News
Women Affairs Ministry, NAPTIP Conclude Plans on Rehabilitation of Victims of Human Trafficking
Women Affairs Ministry, NAPTIP Conclude Plans on Rehabilitation of Victims of Human Trafficking
By: Michael Mike
The Ministry of Women Affairs has concluded plans to partner with the
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for the long-term rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking.
Specifically, the Ministry and NAPTIP are to jointly rehabilitate the 10 Nigerian girls, victims of human trafficking who were recently rescued in Ghana.
This partnership was one of the outcomes of the visit of the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, to the Headquarters of NAPTIP on Monday, a visit which followed viral reports of the trafficking of some Nigerian girls to Ghana for sexual exploitation.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri – Azi, thanked the Minister for the visit and hersupport towards sustained fight against human trafficking, adding that the agency has been very proactive, strategic, and deliberate in carrying out its mandates which led to the conviction of 29 human traffickers from January 2024 till date, 67 traffickers in 2023, 80 in 2022 and a total of 670 human trafficking convictions since the inception of the agency including the rescue of over 23,000 victims.
Waziri–Azi added that: “Even though the Government has a major role in tackling human trafficking, communities and families have an even greater role in tackling these issues. Regarding the girls in Ghana, we are in touch with the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. The girls have been rescued and are safe. The perpetrator has been arrested, and I am also in contact with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). I am very delighted by the Honourable Minister’s visit this morning.
“From our conversation, we will definitely approach this issue in a more strategic way, in terms of prevention. Prevention is better than cure.”
She also added that: “I also want to emphasize to parents and young people that there is no free lunch anywhere; if it is free, then you are definitely the product. We know that everyone desires a better life, but wanting a better life does not mean you should not be discerning. When somebody comes and offers you Eldorado, please ask questions.”
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, on her part, commended NAPTIP for its visible impact in tackling human trafficking in Nigeria and promised to join hands with the agency for sustained rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking through the existing empowerment scheme that has been established by the Ministry.
The Minster said: “I came here to see my sister concerning the issue of the Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana. We will join hands with NAPTIP to empower them, give them skills or send them to school”.
The Minister also disclosed plans to embark on massive advocacy among diverse stakeholders including operators of commercial transport companies, the Aviation Sector, the Marine Sector,and a cross-section of parents across the country adding that parents and transport operators will be held responsible if found culpable in the trafficking of children.
She however solicited for the support and cooperation of all Nigerians to tackle the issues of human trafficking in the country.
Women Affairs Ministry, NAPTIP Conclude Plans on Rehabilitation of Victims of Human Trafficking
Bandit attack in Sobon Birni LGA leaves one dead in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
One person has been killed following an armed bandit attack on Garin Idi Village in Sobon Birni District, Sokoto State, the State Police Command has confirmed.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred on December 18 at about 2140 hours, when a large group of heavily armed bandits launched a sporadic shooting attack on the community.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, promptly responded and engaged the bandits in a gun duel. The attackers were overpowered and fled into the surrounding forest.
During the attack, one Malam Saluhu, aged 60, was shot and killed.
Joint security teams have intensified efforts to track down the bandits, and troops have been alerted to remain vigilant for any movements by the fleeing criminals.
End
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
By Zagazola Makama
Over twenty vehicles have been destroyed following a fire outbreak at Malaysia Market, Zuba, near the main motor spare parts area.
Sources said that the incident occurred on December 17 at about 2300 hours. The market, known for scrap vehicles, was engulfed in flames before police patrol teams promptly mobilized to the scene.
Through the combined efforts of security forces and community members, the fire was successfully contained, preventing further escalation. No injuries or loss of life were reported.
The cause of the fire and the estimated value of the destroyed vehicles are yet to be determined as security sources said Investigations are ongoing.
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
Remains of missing Benue police inspector recovered in Guma LGA
By Zagazola Makama
The suspected remains of a missing police inspector have been recovered in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, the State Police Command has confirmed.
According to sources, the incident relates to Inspector Mohammed Yakubu of the 13 PMF attached to OPS Zenda JTF, who went missing on June 13, 2025, at Tse Keleke, approximately 10km from Daudu.
On December 18 at about 0930 hours, intelligence indicated that a decayed corpse, believed to be the missing inspector, was sighted in the bush near the original scene of the disappearance.
A joint team comprising ACPOL Metro MKD, DPO Daudu, police medical personnel, State Intelligence Service (SIS) operatives, 13 PMF personnel, OPS Zenda JTF personnel, Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), and BNS Civil Protection Guards was mobilized to the scene. The skeletonized remains were recovered and conveyed to the 13 PMF base.
Authorities confirmed that the remains will be released to the family for a befitting burial following necessary consultations.
The Benue State Police Command described the recovery as a closure for the long-standing missing-in-action case.
Remains of missing Benue police inspector recovered in Guma LGA
Bandit attack in Sobon Birni LGA leaves one dead in Sokoto
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
Remains of missing Benue police inspector recovered in Guma LGA
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