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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, says Edo State remains a hotspot for sexual exploitation.

The agency also said that labour trafficking and organ harvesting have continued to thrive in the country.

DAILY POST reports that Mr Sam Offiah, Zonal Commander of NAPTIP in Benin, stated this on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, during a training for Parent-Teacher Association, PTA, executives from 40 schools in Edo State.

Offiah, represented by Mrs Joy Ojiewa, Head of NAPTIP’s Public Enlightenment Unit, noted that traffickers had become more sophisticated, shifting from street-level recruitment to calculated approaches that exploit trust within families.

He warned that traffickers have now deployed fake scholarships, fraudulent job offers, sextortion, online recruitment and baby factories to lure unsuspecting victims.

According to him, trafficking feeds on poverty, ignorance and the search for better opportunities, adding that criminals are now targeting parents directly, using deception to gain access to children.

He opined that prevention, driven by awareness, remained the most effective response, alongside protection, prosecution, partnership and policing.

In her remarks, Ms Daniella Ige, Junior Project Officer for School Anti-Human Trafficking Education and Advocacy, STEAP, project at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, ICMPD, in Edo, said parents have been mobilised across the state to take the fight against human trafficking into homes and communities.

Ige warned that traffickers are now targeting families directly with deceptive schemes.

She said the engagement, under the School Anti-Human Trafficking Education and Advocacy, STEAP, project, positioned parents as the first line of defence against the crime.

She added that the STEAP project is implemented by ICMPD in collaboration with NAPTIP, the Girls Power Initiative and the Edo State Ministry of Education.

The Junior Project Officer for STEAP explained that the project, funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands is aimed at dismantling trafficking networks through grassroots mobilisation and sustained community awareness.

“The engagement marked a strategic expansion of the anti-trafficking campaign to include parents, who are often the first point of contact for traffickers.

“We cannot succeed without parents. When they understand the tactics traffickers use, they can stop exploitation before it happens.

“The project expected PTA executives to drive sustained advocacy within their circles, turning awareness into community-wide action,” she added.

Ige added that the initiative was already recording impact.

Edo remains a hotspot for sexual exploitation — NAPTIP

The Presidency has berated the former Minister of Interior and Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, for calling for the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Earlier, the former Osun State Governor, while delivering a speech at the ongoing ADC National Convention in Abuja, described President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a […]

Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni has dismissed reports claiming he was suspended from the station, describing the allegation as false and misleading.

The rumour, which circulated online and was attributed to a post by High Chief Lawrence Igbins Okoro, alleged that Oseni was suspended following a disagreement with his superior during which he reportedly banged a table.

Reacting via his X account, Oseni firmly denied the claim, saying he is not facing any disciplinary action from his employers.

“This is a lie, the man is lying,” he wrote in one of his posts, adding, “I was not suspended, I am on a working visit to Germany.”

He further urged the public to disregard the report, insisting it was fabricated and calling for it to be reported.

“This is fake news, kindly report that account,” he added.

He maintained that he remains on official assignment and has not been suspended by Arise News.

Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni reacts to reports of suspension

The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, has launched a stern attack on the All Progressives Congres, APC, administration, describing its Renewed Hope Agenda as a “classic scam”.

Speaking at the ongoing ADC National Convention in Abuja on Tuesday, the former Minister of Interior called on President Bola Tinubu to resign, citing worsening insecurity and economic hardship across the country.

Aregbesola accused the APC government of mismanaging the economy and failing to deliver on key promises.

According to him, the naira has significantly depreciated since 2023, while fuel prices have surged, placing severe strain on Nigerians.

“When exactly will this hope come to fruition? The answer is simple. It is a scam. The answer is what? A scam! If allowed, this regime will continue shouting renewed hope into eternity. We have the duty to stop scammers from retaining power,” he declared.

The former Osun State governor also criticised the government’s handling of electricity supply, claiming that many parts of the country now receive only a few hours of power daily, with some communities experiencing prolonged blackouts.

He further alleged that the APC-led administration has normalised “criminality” within the electoral system and accused it of undermining democratic principles.

On security, Aregbesola condemned the rising wave of violent attacks nationwide, describing the situation as evidence of leadership failure.

“The administration told Nigerians that if it does not solve the power problem by providing a constant power supply, it should not be voted for a second time.

“Today, power supply is far worse with some parts of the country receiving an average of two hours daily. Some other parts also receive an average of two hours daily, while others have been in darkness for weeks and months.

“Ordinarily, having made such a promise and performed woefully, an honest president should simply step down and not seek re-election. Rather, what we are witnessing is the most desperate attempt by a candidate in Nigerian electoral history to retain power at all costs, even if it means undermining the entire democratic system.

“Distinguished delegates and our rival leaders, four years ago, this government promised Nigerians renewed hope for a better future. Now, three years into its four-year term, it still makes promises and offers renewed hope,” he added.

Aregbesola also raised concerns over increasing poverty levels and the growing number of out-of-school children.

Positioning the ADC as an alternative, Aregbesola said the party was on a “rescue mission” to reclaim Nigeria from what he described as the “strangulating grip” of the ruling party.

He urged Nigerians to support the ADC, warning that remaining neutral in the country’s current political climate amounts to complicity.

“We cannot allow this continued drift into hopelessness,” he said.

Renewed Hope Agenda a scam, Tinubu should resign — Rauf Aregbesola

A coroner’s inquest into the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has been adjourned to May 5, following procedural lapses by parties involved in the case. Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, presiding over the inquest instituted by the Lagos State Judiciary, announced the adjournment on Tuesday at the JIC Taylor […]

The United States military has said it is enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports, with the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reporting that no vessels departing Iranian ports breached the restriction within the first 24 hours of operations.

CENTCOM stated that the operation began on Monday, April 13, following the collapse of weekend peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, reportedly returned without a deal after Iran refused to commit to ending its nuclear weapons programme, which Washington considers a red line.

According to CENTCOM, the blockade is being enforced against all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal waters, including in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

It said six merchant vessels complied with instructions and turned back into Iranian ports.

The command also clarified that freedom of navigation remains in place for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz that are not bound for Iranian ports.

However, independent ship-tracking data has raised questions about the extent of enforcement.

BBC Verify reported that several vessels linked to Iran were seen crossing the Strait of Hormuz during the same period.

MarineTraffic and other tracking platforms also recorded multiple vessel movements through the waterway, including tankers associated with Iran’s oil trade.

Iran has described the blockade as an “act of piracy” and a violation of its sovereignty, warning that its forces would respond to any perceived military escalation near its waters.

Iranian officials have also said the country remains open to diplomacy under international law.

The operation has not been joined by key Western allies, with the United Kingdom, France, and Germany declining participation.

Instead, they are pursuing a separate maritime security initiative focused on freedom of navigation in the region.

Oil prices rose following the announcement, with Brent crude and U.S. crude both recording gains as markets reacted to potential disruption in one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

The situation remains fluid as CENTCOM maintains that enforcement is ongoing and maritime activity in the region continues under close monitoring.

U.S. Military Enforces Iranian Port Blockade, CENTCOM Reports No Breaches is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has said he will give new players chance to impress at the Unity Cup, DAILY POST reports.

Nigeria, Zimbabwe, India and Jamaica will participate in the invitational tournament in England next month.

The Super Eagles will face the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the competition’s opening fixture at the Valley, home ground of Charlton Athletic on Tuesday, May 26.

Defenders Benjamin Fredrick, and Igoh Ogbuh were discovered during last year’s edition.

Chelle, who will be aiming to lead the Super Eagles to a successful title defence has promised to invite new faces for the tournament.

“The Unity Cup provides a platform to assess new players. I will comb Europe, and invite new players of Nigerian descent, alongside those who were previously called up but never got the chance to feature, Chelle told the Super Eagles media.

Chelle named 10 home-based players in his squad for the competition last year.

The Malian has also promised to repeat same strategy this time around.

“Top players from the Nigeria Premier Football League will also be considered as I will be watching a number of domestic games from now until the end of the season,” he added.

The Super Eagles will also keep a date with Poland and Portugal in two other friendlies in June.

Chelle revealed regular members of the team will be feature in the high profile friendlies

“For the big warm up game in June against Poland and Portugal ,I will feature my first team players. These are the games that can push up global ranking if we win them,” the former stated.

Super Eagles: Chelle outlines plan for Unity Cup, Poland, Portugal friendlies

The Jigawa State Government has introduced a cross-border water strategy aimed at preventing recurring clashes between farmers and herders in border communities.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Hamisu Muhammad, Chief Press Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, and issued to journalists.

Governor Umar Namadi disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the Strategic Intelligence Management Institute, led by Ambassador M.D. Aliyu, during a courtesy visit at Government House, Dutse.

The governor said the seasonal movement of cattle and camels from neighbouring Niger Republic, especially during harsh weather conditions, often puts pressure on local resources and creates tension between farmers and pastoralists.

According to him, the state government responded by providing water facilities across the border to enable herders remain in their areas longer until crops are harvested in Jigawa communities.

He explained that the measure has significantly reduced disputes over farmland and grazing routes, while improving peaceful coexistence among affected communities.

Governor Namadi noted that the initiative forms part of the administration’s broader strategy of addressing security challenges through preventive, intelligence-driven, and community-based solutions rather than waiting for crises to occur.

He added that Jigawa’s relative peace, despite its location near volatile areas, is the result of deliberate policies, close collaboration with security agencies, and continuous engagement with border residents.

The governor assured the visiting delegation of the state government’s support, expressing confidence that the outcome of the study tour would help strengthen security strategies in Jigawa and across the country.

Earlier, Ambassador M.D. Aliyu said Jigawa was selected for the study visit because of its unique border dynamics and effective security management model.

He explained that the programme is designed to expose senior security and intelligence officers to practical solutions for tackling illegal migration, smuggling, and other transnational crimes.

Jigawa adopts cross-border water strategy to reduce farmer, herder clashes

The House of Representatives on Tuesday directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend forthwith disbursements to ZTE Corporation pending satisfactory explanations on the execution of the $460 million Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The resolution was passed during the resumed investigative hearing held at the instance […]

Former Kaduna State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has distanced himself from reports regarding his political aspirations.

There are reports that El-Rufai will run for President in 2027.

In a statement issued by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai clarified that the remarks were attributed to an individual described as a political associate and were not authorised by him.

“Disclaimer. Malam Nasir El-Rufai wishes to dissociate himself from comments regarding political aspirations which have been attributed to someone described by the media as a political associate.

“He did not authorise such comments.

“Throughout his public life, Mallam Nasir @elrufai has been known for the frank articulation of his views. He is not about to outsource the expression of his political views and thoughts to others.

“His public communication would continue to be issued directly by him or through his authorised spokesperson,” the statement read.

I did not authorize it – El-Rufai debunks reports on political ambition