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  • NAPTIP rescues 1,444 human trafficking victims

    NAPTIP rescues 1,444 human trafficking victims

    At least 1,444 persons have been rescued and processed by the Uyo Zone of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, since last year.

    Zonal commander of the agency, Mrs. Tina Ugwu who disclosed this to correspondents in Uyo yesterday said that 723 of the victims were from Akwa Ibom while 413,282 and 16 were from Cross River, Bayelsa and Rivers respectively.

    Within the period, Ugwu said the agency investigated over 568 of the 1,035 cases it recieved, convicted 52 traffickers while 11 were still in court.

    ” For the number of cases received ,the command received 1,035 cases with 1,035 suspects. It investigated over 568 cases. The command convicted about 52 traffickers in the zone with 11 cases still in court at different levels of prosecution.

    “Then , specifically for my assumption that’s from the beginning of March,the command has had about 17 cases . We have about 10 of them under investigation, and three that are fully investigated. We have about three cases with our legal unit which they are going to file today and tomorrow.” She explained.

    The Zonal Commander who described the media as strategic partners in the fight against trafficking however decried the high incidences of sale of babies in Akwa Ibom and said that efforts have intensified to apprehend those who perpetuate the crime.

    According to her collaboration with sister agencies who have their presence at the borders have produced outstanding results as most of the cases handled by the agency were transferred from them
    while NAPTIP have assisted in giving some of their staff strategic training in their operations.

    Ugwu further stated that the agency have over the years developed a close working relationship with community vigilantees, traditional rulers and the various ministries in charge of women affairs in the state in a bid to sensitize residents on the dangers of trafficking.

    She decried the activities of many Traditional Birth Attendants and warned that the agency would not spare any of them found culpable even as she regretted that most couples connive with them in their illegal activities.

    “And to make matters worse, some families agree to this procedure and the so called pregnant mothers know they are not pregnant but because of desperation to own a child accept any condition they are given by those homes.

    “And those homes have always found a way to evade arrest bit we have a Task Force in place to monitor the TBAs with evidences of agreement between them and couples.” She said.

    According to the zonal commander, most failed DNA tests have been product of criptic and fake pregnancies because they also produce fake babies that are not from married couples.

    Ugwu attributed rise in sale of babies to rise in broken homes and single Parenthood but advised parents unable to cater for their children to ask for help or register their children for formal adoption.

  • NAPTIP apprehends three suspects for alleged Human trafficking and Child Abuse in Benin

    NAPTIP apprehends three suspects for alleged Human trafficking and Child Abuse in Benin

    Three women have been arrested by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons(NAPTIP),Benin Zonal Command for alleged child abuse and Human trafficking.

    In an interview with our Correspondent on Monday in Benin,the Zonal Commander,Mr. Nduka Nwanwenne,he said the arrest was made during the weekend at different locations in Benin; of which one of the suspects was arrested for alleged human trafficking,the other two were arrested for alleged Child Abuse.

    Nwanwenne said,for the trafficking case ,an 18year old was arrested for recruiting two girls,aged 17 and 18 for another suspected human trafficker in Benin republic,who had sent money for clothes and transportation to Benin republic so that the girls will be lured into prostitution,but unfortunately were intercepted on their way to Benin republic by men of the Nigerian Immigration Service and handed over to NAPTIP.

    The Zonal Commander, further Said,on the Child abuse case,a 32 year old woman had inflicted injuries on her 11 year old cousin,with a mop stick, for breaking a glass cup mistakenly.

    The 11 year old is being maltreated,that she sleeps on the bare floor or corridor and wakes up at 5:00am to do the house chores; the suspect was said to have used a horse whip, when the whip cut,she decided to use a mop stick, which left marks of injuries on the victim, investigation is still on going, while the victim has been taken to NAPTIP for medical attention.

  • NAPTIP rescues 61 victims of human trafficking in Katsina

    NAPTIP rescues 61 victims of human trafficking in Katsina

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP), has rescued 61 victims of human trafficking in Kongolom International border Post, Maiadua in Katsina state.

    The Zonal Commander of NAPTIP in Kano, Mr Abdullahi Babale, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kano on Tuesday.

    He said that the rescue operation was conducted by Officers and men of the Joint Border Task Force (JBTF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service in Katsina.

    “The victims were rescued by the Nigeriene Police in Niger Republic, on their way to Libya.

    ”The victims are made up of 29 males and 32 females, aged between 19 and 50.

    ”These victims hail from Edo, Imo, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo and Lagos state.

    ”Others are Cross Rivers, Delta, Kano, Kwara, Benue, Akwa ibom, Ebonyi, Kogi and Gombe state,” he said.

    Babale noted that the victims are currently undergoing counselling sessions in a shelter, while an investigation has been launched.

  • Security Operatives Intercept 42 Children in Benue State as NAPTIP warns Against Trafficking

    Security Operatives Intercept 42 Children in Benue State as NAPTIP warns Against Trafficking

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    At least fourty two children from Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State who were intercepted by security Operatives in Gboko Local Government over alleged trafficking have been reportedly taken the NAPTIP zonal office, Makurdi.

    It was learned that the Joint Patrol team popularly known as Operation Zenda intercepted the children while they were being taken to Osun State for trafficking purposes.

    Findings by Day Break indicated that children who are between the ages of 12 and 16 have already been profiled by the agency.

    The Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Makurdi zonal office, Mrs Gloria Bai said they were on top of the situation, adding that investigation was still in progress.

    According to the Commander, the arrangement to convey the victims to Osun State was made by one of the family members who is currently living in Osun State who came and spoke to the parents of the victims who released the children to them.

    ” They came home and talked to the parents in that locality and they released their children to them” with the believe that they were going to obtain Western education as explained by their relatives who came from Osun.

    Mrs Bai contended that it was a punishable offense to release children of below the age of 16 under that arrangement, cautioning parents against being deceived by traffickers.

    The Commander maintained that the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Mr Steve Ayua has been briefed by the agency on the need to counsel the parents of the affected children to check their actions.

    Investigation showed that the children have been united with their families.

  • NAPTIP reunites two trafficked children with their parents

    NAPTIP reunites two trafficked children with their parents

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has reunited two trafficked children with their parents.

    The children under the age of 4 were abducted in Lafia, Nassarawa state in May 2021 and sold to different women in Anambra state.

    One of the child was resold from Anambra state to Abuja. Both children had their identities changed from Sherif Umar to Chigumezu Njoku and Abdullahi Adamu to Chibueze Daniel.

    Handing over the children to their parents at the headquarters of NAPTIP, on Thursday, October 21, the Director General Fatima Waziri-Azi called on parents to ensure adequate protection of their children.

    She also called on the public to be aware of the new trick and trend of traffickers who come into the community and familiarise and earn the trust of community before perpetrating their nefarious act.

  • Buhari appoints Basheer Mohammed as NAPTIP DG

    Buhari appoints Basheer Mohammed as NAPTIP DG

    President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday appointed Basheer Mohammed as the new Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.

    Mohammed will take over from Mrs. Imaan Suleiman who will also take over from him as the Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement titled, ‘President Buhari swaps heads of agencies under Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.’

    The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the swapping of positions by two heads of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

    “This is in order to realise and sustain government’s abiding desire for effective and efficient service delivery in the two organisations.

    “Consequently, Mrs. Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim the current Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons takes over from Sen. Basheer Garba Mohammed as the Honourable Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, while Senator Mohammed becomes the new Director-General of NAPTIP.

    “The President further directs that the changes should be effected after comprehensive handover notes to successors.”

  • NAPTIP seeks effective collaboration with Nasarawa Assembly to tackle trafficking, other human rights violations in the state

    NAPTIP seeks effective collaboration with Nasarawa Assembly to tackle trafficking, other human rights violations in the state

    Abel Leonard/ Lafia

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons ( NAPTIP) has solicited for the support of the  Nasarawa State House of Assembly to enable it succeed in tackling trafficking and other similar human rights violations in the state.

    Hajiya Saadatu Galadima,  Nasarawa State Commander NAPTIP  stated this when she paid a courtesy call on the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Mohammed Adamu  Omdefu today in Lafia.

    She said that the agency  was created in  2003  in order to tackle human trafficking in the country.

    “We are here to solicit for your support to enable the agency achieve its mandate of tackling human trafficking and other human related crimes in the country and the state in particular.

    “We are also here to seek for your partnership as collectively we will fight human crime in the state and the country at large.

    “We want to continue with this campaign  down to the grassroots in the interest of development of the state and the country at large’ ” she said.

    The commmader  has commended Gov Abdullahi Sule for supporting the activities of the agency and called  for its sustenance. 

    Responding, Hon Mohammed Adamu Omadefu ( APC- Keana),  the Chairman, House Committee on Information commended the agency’s boss for the visit and  assured of the House readiness to support the agency to succeed especially that she is the pioneer head of the agency in the state.

    “I want to assure you that we will do our best to support your agency to tackle human trafficking in the state.

    “As  recently, Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed into law a Bill which prohibits all forms of violence against persons, provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims.

    “We will support your agency to succeed,” he said.

    The Chairman has assured of continued commitment to tackle all forms of violence and crime against humanity in the state.

  • Plateau State To Partner NAPTIP In Fighting Human Trafficking As Governor Lalong Meets New NAPTIP Boss

    Plateau State To Partner NAPTIP In Fighting Human Trafficking As Governor Lalong Meets New NAPTIP Boss

    Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim says the agency is opening up new visters of partnership that will embrace more institutions and donors towards tackling the crimes of trafficking in human beings which is on the rise.
    The DG stated this when she met with Governor Simon Lalong in Abuja to seek ways of collaboration in her new task.
    She said the Agency has commenced a wider consultation with State governments and other critical stakeholders in building a solid platform for preventive approach to the fight against trafficking. This she said was the best way to go because the situation where victims are traumatised and negatively affected before rehabilitation is reactive and does not go far.
    The NAPTIP boss said it was cheaper and more profitable for human trafficking rings to be identified and disrupted while the victims are protected rather than allowed to undergo harrowing experiences with some of them losing their lives. 
    She commended Governor Lalong for being one of the first in the country to sign into law the VAAP Act and Child’s Rights Law which are major instruments for the fight against human trafficking and other violent crimes against children and other persons. 
    Governor Lalong who congratulated the NAPTIP boss over her appointment said the issue of human trafficking has taken many dimensions with various individuals and organised groups participating to make profit from the misfortune of others.
    He said the situation is made worse by poverty, ignorance and greed where even some parents abdicate their responsibilities by putting their children in harm’s way in a bid to make money.
    Governor Lalong assured the NAPTIP DG that he will not only support her efforts in Plateau State, but will use his position as the Chairman, Northern Governor’s Forum to mobilise his colleagues towards enhancing the work of the Agency. 

  • NAPTIP Setting Up West Africa Regional Training Academy In Nasarawa State

    NAPTIP Setting Up West Africa Regional Training Academy In Nasarawa State

    By Abel Leonard/ Lafia

    Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has disclosed plans to establish a regional training academy for the entire West Africa in Nasarawa State.

    Director General of NAPTIP, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim,discloses this when she led her team on a courtesy call at the Lafia Government House, Monday.

    The Dg. commended Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for supporting the agency carry out its mandate, specifically for accepting the agency establish its regional training academy, which will service the whole of West Africa.

    Hajiya Imaan explained that she was in Nasarawa State, to team up with the government, to stem the twin evil of human trafficking and irregular migration in the state and across the country, added that NAPTIP is collaborating with the state governments, to set-up taskforce under the supervision of the state governors, to further consolidate to the efforts of the agency.

    According to her, and “as part of the efforts, NAPTIP is setting up to three state taskforce in Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau within the week. Part of the reason for the visit of the NAPTIP DG, was to witness the inauguration of the 19-member Nasarawa State taskforce on human trafficking.

    In a swift response, Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, expressed appreciation for the NAPTIP to select Nasarawa as location for its regional training academy, stressing that the state deserves to host such facility mostly because of her proximity to the federal capital.

    Sule While assuring NAPTIP of the continued support by his administration, added that his government is already looking for a site to carry out the project in Karu Local Government Council, assured that once the land is made available, government will immediately fence it for the agency.

    Speaking on the mandate of the agency, Engr. Sule promised to reach out to his governor colleagues, to understand the importance of the protection of children, women and protection against rape, informing the delegation from the agency that already, the state has death penalty to serve as deterrent to would-be rapists, even as he restated the commitment of his administration to fight the evil.

    “In Nasarawa State, we already signed the anti-rape law last year and we have already started working on that. We have also signed both the child’s protection and violence against women laws,” he said.

    His Excellency made it practically clear that with such laws in place, the state government is ready to work with NAPTIP to
    Inaugurate the state taskforce on human trafficking, expressed confidence that the committee will be active as it goes about its responsibilities.

    The taskforce will be headed by the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice as Chairman, while the Zonal Commandant of NAPTIP will serve as Co-Chairman.

  • Uyo NAPTIP nabs four for illegal sale of baby

    Uyo NAPTIP nabs four for illegal sale of baby

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Uyo Zonal  Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested four suspects for child trafficking.

    In a statement by Mr Nduka Nwanwenne, Uyo Zonal Coordinator of NAPTIP yesterday, Mrs Eno Ime (35), Mr Ita Udofia(45), Mrs Juliana Effiong (40) and Mrs.Nneka Ejekwu were arrested for their involvement in the illegal sale of a new born baby without the consent of the mother.

    According to the statement, “one Mrs Eno Ime (35) a single mother of eight (8) children was apparently in difficulties of taking care of her full blown ninth pregnancy and her children. 

    “This situation made her to be in need and very vulnerable At this point, her neighbour, Mr. Ita Jacob Udofia (45) pretended to assist by introducing  her to one Mrs Juliana Effiong (40), the prime suspect who is a traditional birth attendant and quasi nurse based in Port-Harcourt.

    “The victim was sent some money through Mr. Udofia, to come over to Port-Harcourt to meet the prime suspect.In Port-Harcourt, the victim was administered with some drugs and was  delivered of a baby.The victim was further induced with drugs that put her in a coma after delivery.

    “When however she came around, she was informed that her baby was dead.She said she saw the sum of N250,000 in her handbag but handed over the money to one man to help her retrieve her baby.

    “Meanwhile, the suspect had arranged to handover the baby to one Mrs. Nneka Ejekwu, who had cryptic pregnancy.Mrs.Juliana Effiong was said to have been treating both Mr and Mrs. Ejekwu with fertility drugs to enable her conceive of a baby.

    “Having cornered the new born baby, Mrs Ejekwu, who  had earlier parted with the sum of one million and three hundred thousand ,(#1,300,000) was invited by Juliana and induced into labour. By the time she came around, she was presented with a new born baby of the victim as her baby.” It explained.

    The statement said that agency would not spare any effort in discouraging, arresting and  prosecuting perpetuators of such crime in the zone while promising to burst the syndicate involved in this latest offence.