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UNODC Advocates Inclusion of PWDs in Crime Prevention and Security Strategies
UNODC Advocates Inclusion of PWDs in Crime Prevention and Security Strategies
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for stronger inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s crime prevention and security strategies, warning that exclusion weakens national responses to transnational organised crime.
This call was made during a Stakeholder Dialogue on Crime Prevention and Transnational Threats, held at the UN House in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
In his opening remarks, the UNODC Deputy Representative, Danilo Campisi emphasized that disability inclusion must move beyond symbolic recognition to become a core component of policy design, data collection, and implementation.
He noted that inclusive governance is a human right and a prerequisite for sustainable development and effective security frameworks.
The dialogue brought together representatives from government ministries, disability-focused institutions, civil society organisations, international partners and the UN system. Participants included officials from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, disability rights groups, and associations representing persons with hearing and visual impairments.
Campisi highlighted UNODC’s ongoing efforts to promote disability inclusion in Nigeria, including a disability inclusion workshop held in December 2024 for UN staff and national partners, as well as outreach engagements with disability organisations to improve awareness on drugs and crime-related issues.
Addressing the growing threat of transnational organised crime, the Deputy Representative noted that Nigeria continues to face risks from drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, arms smuggling and other illicit activities that undermine national security and social cohesion. However, the impact of these crimes, he said, is not evenly distributed.
Citing data from the UN Disability and Development Report 2024, the UNODC disclosed that about 87 per cent of persons with disabilities in Nigeria live in multidimensional poverty, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation, recruitment and victimisation by organised criminal networks. Despite this vulnerability, their experiences are often missing from crime prevention policies and national security discussions.
The dialogue was described as a critical step toward closing this gap. Campisi explained that through UNODC’s Global Programme on Implementing the Organized Crime Convention (GLOTOC), it supports countries in developing inclusive national strategies against organised crime in line with the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).
He noted that UNODC has also developed a toolkit to help governments mainstream gender and human rights, including disability inclusion, into crime prevention strategies.
Participants were informed that insights from persons with disabilities and their representative organisations would directly inform Nigeria’s emerging national strategy against organised crime, including its objectives, implementation framework and monitoring mechanisms.
The UNODC Deputy Representative stressed that effective security strategies require listening to those most affected by crime. HE urged policymakers and institutions to ensure that the voices of persons with disabilities are embedded in national responses—not as a formality, but as a necessity for justice and effectiveness.
The UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to disability-inclusive justice and security systems, aligned with the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, Nigeria’s Disability Act of 2018, and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa noted that: “This dialogue could not have come at a more appropriate time. It aligns with the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with the theme: “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” This theme reminds us that true social progress is impossible without deliberately protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
He charged that: “We must never forget that PWDs are disproportionately affected by organized crime. They already face multiple barriers- physical, attitudinal, cultural, and institutional. Many experience social exclusion, unemployment, and limited financial opportunities. These conditions create vulnerability, making them more likely to be targeted or manipulated by criminal networks.”
He noted that PWDs particularly women, girls and children with special needs are often the worst-affected victims of organized crime and transnational threats, lamenting that their vulnerabilities expose them to exploitation, manipulation, and violence in ways that are deeply troubling.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that sustained engagement and inclusive policymaking would strengthen Nigeria’s response to organised crime while protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
UNODC Advocates Inclusion of PWDs in Crime Prevention and Security Strategies
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
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