The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued and repatriated 23 Nigerian youths from Thailand, raising the alarm over a disturbing new wave of human trafficking to Southeast Asia for cyber-enabled crimes.
Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, disclosed that the victims were deceived and trafficked to countries including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, where they were forced into online fraud schemes such as romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and fake investment operations.
The rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with Eden (Myanmar), with critical support from the British Government and the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok, which facilitated emergency travel documentation for the victims.
Bello described the development as a “new and dangerous dimension” of human trafficking targeting young Nigerians with computer and IT skills.
“This is a new dimension of the human trafficking phenomenon that targets vibrant and intelligent Nigerians,” she said. “The traffickers go after boys and girls with skills, especially in IT, and even screen for those who do not smoke or drink. They promise scholarships and lucrative jobs.”
According to her, upon arrival in the destination countries, the victims were allegedly trained in different scamming techniques. Some were enrolled in language schools, particularly to learn Chinese, and later deployed as translators or “customer care” agents to lure unsuspecting victims abroad.
“They were compelled to target individuals and organisations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ethiopia and Canada for romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and other online crimes,” Bello revealed.
She said the victims were housed in tightly controlled facilities and constantly monitored. Those who failed to meet daily targets were allegedly subjected to severe punishment.
“The victims said they were accommodated in hostels with bunk beds and forced to work under strict surveillance. Some who refused to cooperate were tortured,” she added.
Describing the trend as deeply troubling, Bello said NAPTIP has reactivated its international networks to dismantle the trafficking syndicate and bring its masterminds to justice.
“We will not relent. With the support of our partners, this deadly trafficking ring will be dislodged and the ringleaders arrested,” she vowed.
The DG commended civil society organisations in the region, Eden (Myanmar), the British Government and the Nigerian Embassy in Thailand for their roles in securing the victims’ freedom.
The latest rescue comes weeks after Bello pledged intensified action against human trafficking networks preying on vulnerable Nigerians, signaling what she described as a renewed offensive against organised criminal elements.
Horror in Southeast Asia: NAPTIP Rescues 23 Nigerian Youths Trapped in Cybercrime Trafficking Ring
Don’t Starve Troops of Funds, Senate Warns FG Over Defence Budget Delays
The Senate has raised the alarm that delays in releasing defence funds could weaken Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, warning that postponing military financing gives criminals and terrorists the upper hand.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence and former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, sounded the warning in Abuja during the 2026 budget defence session with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa.
Lawan said any delay in releasing funds to the Armed Forces and other security agencies could undermine ongoing efforts to tackle kidnappers, bandits and terrorists terrorising parts of the country.
“It is defence; you cannot postpone the implementation of the defence budget because that gives an edge to the enemy,” Lawan declared.
He stressed that the National Assembly was committed to ensuring that the military receives the resources required to protect lives and property.
“We are prepared on this side of government to ensure that our Armed Forces are given the resources they need,” he said.
According to him, security agencies must be properly equipped to win the war against insecurity.
“They need the tools and weapons to fight. If we can provide those, we are committed to giving them the means to effectively combat insecurity,” he added.
However, the former Senate President expressed concern over the slow pace of implementing the 2025 defence budget, questioning how the government intends to effectively execute the 2026 proposal if the current challenges persist.
In his response, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, acknowledged that security challenges remain across the country but assured lawmakers that the ministry is determined to improve performance.
“Challenges are still there, but we are hoping to do better,” Musa said, attributing progress recorded so far to the support and cooperation of the National Assembly.
The exchange comes amid heightened security concerns nationwide, with the Senate insisting that timely funding remains critical to strengthening the country’s defence architecture.
Cash Boost for Traders, Farmers as FG Relaunches GEEP 3.0 in FCT
Traders, artisans, farmers, women and youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are set for fresh financial relief as the Federal Government officially relaunched the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) 3.0.
Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, who flagged off the programme in Abuja alongside the FarmerMoni Dry and Wet Season disbursement, said the initiative would energise small businesses, increase household incomes and strengthen communities.
Describing the scheme as a key pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Mahmoud said GEEP 3.0 is targeted at fighting poverty and promoting inclusive economic growth at the grassroots.
“This programme is designed to expand access to affordable financing for traders, artisans, farmers, women and youths. It will not only grow micro-enterprises but also improve household incomes and build stronger communities,” she said.
The Minister explained that the FarmerMoni Dry/Wet Season disbursement would boost food production, support agricultural value chains and promote prosperity in rural communities.
She also welcomed the inauguration of a new Technical Working Group to oversee the programme, stressing that transparency, accountability and proper monitoring would be ensured.
Mahmoud reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s readiness to partner with relevant agencies to guarantee that genuine beneficiaries have access to the loans.
She, however, warned beneficiaries to use the funds wisely.
“Reinvest in your businesses and make repayment a priority so others can benefit,” she urged.
The relaunch of GEEP 3.0 forms part of the Federal Government’s wider social investment push aimed at expanding financial inclusion and empowering small-scale entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
Airport–Kuje–Gwagwalada Road Ready by June, Says Wike as Project Hits 70% Completion
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the critical Airport–Kuje–Gwagwalada road project, announcing that the dual carriageway is on track for inauguration by June.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the project on Wednesday, Wike described the road as a strategic infrastructure that will significantly ease traffic movement and improve connectivity within the FCT.
“I’m quite impressed. You know that the Airport to Kuje road is one road that is very key for us,” the Minister said.
He recalled his last inspection visit to the Kuje–Gwagwalada axis, where he stopped near a mosque under construction and commended the level of work at the time.
“Like the contractors have said now, God willing, by the first week of June or June ending, we would have inaugurated this project. It’s a very important project, so that you don’t need to go through the airport if you are going to Gwagwalada or from Gwagwalada to town. We are very, very happy with what we have seen,” Wike stated.
The Minister noted that the road will serve as an alternative route for commuters, reducing congestion around the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport corridor and cutting travel time between satellite towns and the city centre.
On the level of progress, Wike disclosed that the Airport–Kuje section has surpassed 70 per cent completion, while the Kuje–Gwagwalada stretch is nearing 65 per cent.
“Well, if you take from Airport to Kuje, it is over 70 per cent, and here (from Kuje to Gwagwalada) I can see it’s almost 65 per cent, so I think they will meet up,” he said confidently.
The FCT Administration has intensified efforts to deliver key infrastructure projects across the territory, with the Airport–Kuje–Gwagwalada road seen as one of the flagship projects aimed at opening up satellite communities and boosting economic activities.
Residents and commuters have long called for alternative routes to decongest the airport road, especially during peak hours, and the completion of the project is expected to bring significant relief.
Wike reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring that contractors deliver on schedule, stressing that quality and timely execution remain top priorities.
Strike Over! FG Bows, Pays January Salaries as JOHESU Suspends 84-Day Shutdown
Relief has finally come for Nigerians as the Federal Government and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) reached a truce, bringing an end to the crippling 84-day nationwide health strike.
The breakthrough followed a high-level conciliation meeting in Abuja, after which JOHESU ordered its members across the country to return to work immediately in the interest of patients and national health security.
In a major concession, the Federal Government withdrew its earlier “No Work, No Pay” directive slammed on the striking workers and approved the immediate payment of January 2026 salaries.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the resolution as a victory for dialogue and mutual respect.
“The Federal Government remains fully committed to the welfare, dignity and professional advancement of all health workers. Dialogue remains the most effective tool for resolving disputes in our health sector,” he said.
Salako assured that no JOHESU member would be victimised, sanctioned or intimidated for participating in the strike, acknowledging the sacrifices made by health workers during the prolonged standoff.
The government also pledged to continue negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement and address lingering issues surrounding the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
In a move aimed at long-term peace, the minister disclosed that provisions for the proposed salary adjustments would be captured in the 2026 Appropriation Act, based on recommendations of the existing technical committee.
The Ministry of Health commended the “spirit of patriotism and responsibility” shown by both sides and assured Nigerians that efforts are underway to restore full and uninterrupted healthcare services nationwide.
For millions of patients who have endured weeks of disruption, the suspension of the strike signals a long-awaited return to normalcy in public hospitals across the country.
$2.5m ‘Dubai Prince’ Scandal: Ikeji Fights Back, Cries Blackmail , Business Sabotage
Chairman of Zube Sunstar Group of Companies and founder of the Nzube Ikeji Foundation, Henry Nzubechukwu Ikeji, has come out swinging, rubbishing allegations linking him to a $2.5 million romance and investment scam.
Ikeji described the claims as wicked, malicious and a calculated attempt to destroy his name and cripple his business empire.
His reaction followed a February report by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which alleged that he and another Nigerian, Dr. Martins Abhulimhen, posed as a Dubai prince and his financial manager to allegedly swindle a Romanian businesswoman identified simply as Laura.
But Ikeji, in a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, said the allegations were “100 per cent false,” insisting he has never engaged in fraud, romance scam or impersonation.
“I have never been involved in any criminal activity. These claims are fabricated and aimed at sabotaging my business interests,” he said.
According to OCCRP, Ikeji allegedly contacted the woman on LinkedIn, presenting himself as a member of Dubai’s royal family and a philanthropist interested in humanitarian investments.
The interaction reportedly blossomed into a romantic relationship, during which the woman was persuaded to part with millions of dollars for supposed engagement and investment plans.
The report further claimed that the woman was later directed to London to meet the prince’s alleged financial manager, identified as Abhulimhen, who reportedly used the alias “Dr. Mathew Croos.” Over a period of nearly two years, more than $2.5 million was allegedly transferred, with parts of the funds traced to accounts in the UK and Nigeria.
OCCRP also pointed to the public visibility of the two men, noting their appearances at high-profile events alongside senior Nigerian officials and business figures, which it said lent credibility to the alleged scheme.
However, Ikeji dismissed the claims as a grand plot.
He maintained that his relationship with Abhulimhen was purely professional and tied to a legitimate licensing project involving the Federal Ministry of Environment. He alleged that trouble started after Abhulimhen attempted to edge him out of the project.
“When that failed, the blackmail and false accusations began,” Ikeji alleged, describing the saga as a desperate move to hijack the venture.
He also denied ever travelling to Dubai, insisting his international travel records are verifiable. Ikeji further stated that he does not know any Romanian woman and has no connection whatsoever to the central claims of the investigation.
Beyond the fraud allegations, Ikeji claimed that he and his family have been subjected to threats and harassment since the story broke. He said the incidents have been documented and are now before his lawyers.
The businessman disclosed that his legal team has been instructed to file defamation suits against those behind what he called a smear campaign, as well as media platforms that published the allegations. Petitions, he added, would also be sent to security agencies over alleged cyberstalking and threats.
Maintaining that he remains a law-abiding citizen with no criminal conviction, Ikeji insisted that any funds linked to him were tied to legitimate business or charitable activities.
While OCCRP said its investigation relied on financial records, digital communications and law enforcement sources across several countries, Ikeji argued that the matter should be settled in court not in the media.
As investigations continue, neither Ikeji nor Abhulimhen has been convicted over the allegations.
Tinubu’s Timely Intervention Calms Rivers Tension as Wike Flags Progress on Major FCT Roads in
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention has helped douse fresh tension in Rivers State, expressing confidence that the latest move would restore lasting peace.
Wike, who spoke during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Abuja, described the President as a stabilising force in moments of political strain.
“Mr. President has been very kind to the people of the state. If there seems to be a problem between the legislature and the governor, as a father, he has to intervene,” he said.
According to the Minister, this is the second time the President has stepped into the dispute, and he expressed optimism that the crisis would not recur.
“I believe, by the grace of God, this will be the last time. I have told the Assembly to do the needful and obey Mr. President, which I know they will not hesitate to do. I also believe the governor will carry out his own part to make sure this is the final time Rivers people will hear this kind of discord,” Wike added.
The Minister made the remarks after inspecting the completed N5 road project at Life Camp and the ongoing Karsana road network project in the FCT.
At Life Camp, executed by Julius Berger, Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of delivery, noting that the contractor had kept to its promise.
“You were there when Julius Berger said in three weeks’ time they would have finished. What they are working on now are the walkways; the streetlights are already there. The last time we went there, the bridges were not complete, but today you can see that the bridges are completed four lanes on each side,” he said.
He described the project as one of the key infrastructure initiatives expected to be inaugurated as part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third year in office.
“We are happy. It is one of those projects that we think will be inaugurated by the President’s third year in office,” he stated.
At Karsana, where Lubriks Construction is handling a road network spanning over 10 kilometres, the Minister commended the contractor for what he described as impressive workmanship.
“You can see the walkway done here. I’m very impressed with the quality of work. I didn’t know it is like a ring road, covering over 10 kilometres,” he said.
Wike expressed confidence that the contractor would meet the May/June completion deadline, assuring that the FCT Administration would provide the necessary funding support.
“From what I have seen, they are really going to meet up with the set time. On our part, we will make sure they get the necessary funding so as to finish this project on time,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to routine project inspections to ensure contractors deliver according to specification and timeline, stressing that infrastructure expansion remains central to the development agenda of the FCT Administration.
“For 10 Years I Couldn’t Smile” — Mariya Mahmoud Restores Hope as Hundreds Receive Free Dental Care in Kano
“I am super elated… I cannot even close my mouth,” the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said with a broad smile as she watched residents of Bunkure Local Government Area queue for free dental treatment at the town’s Primary Health Care Centre.
What began as a large-scale empowerment programme across Kano State has now taken on a deeply human face in Bunkure the Minister’s hometown where over 1500 residents have so far benefited from a free dental outreach facilitated in partnership with the Global Smile Initiative (GSI).
For many beneficiaries, the intervention was more than medical care; it was the restoration of dignity.
One 40-year-old woman, Zulai Adamu fighting back tears, said she had not smiled in public for over a decade because of damaged teeth.
“For 10 years I couldn’t smile or laugh because I was afraid people would laugh at me,” she said. “I used to go to the hospital, but I couldn’t afford the treatment. Today, the Minister has restored my smile. Now I can laugh when and where necessary.”
Dr. Mahmoud, visibly moved by such testimonies, said the outreach was part of a broader package following an empowerment programme that covered all 44 local government areas and 484 wards in Kano State, where over 464 persons received various forms of support.
“As you can see, so many people gathered here today,” she said. “Some had dentures fixed, some had extractions, others did scaling and polishing. Many of them didn’t even know they needed to clean their teeth twice a year. Some cannot afford artificial dentures. That is why we brought this initiative here.”
According to the Programme Coordinator of GSI, Dr. Olusegun Alalade, a Consultant Restorative Dentist, the cases handled ranged from routine scaling and polishing to fillings, extractions, and denture replacements.
“As at the time you met us, we have attended to close to 200 beneficiaries,” he said, noting that over 500 people turned up for the exercise. “Scaling and polishing alone costs between N2,500 and N5,000 in government hospitals. If you multiply that by over 150 people, you can imagine the financial relief this programme has provided.”
Dr. Mahmoud explained that beyond treatment, beneficiaries also received dental kits toothbrushes and toothpaste alongside health education on oral hygiene.
“If you cannot brush three times a day, at least do it in the morning and before bed especially at night,” she advised. “And if you have any problem that needs medical attention, rush to the hospital. We have active primary healthcare services here in Bunkure.”
While describing the outreach as repeatable rather than strictly sustainable, she hinted at plans to expand similar interventions into other areas of need.
“It could be ophthalmic next time, for those with eye problems. It could be for children addressing malnutrition. It could be free antenatal care for pregnant women,” she said. “We can go one by one. It is very doable if we have the opportunity.”
The Minister said the initiative aligns with what she described as the “dividend of democracy” under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
For the residents of Bunkure, however, the dividends were measured not in policy language but in renewed confidence in the laughter of a woman who had hidden her smile for 10 years, and in the quiet relief of men and women who walked into the clinic in pain and left with hope.
As Dr. Mahmoud put it, “I thank Almighty Allah for giving me this opportunity for my people to benefit. Alhamdulillah.”
Ganduje Hails Mariya’s Mega Empowerment
***Says initiative will lift women, vulnerable out of poverty
Former First Lady of Kano State, Prof. Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje, has showered praises on the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, over her massive empowerment drive in Kano, describing it as a bold step to rescue women and vulnerable citizens from poverty.
Speaking at the launch of the Kano Mega Empowerment Programme where she was Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Ganduje said the initiative is a practical, grassroots intervention tailored to tackle biting economic hardship.
According to her, the programme reflects the people-centred philosophy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and shows leadership driven by compassion and results.
“This is true empowerment that directly touches lives, combats poverty, strengthens families and promotes social stability,” she declared.
In a dramatic twist, the former First Lady used the platform to appeal to Kano’s political gladiators former governors Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to bury their differences for the peace and progress of the state.
She urged both leaders to unite and support Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to ensure stability and continuity in governance, stressing that Kano’s development must come first.
Prof. Ganduje also expressed delight that the empowerment scheme targeted APC women leaders and other vulnerable groups at the grassroots, noting that the move would not only boost livelihoods but also deepen political participation.
Also lending her voice, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, commended Dr. Mahmoud for keying into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s human capital development agenda.
She advised beneficiaries to make proper use of the items distributed to achieve self-reliance and uplift their families.
Earlier, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud said the programme was designed to promote dignity and economic independence among struggling families.
“Women are the backbone of our homes, communities and even our political structures. When you empower a woman, you empower a nation,” she said.
She added that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in women inclusion, youth empowerment and social welfare.
On behalf of beneficiaries, Kano APC Women Leader, Hajiya Fatima Dala, described the programme as unprecedented.
“We have had ministers from Kano before, but we have never seen this kind of empowerment in the history of our state,” she said.
She praised the transparent selection process and urged other politicians to emulate the minister, noting that women remain a decisive voting bloc.
Items distributed at the event included cars, motorcycles, tricycles, wheelchairs, sewing machines, grinding machines, spaghetti-making machines, fertilisers, bags of rice and cash grants.
Observers say the mega empowerment initiative is set to ignite small businesses and give hundreds of families across Kano a fresh economic lifeline.
Mahmoud Storms Kano With Massive Empowerment, 4,064 Smile Home
It was jubilation galore in Kano on Saturday as no fewer than 4,064 indigenes benefitted from a mega empowerment programme rolled out by the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud.
The beneficiaries, drawn from the 44 local government areas of the state, went home with cash, food items, motorcycles, fertilisers, grinding machines, working tools, tricycle wheelchairs and six vehicles.
The exercise, which targeted APC women leaders, vulnerable persons and low-income earners, turned into a carnival-like event as excited beneficiaries hailed the minister for what they described as an unprecedented gesture.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mahmoud said the programme was aimed at promoting self-reliance and restoring dignity to families struggling with economic hardship.
“Women are the backbone of our homes, communities and even our political structures. When you empower a woman, you empower a nation,” she declared.
She explained that the intervention aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in the areas of women inclusion, youth empowerment and social welfare.
Throwing her weight behind the initiative, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Halilu, said Mahmoud had demonstrated that human capital development remains a top priority of the present administration.
Former House of Representatives Majority Leader, Hon. Ado Doguwa, added a dramatic twist, revealing that the empowerment was funded from the minister’s personal resources.
“No government funds were allocated for this. She dipped into her personal purse to support her people. That is sacrifice,” Doguwa said.
Meanwhile, the event also took a political turn as the Chairperson of the occasion, Prof. Hafsat Abdullahi Ganduje, appealed to former governors Abdullahi Ganduje and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to sheath their swords for the peace and progress of Kano.
“They are not just political leaders, they are brothers. Kano needs unity now more than ever,” she pleaded.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, APC women leader Hajiya Fatima Dala described the empowerment as the first of its kind in the state.
“We have never seen this level of support before. The minister made sure genuine people benefited,” she said, urging others to use the items wisely.
For many families across Kano, Saturday was not just another day it was a day hope returned.