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NAPTIP arrests eight human trafficking suspects, rescues 29 foreign victims in Abuja

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8 months ago

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The operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have arrested eight persons suspected to be members of the notorious human trafficking syndicate operating between Nigeria and Ghana and rescued 29 suspects, most of whom are foreign nationals of West African countries.

The operation was carried out at a popular apartment located in the hidden part of Gwagwalada, the suburb of Abuja, following an intelligence report by one of the Foreign Embassies in Abuja.

The latest development came barely a few days after the Agency disrupted another trafficking arrangement in Abuja and rescued 25 women en route to Saudi Arabia, for domestic exploitation.

Detailed investigation revealed that the Agency received an official intelligence from the Ghanaian Embassy concerning a suspected case of human trafficking involving a Ghanaian national.

According to the Embassy, the victim was allegedly recruited in Ghana under false pretenses and transported to Nigeria, where he was subjected to exploitation.

The Embassy requested the Agency’s urgent intervention in line with existing bilateral cooperation agreements and anti-trafficking frameworks.

The victim was allegedly defrauded of USD 3,500 by a suspected trafficking syndicate that had promised him legitimate opportunities in Nigeria.

Upon his arrival in Nigeria, the traffickers confiscated his international passport and personal belongings, leaving him vulnerable and at the mercy of the syndicate.

This report triggered immediate operational action in compliance with the Agency’s mandate to prevent, suppress, and prosecute trafficking in persons as provided under national and international legal frameworks.

During the raid, a total of eight suspects were apprehended.

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The suspects are believed to be members of an organised trafficking network operating between Ghana and Nigeria. They are currently in custody, undergoing profiling and interrogation.

Also, 29 victims comprising of 20 females aged between 17–28 and 9 males aged between 18–30, were successfully rescued. They were immediately taken into protective custody.

The international passport and other personal belongings of the primary victim were recovered during the operation. Other materials suspected to be linked to trafficking activities were also seized, including mobile phones, SIM cards, and financial transaction records.

Further investigation revealed that the victims whose temporary permits had since expired were trafficked to Nigeria by the syndicate for alleged sexual exploitation and cybercrime activities.

While the 29 rescued victims have been transferred to a safe shelter where they are receiving immediate assistance, the Agency has commenced discussions with the relevant diplomatic missions for the foreign nationals among the rescued persons.

Speaking on the latest development, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, decried the activities of the trans-border human traffickers and the new trends of foreign nationals as victims.

“This case highlights the transnational dimension of human trafficking and the vulnerabilities of individuals seeking better opportunities across borders,” Bello said.

“The swift intervention by the Agency, in collaboration with the Ghanaian Embassy, demonstrates the importance of timely intelligence sharing and coordinated law enforcement response.

“The suspects in this case will face the full wrath of the law, and just like I warned a few weeks ago, the atmosphere in Nigeria will continue to be tough for them to operate.

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“We shall continue to disrupt their operation, intercept and rescue the victims, and also prosecute them.

“The Agency remains committed to its mandate of ensuring justice for victims, dismantling trafficking networks, and strengthening partnerships at both national and international levels to eradicate human trafficking.”

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Crime

Gunshots Fired Near Trump, US President Rushed To Safety

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8 hours ago

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April 26, 2026

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Panic erupted on Saturday night after gunshots were fired near Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., forcing security operatives to evacuate the president and guests.

It was reports that the incident occurred at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where hundreds of guests had gathered for the annual black-tie event.

The suspect was apprehended at a screening area just outside the ballroom.

Confirming the development, Trump said, “Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended.”

Tactical teams reportedly stormed the venue with weapons drawn, taking control of the stage area shortly after the evacuation. Police units surrounded the hotel, while helicopters hovered overhead.

In a post on social media, Trump assured that top government officials were unharmed.

“Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises… The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition,” he said.

He added that he would address the public shortly at the White House and pledged to reschedule the event within a month.

The shooting occurred after the welcome address and during dinner, just before Trump was due to speak.

Although organisers initially indicated the event would continue, it was later postponed following the security scare.

A cabinet official, Mehmet Oz, said he heard gunfire during the incident.

“Shots fired upstairs,” he said while being escorted out by security personnel.

The Washington Hilton Hotel has previously been the site of an assassination attempt on former President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

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Trump himself survived a shooting incident during a rally in Pennsylvania in 2024 and another security threat months later in Florida.

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, often referred to as the “Nerd Prom,” brings together journalists, media executives, and political figures for an annual fundraising event.

This marked Trump’s first attendance at the event while in office, despite years of strained relations with the media.

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Military inaugurates court martial for soldiers involved in alleged coup plot

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2 days ago

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April 24, 2026

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The Nigerian military has inaugurated a general court-martial to try 36 personnel who were alleged to have been involved in a plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Defense Headquarters inaugurated the court martial on Friday at the Scorpion Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, under heavy security.

The session was held behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the proceedings.

It was  reports that journalists, including accredited defence correspondents who had received prior invitations, were denied access to the venue.

Security personnel also barred the use of mobile phones to document the arrival of the 36 defendants, who were transported to the mess in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus at approximately 8:53 am.

The military proceedings are unfolding alongside parallel criminal charges filed by the Federal Government against civilians involved in the alleged coup plot at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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Court adjourns financial misappropriation case against Yahaya Bello to May 6

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2 days ago

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April 24, 2026

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Proceedings in the case involving former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, were on Thursday adjourned till May 6, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, represented the prosecution, while Bello was represented by his lead counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu.

During proceedings, the prosecution informed the court of the need for more time to respond to applications filed by the defence, while Bello’s legal team urged the court to consider their submissions and move the matter forward.

Justice Nwite, in his ruling, adjourned the case to May 6 to allow all parties to adequately prepare and ensure a fair hearing.

Mr Bello is currently facing charges bordering on alleged financial misappropriation during his tenure as governor, allegations he has repeatedly denied.

The case is expected to continue on the adjourned date.

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