CP Shetima Mohammed-Jauro, Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State, disclosed this in a press briefing on the achievements of the command on Monday in Lafia.

He said that the suspected trafficked victims were rescued from Orange Market, Mararaba in Karu local government area of Nasarawa State.

He said that preliminary investigation revealed that a Malian national, one Abdullahi Berter (male), resident in Nigeria, allegedly lured the victims under the pretext of securing job for them in France.

The commissioner further said that the suspect illegally transported his victims from Mali to Orange Market, Mararaba, and held them captive in a bungalow.

He (Berter) instructed to invite more persons into Nigeria for an undisclosed operation.

“On Nov. 30, at about 10:40 hours, some persons suspected to be foreign nationals, who speak only French and Arabic, were reportedly sighted, about a week earlier, at Orange Market, Mararaba.

“Based on credible intelligence, I immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Mararaba ‘A’ Division to move to the scene for prompt action.

“A team of police detectives was immediately mobilised to the location, where 33 males and 7 females, all Malian nationals except one person from Ivory Coast, were rescued from a bungalow at Orange Market, Mararaba, Karu LGA,” Mohammed-Jauro said.

‎He further said that Berter, who initially fled upon learning of the presence of security operatives was however arrested following an intensive manhunt.

“All rescued victims will be formally handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary action in line with the law,” the commissioner said.

He said that the command also arrested one Abubakar Adamu, a suspected kidnapper, and recovered a firearm and ammunition at Kertyo Village, Obi local government area of Nasarawa State.

“During interrogation, the suspect led detectives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit to his Ruga in Adudu, where a search was conducted.

“The following items were recovered: 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 Magazines and 11 rounds of live 7.62x39mm ammunition,” he said.

Mohammed-Jauro assured the people of Nasarawa State that the safety of lives and property remained the command’s highest priority.

He said that the command would continue to put criminals on the run, dismantle trafficking and criminal networks.

Source: NAN

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The Nigerian team defeated their Malian counterpart 78-64 in the final match played on Sunday.

It is the fifth consecutive win by the Nigerian team.

Nigeria became the first team to win the tournament five times in a row.

With this win, Nigeria extended their winning streak to 29-0, dating back to the third-place game of the 2015 tournament in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

As was the case for most of their initial games in the tournament, Nigeria got off to a slow start.

However, feeling threatened by Mali’s intensity, Rena Wakama’s team regrouped in the second quarter and headed to the locker room tied at 41–41.

With the score tied, Wakama’s ladies came out in the third quarter with renewed focus and energy taking a 61-56 lead in the quarter, capitalising on Mali’s turnovers.

In spite of Mali’s valiant effort in the final quarter to mount a comeback, Nigeria maintained their composure and held on to their lead.

They continued to play with the confidence, answering every Malian basket with one of their own.

The final buzzer sounded with Nigeria winning 78-64.

Nigeria is now the only nation to win more consecutive Women’s AfroBasket titles than any other nation.

READ ALSO: Badeggi Radio closure: A dangerous echo from Nigeria’s authoritarian past

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President Tinubu raised the concern in his opening speech at the 67th ECOWAS Authority’s Ordinary Session in Abuja, one of his last acts as chairman of the 50-year-old regional economic bloc.

The Nigerian leader emphasised the urgency of operationalising the force in the face of escalating insecurity across the sub-region.

“The ECOWAS Standby Force must move from concept to operational reality. I am a little bit worried about the slow pace of its activation, which is taking longer than desired,” the president said.

The Nigerian leader noted that threats confronting the region were transnational, driven by agile and dangerous networks that respected nobody’s border.

“No single nation can, therefore, address these challenges alone. We must strengthen coordination, amplify political will, and prioritise a collective approach to secure it,” he added.

President Tinubu highlighted major milestones during his leadership of the regional bloc.

He said the completed ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, would play a critical role in providing equipment and other logistics to forces deployed by ECOWAS.

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“Last February in Addis Ababa, Nigeria signed the Sixth Agreement with the African Union. With the depot’s completion, Nigeria is committing itself to sea-lift and air-lift arrangements with ECOWAS,” he said.

President Tinubu expressed the hope that ongoing diplomatic engagements with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger would eventually lead to their return to the community.

“Under my chairmanship, I deployed all diplomatic means to engage and dialogue with our brothers in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. I am confident that before too long, they may return to the family,” he said.

The Nigerian leader called for deeper economic cooperation, empowering the private sector, and removing trade barriers to unlock West Africa’s potential.

“Our intra-regional trade remains low, even as we possess the potential to be an economic powerhouse. We must create the enabling environment, empower the private sector, and create the conditions necessary for innovation to flourish,” he said.

He urged the speedy implementation of key regional infrastructure projects—including the West African Gas Pipeline, West African Power Pool, and Abidjan–Lagos Corridor Highway—as catalysts for development and integration.

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The Uyo Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mr Emmanuel Awhen, disclosed this on Friday in Uyo.

Awhen said the girl was rescued in collaboration with its partner, Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation, GAHTO, working with the agency in Mali.

He said the girl had issues with her parents, so she met her friend, Miss Joy Nelson, who advised her that she could help her to travel to where she could make good money.

According to the NAPTIP commander, Nelson gave her some money and transported her to Lagos to meet one Michael, who moved her to Mali for sexual exploitation.

“While in Mali, it dawned on her that she was going for prostitution and she did not like the idea, so she called her father.

“The father now came to us to complain about the incident. Based on his complaints, we swung into action using our contact in Mali, Global Anti-human Trafficking Organisation (GAHTO), a Non-Governmental Organisation working with the agency.

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“We traced her and rescued her back to Akwa Ibom and reunited her with her parents.

“We intend to assist her to have something doing to keep her busy and earning small income, to avoid being tempted to go out again,” Awhen said.

Awhen added that the rescued girl disclosed to them that more young girls from the state are still in Mali engaged in prostitution.

The commander said that the agency was working to ensure that the two suspected traffickers were apprehended soon.

He appealed to parents and guardians to be mindful of those coming to deceive their children with promises of greener pastures.

The zonal commander urged parents to caution their children and wards to avoid the quest to get rich quick, saying that it did not always end well.

“Parents should be more careful, take care of their children and know the type of company the children keep,” he said.

Source: NAN

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President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, announced the six-month grace on Sunday in Abuja after the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

“The Authority takes note of the notification by the Republic of Burkina Faso, Republic of Mali and Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.

“The Authority acknowledges that by the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from January 29, 2025.

“The Authority decides to set the period from January 29, 2025 to July 29, 2025, as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period.

“In this regard, the Authority extends the mandate of the President of Togo and the President of Senegal to continue their mediation role up to the end of the transition period to bring the three member countries back to ECOWAS.

“Without prejudice to the spirit of the opening, the Authority directs the President of the Commission to launch withdrawal formalities after the end of the deadline of January 29 2025 and to draw up a contingency plan covering various areas.

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“The Authority directs the Council of Ministers to convene an Extraordinary Session during the 2nd quarter of 2025 to consider and adopt both separation modalities and the contingency plan covering political and economic relations between ECOWAS and the Republic of Niger, Republic of Mali and Burkina Faso,” Touray read from the communiqué.

ECOWAS leaders commended the exemplary diplomatic engagement of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, as well as the diplomatic efforts of the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS, President Bola Tinubu, and other individual member states toward the three countries.

In his closing remarks, President Tinubu commended the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government for spirited discussions throughout the Summit.

He noted that the collective resolve underscored their strength to address the region’s pressing challenges.

“As we move forward to implement the outcomes of this Summit, let us remain united in our determination and steadfast in our commitment to the principles that bind us together as a Community.

“I call on all Member States to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the decisions reached here translate into tangible benefits for our citizens,” he said.

The Nigerian leader encouraged the leaders to carry forward the optimism and the resolve that guided the deliberations.

“Together, let us continue to champion the cause of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa, to build ECOWAS as a community of peoples anchored on the ideals of freedom, justice, democracy, and a vision of good governance that addresses the legitimate aspirations of our people,” he said.

President Tinubu congratulated the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, as he attended his valedictory session as AUC Chair.

He further praised Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, whom he fondly called “Mr. Democrat,” and wished him resounding success.

He said ECOWAS would continue to draw from President Akufo-Addo’s fountain of wisdom.

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Receiving the President of Germany, Frank–Walter Steinmeier, in a State Visit at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS, noted that the leadership of the three countries had been reluctant in bringing out transition programmes with clear dates.

“Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government.

“We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing the innocent people.

“We will continue to allow free movement and trade. Though the transition programme is not sure or certain, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they are not in possession of power,’’ he said.

President Tinubu told the German leader that the regional body would leave the door open for the return of democracy in the countries.

“This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the wellbeing of the citizens. I don’t want to personalize issues as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door for collaboration,’’ the president added.

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In his response, the German president said the re-integration of the three countries would have significant impact on the economy and security of the West Coast.

“We will talk bilateral and regional issues. We just had a meeting with the President of ECOWAS Commission. We know how important it is to have regional cooperation. We are part of the European Union.

“For Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, there are serious security and economic consequences for not carrying on together. We understand why ECOWAS security members are insisting on diplomacy.

“It is not easy but you will need to use your diplomacy to keep the commission and the region together.

“While you are using diplomatic means to bring Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to rethink their position, you should have emergency plans in place for future economic cooperation,’’ the German leader said.

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The J’Tigress brushed aside their female counterparts from North Africa 66-51 on Wednesday night.

Nigeria won the first quarter 24-13 and maintained the lead as the teams went on halftime, with scores 37-23 for J’Tigress.

Egypt’s efforts to get back into the game failed until the buzzer.

It was sensational comeback for Nigeria as that was second game against Egypt within one week.

Egypt won that opening match 72-60 but, fell in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Mali sent Rwanda packing in the quarterfinals.

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Rwanda’s journey in the women’s Africa championship came to a shocking end at the University of Pretoria.

Mali won the first two quarters 19-11 and 25-15 respectively to lead the game with 44-26 at the break.

They continued from where they stopped in the half to dominate the second half, third quarter 21-20 and the final quarter 21-11 to successfully progress to the semifinals.

Rwanda’s Mama Sidiki Doumbia led the scores for Mali with 21 points while Oumou Koumare and Maimouna Traore added 16 and 14 points respectively.

Despite the loss, Brigitte Nibishaka still proved her worth, scoring 16 points while Vanessa Camara added 14 points.

The Nigerian girls will face Uganda in the second semi-final game on Friday while Cameroon and Mali will take on each other in the other game.

Rwanda still has to play a classification game for the 5th to 8th positions.

In the men’s category, Rwanda will be up against Cameroon in quarterfinals.

Rwanda and Mali, the only undefeated teams in the group phase, topped Groups A and C, with a 3-0 mark each.

Source: NAN

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President Tinubu, who is the chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, reaffirmed this position at a meeting with ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff on Friday in Abuja.

”It is in our hearts to make sure that security is enhanced and that constitutional government is defended and promoted in our region.

”It has been a challenging tenure for me since three members indicated their exit. We will work hard to persuade them to return, whichever way.

”No one man is smarter than the group of heads that is here. We will do everything to offer a hand of friendship to them and give them reasons to come back to us,” the president said.

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The ECOWAS chairman commended the defence chiefs for their commitment to regional stability and protection of constitutional governance.

”The solution to terrorism and other challenges lies in our hands. We have to do it together. The ECOWAS standby force must be ready. We will continue to invest in this, as well as in the economic prosperity and opportunities across our region,” President Tinubu said.

In his remarks, General Christopher Musa, the Chairman, ECOWAS Chief of Defence Staff, informed the president that the defence chiefs had agreed that challenges in the region, such as insurgency and unconstitutional changes in government, must be addressed collectively.

According to him, discussions at the meeting also focused on enhancing the capacity of ECOWAS military component, including the proposed standby force.

He announced that a decision had been made to deploy 1,200 troops to Sierra Leone, with countries making pledges to support the effort.

”We are aware that the ECOWAS ministers of finance will meet to discuss the issue of funding, which is another very critical aspect. We also looked at the issue of logistics,” he said.

Highlighting the balance between military efforts and the political components of good governance, peace and security as essential for achieving long-term stability, General Musa pledged the commitment of the defence chiefs to work in unison to ensure the security and safety of the West African sub-region.

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The rare win by the Malians against Nigeria was their first in 49 years.

Goals by El Bilal Toure and Kamory Doumbia sealed the win for Mali.

The last time Mali defeated the Super Eagles was on September 5, 1975, also in a friendly which ended 4-1.

Prior to Tuesday’s game, the Eagles were unbeaten in eight straight fixtures against the Malians, recording five wins and three draws.

Interim coach, Finidi George, gave starting shirts to Jamilu Collins, Raphael Onyedika, and Kenneth Omeruo.

The trio replaced Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka and Benjamin Tanimu, who all featured in the 2-1 win against Ghana on Friday.

The Malians dominated the early stages of the game and almost took the lead less than five minutes into the game, but were denied by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

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The breakthrough for Mali eventually came in the 14th minute as El Bilal Toure capitalised on a defensive error by Nigeria to score.

The Eagles were forced into a first half change as Moses Simon went off injured in 34th minute and was replaced by Cyriel Dessers.

The early part of the second half saw the Super Eagles start brightly but the Malian defence held firm.

Despite starting the half on a positive note, it was Mali who almost doubled their lead but the Eagles defence intercepted a dangerous cross from the left.

Dessers was presented an opportunity in the 65th minute as he was sent through on goal but blasted his shot over the bar with only the keeper to beat.

Iheanacho had a chance of his own barely a minute later, but took a low shot which was parried away for a corner.

With 12 minutes left, the Eagles won a freekick in a decent position but Iheanacho’s floated attempt was again cleared away by the keeper.

Mali then doubled their lead in the 87th minute thanks to Kamory Doumbia who raced into the Eagles’ 18 yard box and fired past Nwabali to earn his side a well deserved win.

Up next for the Super Eagles is the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June against South Africa who held Algeria to a 3-3 draw at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Tuesday.

Source: NAN

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D​r Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, said this at the end of the extraordinary session of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS on Saturday in Abuja.

He said that the authority took note of the period of Lent and the approaching month of Ramadan and the impact on citizens, adding that pleas were also received from prominent leaders including retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon.

“The authority takes note that the withdrawal will have political, social, socio economic, financial and institutional implications for the three countries as well as for ECOWAS as a region.

“The authority recall​s that within the framework of regional cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime, the three countries benefited from about 100 million US dollars mobilised by UMR within the context of ECOWAS plan of action against terrorism.

“Moreover, some funds allocation, about 7.5 million U.S. dollars is being made towards supporting the three countries in acquiring the equipment to help their fight against terrorism.

“The withdrawal will affect security cooperation in terms of sharing intelligence and participation in regional counter-terrorism initiatives such as the Accra initiative, and the Multinational Joint Task Force,’‘ he said.

Touray added that the withdrawal of the countries from the sub-regional bloc would lead to diplomatic and political isolation at the international scene where the countries had obtained support for their candidates in the contest for international positions.

“The authority recognises that the withdrawal will automatically affect the immigration status of the citizens, as they may be required to obtain visas to travel around the region.

“Citizens may no longer be able to reside or set up businesses under ECOWAS arrangement and may be subject to diverse national laws.

“The three countries will cease to use ECOWAS passports across biometric national identity cards, and the brown card vehicle insurance.

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“The authority recognises that the three member states represent 17.4 per cent of the region’s 425 million population. Even though they represent 10% of the region’s GDP, their departure will constitute a reduction of the market size of ​ECOWAS.”

He said that the ​sanctions w​ere lifted to promote trade and benefits derived from​ several regional projects and programmes including the Regional Food Security Reserve.

“The regional support programme for powerful pastoralism in the Sahel, which is being funded by the World Bank to the tune of 215 million US dollars is also a project that benefits the three countries.

“The three countries also benefit from the Sahel regional irrigation support programme, which is being funded by the World Bank to the tune of 103 million US dollars.

“The three regional food systems resilient support programme in the amount of 230 million, funded by the World Bank is also benefitting the three countries.

“West African single identity and regional integration and inclusion project is another programme that the three countries benefit from.”

​He said that other projects the countries benefits from are the ECOWAS regional electricity market, West African Power Pool project, which links member states to a regional electricity grid for improved access to electricity.

He said not lifting the sanction would result in the halt or the suspension of all ECOWAS projects and programmes worth more than 500 million US dollars.

Touray said that the projects collectively valued at approximately 321.6 million U.S. dollars.

He added: “Reviewing the implications at the institutional level, the authority notes that the withdrawal will not only require the closure of four regional entities in Burkina Faso, two regional bodies in Mali and one regional office in Asia.

“It will also affect the job security of some 130 ECOWAS staff who are citizens of the three countries. Currently 77 staff members are from Burkina Faso, 23 are from Mali, and 32 are from Niger.”

Source: NAN

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