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24 trafficked victims rescued at Abuja airport, 5 suspects arrested
24 trafficked victims rescued at Abuja airport, 5 suspects arrested
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against human trafficking.
According to the Director-General of the agency, Binta Bello, a special operation carried out at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja led to the rescue of 24 victims and the arrest of five suspected traffickers.
In a statement released on Wednesday by NAPTIP’s National Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, the operation was described as a “high-powered coordinated action” aimed at dismantling trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation.
According to the statement, among the suspected human traffickers arrested at the airport was a retired senior uniform officer with one of the foremost law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, who was alleged to be a prominent member of the trafficking syndicate operating within the South West region.
The agency described the development as a continuation of the newly unveiled anti-human trafficking efforts and onslaught against human trafficking by the Director General, targeting recruitment hubs, trafficking spots, and routes within Nigeria.
Following reported increased cases of recruitment and trafficking of Nigerians for various forms of exploitation both within and outside the country, Bello had, a few months ago, ordered a step-up surveillance and monitoring of all parts of the country with greater attention on motor parks, waterways in the coastal states, as well as international airports.
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The latest raid followed a tip-off from concerned stakeholders and partners who alerted to an influx of suspected human trafficking victims at the international airport, Abuja, and the unwholesome activities of some suspected traffickers.
At the end of nearly six hours of operation, NAPTIP said the human trafficking activities were “completely disrupted”.
The victims whose ages ranged between 15 years to 26 years were recruited from Kano, Kastina, Oyo, Ondo, and Rivers States, and were heading to Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Afghanistan.
While a good number of the victims could not communicate in any other language apart from their dialect, others were said to be unable to be aware of the location of their intended country of destination.
“They told my mother that they are taking me to Europe, where I will work and earn dollars. My parent were happy and they allowed me to follow them”, one of them said.
It was another mild drama at the Headquarters of NAPTIP as one of the victims vowed to ensure the prosecution of her father for deceiving her into embarking on the journey. This was after the Director General had personally counseled the victims and enlightened them with a series of video clips of some stranded Nigerians and those on life support after being exploited at the destination Countries.
The victim said, “I struggled to hold my emotions while watching the video of those girls who were being maltreated and beaten by the traffickers. If that is what awaits me there, I will not go. I am seriously annoyed with my father because he deceived me. My father told me that his friend has a job for me at a supermarket in Baghdad. He did not tell me that it is in Iraq. I know that Iraq is not a good place to work for now to work due to the crisis there, but I did not know that Baghdad is in Iraq. I thank DG and her officers for rescuing me, pls, I just need my Passport, I want to go back to my town and settle. I will certainly make it here rather than suffer in another country”, the victim, whose father was among the traffickers arrested, yielded in her local dialect.
Speaking on the development, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, expressed sadness over the activities of some suspected human traffickers and unregistered labour recruiters who have continued to deceive, recruit, and traffic Nigerians for various forms of exploitation.
“I am impressed with the outcome of the operation today because we were able to arrest five suspected members of the trafficking gang that have been recruiting and trafficking our citizens to various tension-soaked countries, especially in the Middle East, for exploitation.
“We observed that the Nnamdi Azikwe InternAational Airport is becoming a comfort zone for these traffickers, and that is why we have decided to shift attention to this airport. We will sustain this raid until they stop this unpatriotic and illicit trade in human beings.
“I was amazed that a father, who is a retired Law Enforcement Officer of senior Cadre, deceived his daughter and packaged her to be trafficked to Iraq for exploitation. This is incredibly unbelievable. Well, all of them will be thoroughly investigated, and they will face the law.
“I sincerely thank and appreciate the Director General of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Manager, and all the wonderful personnel of the authority for their support for us at NAPTIP. I also appreciate the collaboration of the Department of State Service operatives at the Airport, the Airport Security Personnel, Immigration Officers, and airline operators for their support.
“Human trafficking is a visible national concern, and we all must be on the same page to turn the heat on the traffickers. Our resolve to ensure the protection of Nigerians from all forms of exploitation is firm and resolute”, the Director General of NAPTIP declared.
24 trafficked victims rescued at Abuja airport, 5 suspects arrested
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EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus
EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed as false a viral “wanted” poster featuring popular Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus, describing it as fake, misleading, and the work of mischief-makers.
In a statement shared via its official social media platforms on Thursday, the anti-graft agency clearly stamped the circulating image “FAKE NEWS”, warning individuals responsible for spreading such content to desist. In a strongly worded caption, the EFCC wrote, “Clout chaser, stop this now!” — signaling frustration over the growing trend of misinformation online.
The doctored poster, which spread rapidly across social media, mimicked the official EFCC “wanted” notice format, including the agency’s logo and layout. It falsely claimed that Sabinus, allegedly aged 43, was wanted for obtaining money under false pretence, and even listed a supposed last known address in Victoria Island, Lagos State.
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However, further checks confirm that no such notice exists on any official EFCC platform, including its verified website and social media pages, which are the only legitimate channels through which the commission declares individuals wanted. The agency reiterated that all authentic wanted notices are publicly verifiable, urging Nigerians to rely on official sources before sharing sensitive claims.
The EFCC did not disclose whether it has identified those behind the fabricated poster but emphasized that the spread of false information could have serious legal and reputational consequences. The commission has, in recent years, intensified warnings against the circulation of fake news, impersonation of government agencies, and digital misinformation, particularly on social media.
Sabinus, a widely recognised entertainer known for his viral comedy skits and brand endorsements, commands a massive following both within Nigeria and internationally. As of the time of reporting, he has not publicly reacted to the incident.
The development highlights growing concerns about the misuse of digital platforms to create convincing but false narratives, especially involving public figures. Authorities continue to advise the public to verify information carefully and avoid amplifying unconfirmed reports that could harm individuals or undermine public trust.
EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus
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12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene
12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene
Tension and outrage have gripped Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State after a 12-year-old Junior Secondary School 2 student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, reportedly died following alleged bullying by a senior student over provisions. The incident, which began before the Easter break, has raised serious concerns about student safety and bullying in Nigerian schools.
The attack reportedly occurred when a Senior Secondary School 3 student demanded provisions from the younger pupil during terminal examinations. Godwin refused, saying he did not have enough to share. Witnesses allege that the senior student responded with physical violence, repeatedly striking Godwin on the neck and throat, causing him to faint multiple times. Other students only intervened after the assault escalated.
Godwin was initially hospitalized on Easter Sunday for a neck injury. He briefly regained consciousness but was later returned to school without his parents being informed of the seriousness of the incident. Upon returning home for the holiday, the boy began complaining of severe neck and throat pain. Despite taking pain relief medication at home, his condition worsened, prompting his father to rush him back to the hospital, where he tragically died. Medical personnel later confirmed that his death resulted from complications associated with blood clots around the neck and throat area.
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The school principal, Mr. Jude Ezeogu, described the incident as deeply unfortunate and confirmed that the school community is in mourning. He said a school management committee will meet to review the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and communicate their findings to the public.
The family of the deceased has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to investigate the matter and ensure justice. The boy’s father urged the authorities to intervene, saying he would provide more details at an appropriate time.
The tragic death of Ufokobong Edwin Godwin has reignited discussions about bullying, student protection, and campus safety across Nigeria, with parents and education stakeholders calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in boarding schools.
12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene
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Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Brigadier-General, Soldiers Killed as ISWAP Overruns Military Base
Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Brigadier-General, Soldiers Killed as ISWAP Overruns Military Base
A deadly assault by insurgents linked to Boko Haram and its Islamic State-backed faction, Islamic State West Africa Province, has left several Nigerian troops dead, including a senior commander, following a late-night attack on a military base in Borno State.
The fresh Boko Haram attack in Borno reportedly took place on Wednesday night at a Joint Task Force formation in Benisheikh, located in Kaga Local Government Area along the busy Damaturu–Maiduguri highway.
Among those killed in the attack was Brigadier-General O. O. Braimah, commander of the 29 Brigade, alongside several officers, soldiers, and the brigade’s Imam. His death marks a significant setback in ongoing counterinsurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East, with military sources describing the incident as one of the most intense recent assaults on a military formation in the region.
According to security sources, the attackers launched a coordinated assault using explosives and heavy gunfire, overwhelming troops after hours of intense fighting. The insurgents reportedly deployed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to breach the base, engaged soldiers in sustained gunfire, and targeted critical military infrastructure. The prolonged attack caused panic within the base and surrounding communities, with casualties feared to be high, although official figures have not yet been released.
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Several soldiers were seriously injured during the Boko Haram attack, while others are still unaccounted for. Rescue operations are ongoing as the military works to locate missing personnel and secure the area.
The latest incident highlights renewed violence by insurgent groups in Borno. In recent weeks, Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in Nigeria have intensified, targeting military bases, checkpoints, and civilian settlements. Security experts warn that the attack suggests growing operational strength of insurgents, increased vulnerability of remote military bases, and the need for improved intelligence and aerial surveillance.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement on the attack. However, reinforcements and surveillance operations have reportedly been deployed to the Benisheikh axis to prevent further attacks.
Despite years of military operations, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province continue to pose serious threats in Nigeria’s North-East. The Borno attack on soldiers underscores persistent insecurity and raises fresh concerns about the safety of military formations and personnel in the region.
Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Brigadier-General, Soldiers Killed as ISWAP Overruns Military Base
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