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UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime
UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has described human trafficking as an assault on human dignity not just a crime.
Speaking at the 27th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum (NSCF) on Human Trafficking organised by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Wednesday in Abuja, the Country Representative of the UNODC in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, while lauding Nigeria’s fight against Human trafficking, said: “Human trafficking isn’t just a crime, it’s an assault on dignity, a drag on development, and a threat to national security.”
Toure added that: “This forum remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national response to trafficking. It’s where policy meets practice, federal and state actors converging around a shared vision of a trafficking-free Nigeria.”
He noted that “the importance of a multisectoral, victim-focused, and relentless response,” while acknowledging the joint efforts of NAPTIP and UNODC under the “From Policy to Action” project, supported by the Swiss government.
He also lauded the DG of NAPTIP for her leadership role and also commended contributions from the Attorney General, of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), state governments, development partners including the European Union (EU), France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD, and various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the war against human trafficking.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who gave the keynote address, called on state’s Commissioners for Women Affairs to leverage on their strategic positions to advocate and influence state budgets and policies.
He said: “I urge Commissioners for Women Affairs across the country to leverage their strategic positions to advocate and influence state-level policies, budgets, and programmes that directly or indirectly impact trafficking and exploitation.
“Creation of a budget line for State Task Force activities is highly recommended as it would also guarantee the institutionalization of State Task Forces on human Trafficking in the states.”
In his words “The Federal Ministry of Justice remains committed to supporting NAPTIP through continuous policy formulation, legal reforms, strategic coordination, and high-level advocacy. Let me assure you that we will continue to work closely with NAPTIP and other partners to ensure that the legal and institutional frameworks for tackling trafficking remain dynamic, responsive, and effective.
The Swiss Ambassador to Belgium and NATO, Jacques Pitteloud, in his goodwill message also lauded Nigeria’s progress and reaffirmed Switzerland’s long-term support.
He called for international cooperation in addressing root causes of trafficking and commended NAPTIP’s efforts under the “From Policy to Action” project.
“Our partnership with Nigeria goes beyond financial contribution. It is built on trust, shared priorities, and joint ownership. We’re especially encouraged by the involvement of local governments, signaling a grassroots approach to combating trafficking,” Pitteloud said.
He also noted the development of a new dashboard and reporting hub, as well as the inclusion of critical actors like the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the national response.
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, in her welcome address highlighted key achievements under the agency’s 5Ps strategy: Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.
She noted that over 7,000 victims have been rescued between 2022 and 2024, with 205 convictions secured within the same period.
She also announced the development of new digital tools to enhance data reporting, increased public awareness campaigns, the inauguration of over 200 Anti-TIP school vanguards, and the expansion of State Task Forces to 24 states.
“We are proud of the milestones achieved, from setting up the Human Trafficking Digital Centre in Katsina to revamping our training center with German support. Yet, the road ahead requires deeper collaboration and renewed commitment at all levels,” Bello said.
UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime
Hunter kills one, injures two in accidental shooting in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Katsina State says it has arrested a 25-year-old hunter, Bashir Bala, for allegedly shooting three civilians, leading to the death of one person in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Thursday at about 4:10 p.m. when Bala, a member of a hunters’ group attached to the security personnel in Malumfashi, visited a known blackspot at Marabar Kankara to purchase cannabis.
According to the report, an argument ensued during which Bala discharged his rifle, striking three civilians.
“One civilian was confirmed dead at the scene while two others sustained gunshot injuries. The injured victims were rushed to the General Hospital for medical attention while the deceased’s body was released to his family after medical certification.
“A joint team comprising Police, the Nigerian Army and vigilantes responded to the scene, and the suspect has been apprehended. Security measures within the area of responsibility have also been reinforced,” the sources said.
Hunter kills one, injures two in accidental shooting in Katsina
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA neutralise seven bandits in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralised seven armed bandits and recovered four motorcycles during a decisive operation in Baba, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The encounter, which lasted for over two hours on Thursday, followed credible intelligence on the movement of criminal elements terrorising farming communities in the area. Security sources said the troops engaged the bandits, killing seven while the remaining suspects fled with gunshot injuries.
Four motorcycles used in their criminal activities were recovered during the operation.
The military operation is part of ongoing efforts across frontline local government areas to dismantle criminal hideouts and ensure the safety of residents, especially farming communities during the rainy season.
Residents were urged to continue providing timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations and help restore peace across the North West.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA neutralise seven bandits in Katsina
Yobe records progress under Governor Buni—Hon. Usman Gimba
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State, under His Excellency Governor, Hon. Dr. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, Chiroman Gujba, has recorded measurable progress in various sectors, viz., education, health, agriculture, and other social and economic empowerment initiatives in the state.
This was revealed by the Senior Special Assistant to His Excellency Dr. Mai Mala Buni CON COMN on youth and sports, Hon. Usman Gimba (Sarkin Adon Gubana), at the graduation ceremony of Shettiman Malamai School for Marriage Education in Potiskum.
He said under the governorship of my boss, His Excellency Mai Mala Buni CON, Yobe State is experiencing a giant transformation in the development of infrastructure, human capital, and agriculture.
According to Sarkin Adon Gubana, upon the inauguration of Governor Buni into office, he had set out to create an educated and a well-secured and empowered society with access to the education sector.
At the graduation ceremony, Hon. Gimba said, “What we need in the community is for all of us to be educated, including those who were in the school and those that are in the house, and this school consists of teaching those that are in the house.”
He maintained that the importance of sound and qualitative education to the growth and development of any human society needs not to be emphasized. Adding to that, the school consists of women, but wisely, we also need men; we need the education.
“Because this school is for marriage education only, but we men ourselves need it because we need to be educated on how we can handle our wives when we are married, he charged the students to make good use of what they learned from the school,” Sarkin Adon Gubana said.
The Senior Special Assistant on Youths and Sports thanks the CEO, Malam Abdurazak Abdullahi Usman, for making this gigantic initiative and calls on our leaders—traditional, politicians, and religious—to come out en masse to support the school to move forward.
Yobe records progress under Governor Buni—Hon. Usman Gimba
Hunter kills one, injures two in accidental shooting in Katsina
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA neutralise seven bandits in Katsina
Yobe records progress under Governor Buni—Hon. Usman Gimba
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