NAPTIP DG engages Deaf Community in effort to combat Human Trafficking

In a significant step towards inclusivity in the fight against human trafficking, the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, today met with representatives from the Deaf Community to discuss their role in counter-trafficking efforts.   The group, led by Mr. Nelson Chukwuemeka Umezurike, National Vice Chairman of the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf, along with other leaders such as Fassasi Monsurat, National Women Leader; Mr. Ayoade Beyioku-Ajose, Chairman of the Abuja Association of the Deaf; and Ashiru Abubakar,…

Tanker Explosion: NNPCL sympathizes with victims, urges caution

A tragic petrol tanker explosion at Dikko-Maje Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Road in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has left several people dead and many others injured. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, involved individuals attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker when the explosion occurred. In response to the incident, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has expressed its deep sympathy to the victims and their families. The company’s Executive Vice President, Downstream, Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi, visited the General Hospital in Sabon Wuse, Niger State,…

Military Forces Dislodge Bello Turji’s Camp in Zamfara, Kill Son, others in Decisive Offensive

In a major breakthrough, combined ground and air troops under Operation Fansan Yamma have intensified their offensive against notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, dismantling his stronghold in Fakai, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The latest military operation resulted in the death of Turji’s son and several key associates, marking a significant blow to his criminal network.   The operation, described as one of the most strategic in recent times, targeted multiple bandit camps, including Zangon Dan Gwandi, Zangon Tsaika, Zangon Kagara, and a school used by Turji’s group…

Tinubu lauds Customs CG Adewale Adeniyi on 60th Birthday, Highlights Key Achievements

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to Adewale Adeniyi, the 14th Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on his 60th birthday, celebrated on January 19, 2025.   In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised Adeniyi’s leadership since his appointment in June 2023.   The President noted that under Adeniyi’s stewardship, the NCS has undergone significant transformation, marked by the digitalisation and automation of its operations, a renewed focus on professionalism, and enhanced morale among…

Revisiting Obaseki’s Dark Legacies By Fred Itua

Edo State has had its fair share of political drama, but the exposés surrounding former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration are giving Nollywood a run for its money. From land-grabbing sagas to oil palm scandals, the State has been left reeling from a cocktail of alleged mismanagement and shady dealings. Enter Governor Monday Okpebholo, the man now tasked with cleaning up the mess.   Let’s call a spade a spade. The administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki was notorious for acts that flagrantly undermined the interests of Edo State. While his…

Police Clamp Down on Miscreants in Minna, 7 Arrested

In a decisive effort to tackle rising criminal activities in Minna metropolis, the Niger State Police Command has arrested seven individuals involved in various criminal acts, including possession of weapons and illicit substances.   On 16th January 2025, around 6 pm, officers from the Kpakungu Division apprehended a suspect, Yusuf Yahaya, 19, from Fadikpe, found carrying a long sharp cutlass. This arrest followed ongoing operations targeting thuggery and other vices within the city.   The previous day, 15th January 2025, at about 12:50 am, the Minna Area Command arrested two…

IGP Approves Distribution of Uniforms, Kits to Police Officers

In a significant move to enhance the welfare of officers, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the distribution of new uniforms and kits to personnel of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). This initiative is part of the IGP’s ongoing efforts to improve the working conditions and morale of police officers across the country.   The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday. According to the statement, this initiative aligned with the IGP’s vision of fostering professionalism and better…

NITDA,NFIU collaborate to Bolster Nigeria’s AML/CFT Framework

In a concerted effort to strengthen Nigeria’s financial system and enhance its global standing, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) have launched a collaborative initiative, Project Exit, aimed at upgrading NFIU’s Data Management System and Compliance Platform. This strategic move followed the Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) of Nigeria, which revealed critical gaps in data availability and statistical analysis, impeding the nation’s ability to effectively manage Money Laundering (ML) and Terrorism Financing (TF) risks. These deficiencies led to Nigeria being placed on the…

Dozens Feared Dead, Many Injured as Tanker Explodes Near Dikko Junction Market

A tragic tanker explosion occurred on Saturday morning near Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, close to the popular Dikko Saturday Market along the Abuja/Kaduna Highway. The petrol tanker, which overturned and spilled its contents, erupted into flames, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries.   Eyewitnesses reported that several people, including a pregnant woman and a mother with a one-week-old baby, were burned to death while attempting to scoop fuel from the tanker. A traveler heading to Minna estimated that over 30 people lost…

NEPAD Bill: National Coordinator urges Senate to Fast-Track Passage for Enhanced Operations

By James Isaac   The National Coordinator of the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), Hon. Jabiru Salisu Tsauri, has called for a collaborative effort between the legislature and the executive to ensure the timely passage of the NEPAD Bill. Tsauri emphasized that executive sponsorship of the bill would expedite its passage, enabling the agency to better deliver on its mandate. During the 2025 budget defense session before the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, led by Senator Nasiru Sani Zangon Daura, Tsauri…