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Women Affairs Ministry, NAPTIP Conclude Plans on Rehabilitation of Victims of Human Trafficking

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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

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NANS Throws Weight Behind NDLEA Drug War, Endorses Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

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NANS Throws Weight Behind NDLEA Drug War, Endorses Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

By: Michael Mike

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared full support for Nigeria’s intensifying war against substance abuse, aligning with the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat the growing threat of illicit drug use among young people.

The position was made known when NANS leaders, led by their National President, Sola Oladoja, paid a strategic visit to the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Marwa at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.

In a meeting that underscored rising concerns over drug abuse in tertiary institutions, the student leaders commended the NDLEA’s sustained crackdown on drug trafficking networks and its preventive campaigns targeting campuses.

Oladoja described the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative as a transformative intervention that has significantly increased awareness among students about the dangers of substance misuse.

He said the association’s support for the NDLEA is rooted in a shared responsibility to safeguard the future of Nigerian youths, noting that drug abuse continues to threaten academic performance, mental health, and societal stability.

The NANS leadership also used the occasion to reaffirm its backing of President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing to policies they believe have directly impacted students and young people. Oladoja cited the rollout of the student loan scheme, improved stability in the academic calendar following the resolution of strikes, and expanded youth-focused programmes as evidence of the administration’s commitment.

According to him, these measures have strengthened confidence among students in the current government and informed their willingness to support its continuity beyond the current term.

Responding, Marwa welcomed the endorsement, describing Nigerian students as a critical constituency in the national effort to curb drug abuse. He noted that meaningful progress in the anti-drug campaign would require active collaboration with young people, particularly those in higher institutions where vulnerability to substance use remains high.

Marwa warned that drug abuse poses far-reaching consequences, from deteriorating health and disrupted education to increased crime and long-term social instability. He called on student leaders to take ownership of the campaign within their campuses by promoting awareness and discouraging peer influence toward drug use.

Addressing concerns over the Federal Government’s newly introduced drug integrity test policy for students, the NDLEA boss clarified that the initiative is not designed to punish but to protect. He explained that early identification of drug use allows for timely counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation, thereby preventing long-term damage.

The engagement ended with both NANS and NDLEA agreeing to deepen collaboration, signalling a more coordinated approach to tackling substance abuse within Nigeria’s academic environment.

NANS Throws Weight Behind NDLEA Drug War, Endorses Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

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Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina

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Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have recovered no fewer than 225 rustled cattle after engaging suspected bandits in Katsina State.

Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was carried out at about 8:00 a.m. on April 20 by troops of 17 Brigade following credible intelligence on the movement of a notorious bandit leader, identified as Muhammad Filani, and his group.

The sources said the suspects were tracked to Kauri village in Kankia Local Government Area, where troops made contact and engaged them in a firefight.

“Upon contact, the troops engaged the bandits effectively, forcing them to flee and abandon the rustled cattle,” the source said.

The troops subsequently recovered a total of 225 cattle, which were handed over to relevant local authorities for identification and return to their rightful owners.

Military authorities noted that the operation has dealt a significant blow to cattle rustling networks operating within the area.

They added that troops have sustained aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deny bandits freedom of action across the state.

Meanwhile, under Operation Savannah Shield, troops continued offensive operations and routine security activities within their areas of responsibility.

Sources, however, confirmed that there was no major incident recorded during the period under review.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while intensifying efforts to combat banditry and related crimes in the North West.

Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Kaduna

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Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued two victims following a swift response to a distress call in Kaduna State.

Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on April 21, when troops deployed under Operation Enduring Peace at Ungwan Gora checkpoint received reports of gunshots suspected to be from kidnappers.

The sources said the attack took place along the axis between Ungwan Dariya and Rafin Tagwi Bridge in Sanga Local Government Area.

“On receipt of the report, troops responded immediately and moved to the location, where they made contact with the suspected kidnappers,” a source said.

According to the source, the troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes and abandon their victims.

During the operation, two persons who sustained gunshot wounds were rescued by the troops and promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

Military authorities said the swift intervention of the troops prevented what could have escalated into a successful abduction.

They added that patrols have been intensified within the area to track down the fleeing suspects and forestall further criminal activities.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies.

Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Kaduna

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