAs, Diplomatic Missions and Development Partners, Security Agencies, CSOs and Media, among other stakeholders, while increasing visibility and public support for the local efforts to end violence against women and girls.

In Nigeria, 30 per cent of girls and women aged between 15 and 49 reported having experienced sexual abuse.  The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey shows that 14 per cent of women in Nigeria have experienced physical violence. Cases of violence against women increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. 

A UN report revealed that by April 2020, cases of gender-based violence increased by 56 per cent after only two weeks of lockdown.

UNICEF reports that “six out of every ten children experience some form of violence – one in four girls and 10 per cent of boys have been victims of sexual violence”.  Notably, violence against women in the home usually involves the abuse of children and other household members.

“Another major aspect of this ceremony is the official orange lighting of the UN Building.  The light initiative is integral to the UN Women and the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE Campaign and is used to “symbolize a brighter future without violence.” The “orange” comes from the fire ignited by the many women’s groups dedicated to combating violence against women around the world. We call on our partners to join us in promoting the orange campaign throughout the 16 days and beyond so as to galvanize more support to end violence against women and girls. We must sustain the momentum for a brighter future where men and women, girls and boys enjoy equal rights, devoid of discrimination and all forms of violence” said Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS in her special remarks.

The 2020 Trafficking in Humans Report found that 70% of globally trafficked people are young girls and adult women. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2019 reported that women and girls together account for 72% of all human trafficking victims detected globally, with girls representing more than three out of four child trafficking victims.

Most cases of sexual violence are not reported to the authorities. Fewer than 40 per cent of the women who experience violence seek the help of any sort.  Most women who seek help look to family and friends, and very few look to formal institutions such as the police and health services. In some cases, women who accuse men of sexual assault have faced backlash and apathetic attitudes from security agencies. 

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/nigeria-ingo-forum-expressed-concern-over-killing-of-aid-worker-reiterates-commitment-to-life-saving-in-borno/

The United Nations believes there is a need for deliberate action by government and security agencies to improve response to gender-based violence, prosecution, and redress for survivors.

“We are calling for an increased spotlight on the many forms that this violence can take and the culture of silence that often surrounds its victims. Much progress has been made recently with the Violence Against Person’s Prohibition Act which has been passed into law by 34 out of the 36 states. This has been made possible by the collective efforts of government, civil society, development partners, UN agencies, and the donor community. Let this be an inspiration to us for further partnership and coordination,” remarked Matthias Schmale, UN Resident Coordinator in his welcome address.

Part of the event was an exhibition What Was She Wearing? (Curated by Education As Vaccine with support from the Government of Canada and Frontline Aids) the exhibition addresses one of the most pervasive myths of rape culture. It also aims to create new conversations and disrupt harmful social attitudes to prevent violence and ensure access to justice for all survivors.

The event’s highlight was lighting of the UN House in orange. The light initiative is integral to the UN Women and the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE Campaign and “symbolises a brighter future without violence.” The “orange” comes from the fire ignited by the many women’s groups dedicated to combating violence against women worldwide.

The event drew participants from high profile delegations such as top-level government officials, high level UN Delegation, Donor Communities, Civil Society Organizations, young women organizations, male champions, persons living with disabilities, among others.

United Nations call for Collective Action to end Violence against Women and Girls

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Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunners in Plateau State

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Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunners in Plateau State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested two suspected gunrunners during a sting operation in Bokkos Town, Plateau State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, identified as Mr. Kenneth Mayas, 31, and Mr. Bulus Yilfo, 60, were apprehended at a hideout in White House Hotel on Friday while attempting to procure an AK-47 rifle for N1.45 million.

Both suspects hail from Forop District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
During the operation, troops recovered the cash sum of N1.45 million from the suspects, who are believed to be part of a larger criminal syndicate.

The sources said the arrested suspects and the recovered money are currently in custody for interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunners in Plateau State

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Illicit drugs: NDLEA strengthens airport operations as officers undergo advanced trainings

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Illicit drugs: NDLEA strengthens airport operations as officers undergo advanced trainings


. Deploy new skills, tools across airports operations, Marwa charges officers

By: Michael Mike

Selected Commanders and officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, have undergone series of trainings in Advance Passenger Information System (API) and Passenger Targeting/ Intelligence Gathering as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen NDLEA’s operational efficiency at the country’s major airports.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, which facilitated the trainings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and Abuja, the workshops were designed to enhance the capacity of the Agency’s Commands at Airports to target and intercept high-risk passengers, cargo and mail, to help combat illicit drug trafficking. They will also help to facilitate communication and coordination between countries of origin, transit and destination in order to destabilise illicit cross-border flows and criminal networks.

While the Commander of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Strategic Command of NDLEA, ACGN Usman Ali Wadar and his counterpart at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, CN Mohammed Ajiya participated in the six-day training in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 13 other officers drawn from the MMIA and NAIA Commands took part in the five-day training that held in Abuja. They are all expected to impact the knowledge and skills acquired during the sessions on their other colleagues.

The trainings were funded by the European Union, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States under the AIRCOP Airport Communication Project, implemented by the UNODC.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the facilitators: Ms. Fabienne Russel of UNODC and Anderson Leme Siqueira of Brazilian Customs Administration for taking their time to be in Abuja for the training after the engagement in Abidjan.

He equally praised the two NDLEA Commanders and other officers who participated in the Abijan and Abuja training sessions for their interest and commitment. He charged them to immediately reflect the new skills and tools in their operations across the international airports in the country.

Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Friday 20th December 2024 Illicit drugs: NDLEA strengthens airport operations as officers undergo advanced trainings
. Deploy new skills, tools across airports operations, Marwa charges officers

Selected Commanders and officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, have undergone series of trainings in Advance Passenger Information System (API) and Passenger Targeting/ Intelligence Gathering as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen NDLEA’s operational efficiency at the country’s major airports.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, which facilitated the trainings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and Abuja, the workshops were designed to enhance the capacity of the Agency’s Commands at Airports to target and intercept high-risk passengers, cargo and mail, to help combat illicit drug trafficking.

They will also help to facilitate communication and coordination between countries of origin, transit and destination in order to destabilise illicit cross-border flows and criminal networks.

While the Commander of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Strategic Command of NDLEA, ACGN Usman Ali Wadar and his counterpart at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, CN Mohammed Ajiya participated in the six-day training in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 13 other officers drawn from the MMIA and NAIA Commands took part in the five-day training that held in Abuja. They are all expected to impact the knowledge and skills acquired during the sessions on their other colleagues.

The trainings were funded by the European Union, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States under the AIRCOP Airport Communication Project, implemented by the UNODC.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the facilitators: Ms. Fabienne Russel of UNODC and Anderson Leme Siqueira of Brazilian Customs Administration for taking their time to be in Abuja for the training after the engagement in Abidjan.

He equally praised the two NDLEA Commanders and other officers who participated in the Abijan and Abuja training sessions for their interest and commitment. He charged them to immediately reflect the new skills and tools in their operations across the international airports in the country.

Illicit drugs: NDLEA strengthens airport operations as officers undergo advanced trainings

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15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Fierce Supremacy Battle with ISWAP in Tumbum Kare

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15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Fierce Supremacy Battle with ISWAP in Tumbum Kare

By: Zagazola Makama

A deadly clash of supremacy between rival terrorist factions has claimed the lives of 15 Boko Haram fighters, with five Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members sustaining injuries.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the confrontation occurred when ISWAP launched a coordinated attack on Boko Haram fighters loyal to the Bakura Buduma faction.

The assault, aimed at asserting dominance, led to significant losses on the Boko Haram side, with ISWAP fighters seizing an undisclosed number of weapons during the confrontation.

The incident marks the latest in a series of violent infightings between the two groups, which have been engaged in a bitter rivalry over resources, territorial control, and influence in the Lake Chad region.

Sources said that the clashes have intensified in recent months as both groups seek to expand their foothold in the area with the Boko Haram faction already gaining upper hand against the ISWAP.

15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Fierce Supremacy Battle with ISWAP in Tumbum Kare

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