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Immigration Foils Human Trafficking Plot, Saves 10 Nigerians in Jigawa

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By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

In a decisive operation, the Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) rescued 10 Nigerians from a suspected human trafficking network during a midnight patrol in Babura Local Government Area, a border region with the Niger Republic.

The victims, intercepted by the Operation Salama team at Tsamiyar Kwance on Sunday, were en route to Europe via illegal migration routes, according to the State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr. T. Musa.

The victims, comprising eight women and two men aged between 21 and 30, hailed from Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Imo states. They had been trafficked from their home states to Kano and then to Babura, with plans to cross into Niger Republic, travel through Libya, and reach Europe via the perilous Mediterranean route.

Among those rescued were,
Alatise Damilola, 29 (Oyo State),
Ayomide Adeyemi, 24 (Ondo State), Wisdom Chikwu Emeka, 29 (Imo State), Lateef Jumoke, 30 (Ondo State), Emyola Adeoye, 24 (Ogun State), Soneye Abigeal, 22 (Ogun State), Ogunleye Temitope, 29 (Ogun State), Osirowo Rebecca, 21 (Ogun State), Oniyide Kabirat, 27 (Ogun State) and Azizat Adaranijo, 26 (Ogun State)
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were lured with promises of a better life in Europe, unaware of the dangers of the route and the exploitative nature of human trafficking networks.
The Comptroller noted that these young Nigerians were vulnerable targets of traffickers exploiting economic hardships and the desire for greener pastures abroad.
The rescued victims have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and further investigation.
Efforts are underway to trace and dismantle the trafficking network responsible for their ordeal.
During a press briefing, Mr. Musa expressed alarm at the increasing cases of human trafficking and illegal migration in the state, calling for greater vigilance from families and communities.
“Parents and guardians must remain vigilant and monitor their children’s activities to prevent them from falling into the hands of traffickers,” he said.
The NIS reiterated its commitment to combating irregular migration and human trafficking through intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other agencies.
The rescue operation highlights the urgent need for more robust policies to address the root causes of human trafficking and illegal migration, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities.
The Immigration Service has called on the public to report any suspicious activities linked to human trafficking as part of a collective effort to eradicate the menace.

END

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Jigawa

Gwaram Council Chairman Distributes 828 JAMB Pins to Underprivileged Students in Jigawa

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Salim Abdurraman

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

828 underprivileged students in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State, have received free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration pins from the council chairman, Professor Salim Abdurraman, ahead of the 2025 UTME examination.

In a statement issued by Special Assistant to the Chairman on Media, Abubakar Bello Baba, he noted that the initiative is part of efforts to support students who cannot afford the registration fee, ensuring they have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education.

“This gesture aligns with the chairman’s commitment to complement Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda, particularly in promoting education and youth empowerment,” the statement read.

According to Baba, the JAMB pins have already been sent to the beneficiaries via mobile messages to allow early registration.
He urged recipients to keep their messages safe and follow the necessary procedures for a seamless registration process.

Beneficiaries who have not received their pins are advised to contact the Guidance and Counseling Unit of the local council for assistance.

“The Chairman’s office remains committed to ensuring all eligible students receive their JAMB pins and successfully complete their registration,” he added.

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Jigawa

Gov. Namadi Launches N30Bn Grassroots Empowerment Programme in Jigawa

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Malam Umar Namadi

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

In a significant move to boost small-scale enterprises and alleviate poverty, Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has launched a N30 billion economic empowerment programme targeting over 60,000 small business owners across the 30 state assembly constituencies.

The initiative, officially flagged off in Miga town, headquarters of Miga Local Government Area, will be implemented through state lawmakers, each overseeing the disbursement of funds to over 2,000 beneficiaries in their constituencies.
A breakdown of the financial support indicated that the programme provides financial aid to small business owners in varying amounts as 1,000 beneficiaries received N100,000 each, 150 beneficiaries received N50,000 each and another 150 beneficiaries received N30,000 each
Other categories included 250 beneficiaries that received N20,000 each and 1,368 beneficiaries who received N10,000 each

Speaking at the event, Governor Namadi emphasized the importance of lawmakers staying connected to their constituents’ realities, ensuring that the initiative directly impacts grassroots businesses and livelihoods.

“This initiative is a testament to the strong connection between lawmakers and their people. It shows they understand the struggles of small business owners and are committed to finding practical solutions,” he stated.

The governor further assured that the programme will be replicated in all 30 constituencies, ensuring equitable distribution of resources ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, who spearheaded the initiative, described small-scale businesses as the backbone of rural economies. He highlighted that, unlike infrastructure projects, this direct financial intervention addresses the immediate economic challenges of the people.

“Under my leadership, we appealed to the governor to allow us to initiate this empowerment programme because we are the closest to our people. His approval reflects the mutual respect and strong collaboration between the legislature and the executive in Jigawa State,” Dangyatin said.

The speaker pledged continued support for Governor Namadi’s administration, affirming that lawmakers would work hand-in-hand with the state government to drive economic growth and improve citizens’ welfare.
With the N30 billion empowerment programme, Jigawa State is setting a precedent in inclusive economic policies, ensuring that small businesses receive the support needed to thrive. The initiative is expected to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and reduce financial hardship, particularly among rural entrepreneurs.

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Jigawa

SCI: 2.1 Million Nigerian Children Have Never Received Routine Vaccination

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Save the Children International (SCI) has raised alarm over the alarming number of zero-dose children—those who have never received a single routine vaccine—in Nigeria, estimating the figure at 2.1 million.

The revelation was made in a press statement signed by Delfhin Mugo, Media Manager at SCI, highlighting a new initiative aimed at breaking barriers to child immunization.
The initiative, backed by Save the Children Immunisation Accelerator and funded by GSK, has awarded grants to two innovative projects in Nigeria and Ethiopia to tackle vaccine hesitancy and reach underserved communities.
Two organizations, Centre for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP) in Nigeria and HABTech Solutions PLC in Ethiopia, were selected from 120 submissions to receive technical and financial support, including grants of nearly $100,000 each, to further their efforts in improving immunization coverage.

According to Dr. Bolanle Oyeledun, CEO of CIHP, their approach leverages community-driven behavioral change strategies to overcome vaccine hesitancy, particularly in urban slums of Lagos State.

“Our innovation will focus on real-life experiences of caregivers who successfully vaccinated their children, using their stories to inspire others. This funding will help identify gaps and missed opportunities in immunization uptake, moving us closer to our goal of higher vaccination coverage,” Dr. Oyeledun explained.

On the other hand, Adane Letta Mamuye, General Manager at HABTech, emphasized the role of data analytics in tracking zero-dose children, particularly in remote communities. Their technology-driven approach aims to map out immunization gaps, address vaccine shortages, and provide real-time solutions to improve immunization efforts.

Speaking on the initiative, Ermias Teshome, Save the Children Immunisation Accelerator Lead, underscored the importance of locally driven solutions in tackling child immunization challenges.

“Every child deserves access to life-saving vaccinations. The urgent challenges in child immunization require innovative approaches, and the projects by CIHP and HABTech Solutions have demonstrated remarkable potential to deliver impactful change,” he stated.

The innovations will be piloted alongside Save the Children’s vaccination programs in collaboration with GSK in Nigeria and Ethiopia. The ultimate goal is to create a world free from vaccine-preventable diseases, ensuring that every child has access to essential healthcare.

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