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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
One Killed, Motorcycle Burnt in Communal Clash Over Land Dispute in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
One person has been killed and a motorcycle burnt following a communal clash between herders and residents of Karmo community in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 2, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), deployed at Gadabuke, responded to the incident at about 11:50 a.m. on Nov. 5, 2026.
The clash reportedly stemmed from a land dispute between neighbouring communities and resulted in the killing of one civilian, while a motorcycle was also set ablaze.
The perpetrators reportedly fled before the arrival of the troops.
The troops subsequently engaged the feuding parties to de-escalate tensions and restore normalcy in the affected community.
The sources said troops had continued to dominate the general area to prevent further escalation and maintain security.
One Killed, Motorcycle Burnt in Communal Clash Over Land Dispute in Nasarawa
AFCSC Junior Staff Course Participants Visit Sector 1 Headquarters in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Participants of the Junior Staff Course 102/26 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, have paid an operational visit to the Headquarters of Sector 1 in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the delegation, led by Col. M.B. Abubakar, visited the headquarters at about 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 5, 2026.
The team was received by the Sector Commander, Cdr. J.U. Abdullahi, who briefed the participants on the prevailing security situation and ongoing operational activities within the sector’s area of responsibility.
The visit was aimed at providing the course participants with operational insights into the security challenges and military activities in the area.
The visit was reported to have been conducted without any incident.
AFCSC Junior Staff Course Participants Visit Sector 1 Headquarters in Jos
Zulum Appoints Ali Baware Pioneer DG of Rural Access Road Authority
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Engr. Ali Abubakar Baware as the pioneer Director-General of the Borno State Rural Access Road Authority (RARA).
The Authority, which came into effect on 14th July 2026, is saddled with the responsibility of managing, developing, reconstructing, rehabilitating and maintaining Class D roads across the state, including ancillary infrastructure such as bridges and drainage.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, Engr. Baware was the immediate past Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Housing.
A seasoned engineer and administrator, Engr. Baware has held several administrative positions and is a member of professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers.
The appointment is for a period of four years in the first instance.
Governor Zulum congratulated the Director-General on his appointment and charged him to deploy his wealth of experience and expertise to make the new agency functional.
Zulum Appoints Ali Baware Pioneer DG of Rural Access Road Authority
One Killed, Motorcycle Burnt in Communal Clash Over Land Dispute in Nasarawa
AFCSC Junior Staff Course Participants Visit Sector 1 Headquarters in Jos
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