NAPTIP Cracks Down on Traffickers as 23 Nigerians Return from Thailand - Newstrends
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NAPTIP Cracks Down on Traffickers as 23 Nigerians Return from Thailand

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NAPTIP

NAPTIP Cracks Down on Traffickers as 23 Nigerians Return from Thailand

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued and repatriated 23 Nigerian youths trafficked to Thailand, exposing what authorities describe as a disturbing new dimension of human trafficking linked to forced cybercrime operations in Southeast Asia.

The development was disclosed in Abuja by the agency’s Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, Vincent Adekoye, who said the operation was carried out in collaboration with Eden (Myanmar), the British Government, civil society partners in South Asia, and the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok.

According to NAPTIP, the victims were lured abroad with false promises of scholarships and lucrative employment opportunities, only to be trafficked to countries including Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. Upon arrival, they were allegedly forced into cyber-enabled crimes such as romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and investment scams, targeting individuals and organisations in the United States, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, and Canada.

The agency revealed that the returnees have already arrived in Nigeria and are currently undergoing profiling, medical screening, and psychosocial support as part of their rehabilitation and reintegration process.

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NAPTIP Director-General, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, described the trend as a dangerous shift in trafficking tactics, noting that traffickers now target young Nigerians with computer and IT skills, particularly those perceived as disciplined and focused. She said victims were promised scholarships or technology-based jobs abroad but were instead trained to execute online fraud schemes while being closely monitored in confined facilities.

Adamu-Bello further raised alarm over disturbing allegations made by some of the victims during interrogation. She disclosed that individuals who resisted participating in the fraudulent activities were reportedly subjected to severe punishment. Some were allegedly confined in a facility described as a “dark room,” while there were claims that others were killed or had their organs harvested — particularly younger victims with no history of smoking.

Describing the situation as a troubling evolution of transnational organised crime, the NAPTIP boss reiterated her earlier warning that traffickers would face tougher consequences. She pledged improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and enhanced international partnerships to dismantle the syndicates behind the operations.

She also commended the role played by the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok, which facilitated the repatriation process, including the issuance of Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs) for affected victims.

The latest rescue underscores growing concerns about Nigerian youths being trafficked to Southeast Asia for forced involvement in online scams. Authorities have repeatedly warned that criminal networks exploit unemployment and economic vulnerability to lure young Nigerians abroad under deceptive recruitment schemes.

NAPTIP urged Nigerians, especially job seekers, to verify overseas employment offers through appropriate government channels and report suspicious activities to the agency. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens from human trafficking, cyber exploitation, and other forms of organised international crime.

NAPTIP Cracks Down on Traffickers as 23 Nigerians Return from Thailand

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How Gunmen Storm Akure Clinic, Abduct Three Health Workers

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How Gunmen Storm Akure Clinic, Abduct Three Health Workers

Akure, Ondo State – In a brazen late-night raid, armed men abducted three health workers from a Primary Health Clinic in Ijebu, a suburb of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The security guard on duty, Olawale Yaya, told TVC News that the attackers executed the operation with alarming precision. According to him, the assailants arrived in a high-end SUV, which he identified as either a Toyota Venza or a Lexus. The vehicle was parked outside the clinic before the abduction.

“They took three staff members. The gunmen parked on the road. They came with an expensive jeep. It looks like a Toyota Venza or Lexus SUV. It’s not a small sedan car. It’s an SUV. It’s not a bus. It’s a high-end SUV. The gunmen even pressed a button to open the boot. After opening it, they forced the three people inside and drove off,” Yaya recounted.

The attackers specifically targeted staff members who were on duty, assaulting them before forcing them into the boot of their vehicle. The guard described the assailants’ familiarity with the vehicle as “disturbing,” noting how they effortlessly operated the automatic boot before making their escape.

Security agencies in the state have been alerted, and investigations are ongoing to locate the kidnapped health workers and apprehend the perpetrators.

 

How Gunmen Storm Akure Clinic, Abduct Three Health Workers

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How Hijab-Wearing Woman Allegedly Abducts Suya Seller’s Daughter in Delta

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Delta Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Edafe Bright,

How Hijab-Wearing Woman Allegedly Abducts Suya Seller’s Daughter in Delta

A 33-year-old suya seller, Abubakar Isiaka, has made a passionate appeal to security agencies and members of the public to assist in locating his three-year-old daughter, who was abducted in Delta State.

The child, identified as Sheripha, aged three years and eight months, was reportedly taken on March 7, 2026, during a burial ceremony in Ogwashi-Uku.

According to the distraught father, the incident occurred amidst the gathering when an unidentified woman wearing a hijab allegedly lured the child away. The suspect reportedly took advantage of the busy environment to carry out the act without raising immediate suspicion.

Isiaka explained that all efforts to locate his daughter since the incident have been unsuccessful, leaving the family in deep distress. He noted that the sudden disappearance of the child has thrown the entire household into emotional turmoil.

“We have searched everywhere and asked around, but there has been no trace of her,” he said, pleading for urgent intervention from security operatives.

The case has reportedly been brought to the attention of relevant authorities, while local residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and report any useful information that could lead to the rescue of the child.

Members of the public with credible information have been encouraged to assist law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safe return of the young girl.

How Hijab-Wearing Woman Allegedly Abducts Suya Seller’s Daughter in Delta

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Nigerian Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, Dies Suddenly in US

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Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli
Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli

Nigerian Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, Dies Suddenly in US 

A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, has died suddenly in the United States, sparking grief among the Catholic faithful in both Nigeria and abroad.

Fr. Oli reportedly slumped and passed away while taking a walk on Thursday, March 26, 2026. His death was confirmed in an official statement released on Friday, March 27, by the Catholic Diocese of Awka.

The statement, signed by the diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi, disclosed that the late cleric was serving as the Administrator of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Faith, South Dakota, at the time of his passing.

“He was ordained on August 23, 2008. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon. May the soul of Rev. Fr. Michael Oli rest in peace, Amen,” the statement read.

Further confirmation came from Scott Bullock, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, who described the priest’s death as sudden and deeply saddening.

In a message to clergy and faithful, Bishop Bullock stated that Fr. Oli died on the morning of March 26 and was serving as pastor of St. Joseph in Faith, St. Joseph in Mud Butte, and St. Anthony in Red Owl, all in western South Dakota.

The bishop revealed that local authorities have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the priest’s death. According to him, the Deputy Sheriff of Meade County has ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause.

“At this point, we do not know the cause of death, only that he had not been feeling well,” Bishop Bullock said.

He urged priests within the diocese to offer three Masses for the repose of Fr. Oli’s soul, in line with Catholic tradition.

The late priest’s sudden death has drawn condolences from parishioners, clergy, and members of the Catholic community, who have described him as a dedicated servant of God committed to pastoral service both in Nigeria and the United States.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the church authorities in due course.

Nigerian Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, Dies Suddenly in US

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