Nigeria News (Standard)
NAPTIP Rescues 64 Ebonyi Children Trafficked to Ghana and Libya
Agency says victims were intercepted at Nigeria’s borders, calls for stronger community vigilance against cross-border trafficking
Agency says victims were intercepted at Nigeria’s borders, calls for stronger community vigilance against cross-border trafficking
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has confirmed the rescue of 64 children and several other victims from Ebonyi State who were trafficked to Ghana and Libya. The operation, which took place across Nigeria’s borders, was disclosed by agency officials on Saturday.
According to NAPTIP, the victims were intercepted at different border points while being transported out of the country. The agency stated that its rapid intervention prevented the traffickers from successfully moving the children and others into forced labour or exploitation abroad.
Child trafficking remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, with border states like Ebonyi identified as key transit points for smugglers targeting vulnerable communities. Security agencies have repeatedly warned that traffickers exploit economic hardship and lack of awareness to lure young people with false promises of better opportunities overseas.
A NAPTIP official emphasised the need for increased collaboration between security agencies, local communities, and state governments to combat trafficking. “We urge parents and community leaders to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement of children or youths,” the official said. No details were given on arrests made during the rescue operation.
The agency assured that all rescued victims are receiving counselling and rehabilitation support. Stakeholders in Ebonyi have called for more public sensitisation campaigns in rural areas to stem future incidents.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abia’s Don Media Group Celebrates One Year of Expanding Radio Broadcasting Across South-East
Media group marks anniversary of Don 103.7 FM and Ikoro 93.3 FM, highlighting innovation in urban and indigenous programming
Media group marks anniversary of Don 103.7 FM and Ikoro 93.3 FM, highlighting innovation in urban and indigenous programming
Don Media Group (DMG) commemorated the first anniversary of its radio operations in Abia State on Thursday, spotlighting twelve months of broadcasting through Don 103.7 FM and Ikoro 93.3 FM. The event took place in Umuahia, drawing staff, stakeholders, and community representatives to reflect on the group’s achievements since launching both stations in June last year.
According to DMG, Don 103.7 FM was established as a vibrant urban lifestyle station targeting youth and city dwellers in Abia and neighbouring states, while Ikoro 93.3 FM focuses on indigenous content to strengthen cultural identity and grassroots communication within the region. The two stations have provided local news coverage, music, talk shows, and public affairs programming tailored to diverse audiences across the South-East.
The media group said its expansion has boosted access to reliable information, created jobs for young media professionals in Abia State, and given a platform to community voices often excluded from national conversations. Listeners have responded positively to the stations’ blend of entertainment and informative content.
While DMG did not provide specific audience figures or revenue data at the anniversary event, management reaffirmed commitment to further growth and digital innovation. The group said it plans to invest in technology upgrades and training for staff to maintain competitive edge within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
Industry observers note that DMG’s dual-station strategy reflects rising demand for both contemporary urban programming and preservation of local languages on airwaves. The group is expected to announce new partnerships with educational institutions and civil society groups later this year as part of efforts to deepen community engagement.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Police Launch ‘Kosaye’ Operation in Ogun, Lagos, Arrest 88, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims
Joint security exercise targets criminal hideouts; four suspected kidnappers killed during Ore–Ogbere road rescue
Joint security exercise targets criminal hideouts; four suspected kidnappers killed during Ore–Ogbere road rescue
Police commands in Ogun and Lagos States have arrested 88 suspects and rescued five kidnapped victims in a large-scale joint security operation dubbed ‘Kosaye’ across the two states and boundary communities. The exercise, which began this week and was formally launched at the Ogun Police Training College in Iperu on Saturday, aims to root out criminal elements from South-West corridors, according to police authorities.
The operation involved extensive bush combing and coordinated raids on suspected hideouts spanning Ogun, Lagos, and up to the border with Oyo State. Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, said at a press briefing that officers arrested 84 suspects—comprising 75 males and nine females—while also rescuing five persons who were abducted along Ore–Ogbere road on Thursday. Four suspected kidnappers were killed during the rescue effort, with another four taken into custody.
Ojajuni explained that Operation ‘Kosaye,’ meaning ‘no chance,’ was initiated by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as part of renewed efforts to eliminate kidnapping and armed robbery from major highways and rural settlements in the region. The commissioner described the operation as a proactive response to recent spikes in abductions and violent crime affecting commuters and residents along key transport corridors.
“We formally launch operation ‘Ko saye’ in Lagos and Ogun state. Operation ‘Ko saye’ means there is no space for criminality and criminals,” Ojajuni said at the event. He added that police would sustain aggressive patrols along flashpoints while intensifying intelligence gathering to pre-empt further attacks. The Inspector General’s office has directed all units to prioritise rapid deployment to identified trouble spots.
As at press time, investigations into the backgrounds of those arrested were ongoing. Security agencies urged communities to cooperate fully with law enforcement by providing timely information about suspicious activities. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the development.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Countryside Group Appoints Whiteman (Fakepoco) as Brand Ambassador in Lagos Signing Ceremony
Entertainment influencer Omotore Adebayo Barry to represent three flagship brands as firm targets greater African market reach
Entertainment influencer Omotore Adebayo Barry to represent three flagship brands as firm targets greater African market reach
Countryside Group has formally unveiled popular Lagos-based social media personality and hypeman, Omotore Adebayo Barry, also known as Whiteman or Fakepoco, as its new brand ambassador during a signing ceremony held on Thursday. The event took place in Lagos State, marking a strategic move by the company to strengthen its market presence and drive customer engagement across Nigeria and the African continent.
According to the firm, Whiteman—renowned for his energetic online persona—will serve as the official ambassador for three of Countryside Group’s flagship brands. Company representatives say this partnership is expected to boost brand visibility and attract a younger demographic, leveraging Whiteman’s large following on social media platforms.
Chairman of Countryside Group, High Chief Dr. Ndubisi George Ugo, described the collaboration as a deliberate investment to enhance public engagement and drive growth. “We believe bringing Whiteman on board will help us connect better with our audience and expand our footprint beyond Nigeria,” Ugo said at the ceremony.
Industry observers note that such partnerships between major companies and digital influencers have become increasingly common in Nigeria’s fast-evolving entertainment and business landscape. Many firms now rely on popular content creators to reach new customers, especially among urban youth who are highly active online.
With this new appointment, Countryside Group plans to roll out a series of marketing campaigns featuring Whiteman across various channels. The company says it will monitor feedback closely to assess the impact of the partnership on sales and brand perception in coming months.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/fake-poco-emerges-countryside-ambassador/
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