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UNODC, NAPTIP, EU, ECOWAS to Collaborate on a Framework to Combat Human Trafficking in Nigeria
UNODC, NAPTIP, EU, ECOWAS to Collaborate on a Framework to Combat Human Trafficking in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the European Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have pledged to work together to combat human trafficking in Nigeria by ensuring that a framework that would boost stringent implementation of enabling anti-trafficking laws are put in place.
The commitment was given on Monday in Abuja by the organisations and other stakeholders who gathered for the 1st policy-level meeting on human trafficking in Nigeria.
The gathering is part of the project “From Policy to Action: Implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking in Nigeria (2022-2026),” funded by the Swiss government and jointly executed by NAPTIP and UNODC.
Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello described the current spate of human trafficking as a grave violation of human rights, which is threatening the very fabric of Nigerian society.
She noted that combating the scourge requires a coordinated response that brings together all arms of government, law enforcement agencies, international partners, civil society organisations and the general public.
Bello said: “We will ensure that our coordination remains robust and adaptive to the evolving nature of trafficking crimes,” adding that: “Collection, analysis and reporting of reliable, sufficient and up-to-date data is needed to better prevent and combat this crime and its complex and ever-evolving dynamics.”
The NAPTIP DG said her office is now adopting a bottom-up approach to identify and track traffickers at the grassroots for effective prevention and prosecution, revealing that NAPTIP is now engaging the 774 local government areas.
She noted that the conference was organized to review reports on counter-human trafficking efforts from government agencies, identify priority actions for 2025, and engage in interactive sessions to gather valuable feedback.
On his part, the Deputy Country Representative of UNODC Nigeria, Danilo Campiso who said a human trafficking-free Nigeria is possible, stressed the need for collaboration for effective implementation.
He said: “I want to emphasize that the success of this project and the full implementation of the NAP depend on strong coordination, commitment, and the collaborative spirit that unites us today. Together, we can make significant strides toward eradicating human trafficking in Nigeria and safeguarding the rights and dignity of every individual.”
The Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, Mr Tunde Olayemi (ECOWAS) said effective coordination is critical to achieving Africa without child trafficking. He said all hands must be on deck for a safe continent for women and children to live and achieve their potential.
On its part, Miss Ojoma Ali, who represented the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria said “Nigeria free from human trafficking is our ultimate goal, and we also stand by that Switzerland front this project.” The Swiss government commended NAPTIP for its consistent action on the prevention and prosecution of human trafficking crimes and suspects.
The representative of the Ambassador of United States, Mr Micheal Berenton said it is critically important that the different organisations and agencies, look at the complex system of human trafficking and” look at where we can make a meaningful impact. So when we move from policy to action, those actions are influencing this complex system in a positive way that meets all of our shared goals.”
UNODC, NAPTIP, EU, ECOWAS to Collaborate on a Framework to Combat Human Trafficking in Nigeria
Two Killed in Suspected Militia Attack on Farmland in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two young men in a suspected militia attack on a farmland in Wukari Local Government Area of the state.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Friday morning at about 7:30 a.m. at Mecapacynth area of Wukari, according to a report received from the Wukari Divisional Police Officer.
The sources said that the incident at about 8:30 a.m., stating that four attackers, one of them armed with an AK-47 rifle and suspected to be members of a Tiv militia group, opened fire on the victims while they were working on the farm.
The victims, identified as Masandi Moses Bulus, 21, and Mikhima Moses Basungyu, 19 – both of Jukun ethnic group – sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Security forces swiftly moved to the scene, took photographs, and evacuated the victims to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari, where they were confirmed dead by medical personnel.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack.
Meanwhile, security operatives have been deployed in the area and are working with community leaders and relevant stakeholders to calm tensions and prevent further escalation.
Two Killed in Suspected Militia Attack on Farmland in Taraba
Man Killed by Stray Bullet During Police Operation in Lagos
By: Zagazola Makama
A 32-year-old man, identified as Zeyanu Muhammed, was fatally hit by a stray bullet during a police operation in the Gengere area of Ketu, Lagos State.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:50 p.m. on Thursday, when a tactical team from Area ‘H’ Command, Ogudu, led by ASP Friday Babep, moved into the area to arrest suspected robbers.
The team encountered resistance from hoodlums in the area who allegedly intervened and facilitated the escape of the robbery suspects.
In the ensuing fracas, a gunshot was discharged, and a stray bullet struck the victim in the shoulder, leading to his death on the spot.
The police said the body has been evacuated and deposited at a public morgue for autopsy.
In response, patrol vehicles were deployed to the scene to maintain order, while members of the tactical team involved in the operation have been detained pending further investigation.
Efforts are ongoing to engage the deceased’s family and the Hausa community in the area to prevent escalation of the incident.
Meanwhile, a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the hoodlums responsible for obstructing the arrest operation.
Man Killed by Stray Bullet During Police Operation in Lagos
Nine Injured as Passenger Boat Catches Fire in Lagos
By: Zagazola Makama
At least nine passengers sustained varying degrees of burns after a passenger boat operated by Lagos Ferry Services caught fire at the Ipakodo Boat Terminal in Ikorodu, Lagos.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, April 3, at about 6:45 a.m., involved a boat with the inscription “Igbega Eko” and had 19 passengers on board at the time of the explosion.
The Operations Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, Mr. Ibrahim Bidemi, reported the incident at the Marine Police Base in Ipakodo around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday.
According to police sources, all nine injured passengers were rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Eight of the victims were treated and discharged, while one remains hospitalized in stable condition.
A team of marine police operatives visited the scene of the incident, as well as the hospital, where the remaining victim was inspected and photographed.
While no lives were lost, the cause of the explosion and the estimated value of the property destroyed are yet to be determined.
Nine Injured as Passenger Boat Catches Fire in Lagos
Two Killed in Suspected Militia Attack on Farmland in Taraba
Man Killed by Stray Bullet During Police Operation in Lagos
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