Sindh Chief Minister Launches Crackdown on Katcha Bandits

Sindh Chief Minister Launches Crackdown on Katcha Bandits

Published on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 6:35 AM

Sindh’s Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, chairing a top-level conference, stated that the administration aims to achieve an “optimal” security condition in the katcha area and instructed the police to remain alert.

“Kidnapping for ransom will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said, adding that strict action must be taken to curb ‘honey trap’ crimes.

The meeting was held at the CM House and was attended by Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, and DIG Larkano.

The chief minister said that he wants the law & order situation in the katcha area of Sukkur and Larkana division to be perfect and directed police to stay vigilant, and he won’t tolerate any kidnapping for ransom. “I want you to be ruthless against the dacoits and their facilitators so that no kidnapping for ransom case could take place.

Briefing the CM, the Home Minister Zai Lanjar and IG Police Ghulam Nabi memon informed that large-scale operations had been carried out in Ghotki and Shikarpur. They revealed that around 500 hideouts of dacoits and their facilitators were destroyed. Between January 2024 and 2025, a total of 115 dacoits were killed, 208 were injured, and 582 were arrested. The eight most-wanted outlaws were also eliminated.

The CM was told that 91 kidnapping cases were reported in 2025, out of which 88 abductees were safely recovered. Similarly, 287 victims of honey-trap abductions were rescued.

The Interior Secretary added that although highways used to suffer from widespread thefts, this problem has now been eradicated. The Chief Minister stated that every highway within the province needs to be ensured safety and security.

Murad Shah instructed the Home Minister to cut off the supply route for weapons used by bandits. “It remains unclear how these sensitive arms arrive at the bandits in the makeshift regions.”

Prime Minister Murad Ali Shah directed the Inspector General of Police to make sure that illegal groups are entirely eradicated. “We have already stopped several cases of kidnapping and captured numerous hiding places. It’s now time to eliminate these criminals permanently,” he stated.

16 Hunters Mobbed and Killed in Uromi: Tragedy Unfolds

Anger followed the mob attack that resulted in the deaths of 16 travelers from the north in Uromi, Edo State. These individuals were passing through from Port Harcourt in Rivers State en route to Kano State. It was reported by Weekend Trust that those killed were hunters heading back home for the Sallah festivities.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu denounced the killing of the hunters, instructing state security forces to pursue the perpetrators and ensure they face justice. He emphasized that a comprehensive inquiry must be carried out to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The Northern Governors Forum and Amnesty International, along with other organizations, have likewise denounced the killings of the individuals.

The attack

The individuals who claimed to be hunters were traveling to Kano for the Sallah festivities when a group confronted and killed them out of suspicion that they might have been kidnappers.

Over the weekend, Weekend Trust discovered that local vigilantes intercepted the vehicle carrying the victims. During their search, they uncovered Dane guns being used by the hunters. This discovery prompted a crowd to assemble, and they ultimately decided that the travelers were kidnappers, resulting in the unfortunate burning of the individuals alive.

In a widely shared clip viewed by our correspondent, young individuals can be seen gathering the departed before ultimately setting fire to them.

The assailants bound the victims to discarded tires, doused them with gasoline, and lit them on fire.

Police confirm incident

The Edo State Police Command stated that they have apprehended 14 individuals suspected of being involved in the incident.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, on March 27, 2025, a truck bearing registration number KKF 225 XA, which originated from Port Harcourt and was carrying 25 passengers from Elele—a suburb within Rivers State—was stopped by members of a vigilante group near Uromi.

Some travelers caught with locally produced Dane guns were detained.

During this time, certain vigilantes triggered an alert claiming they were thought to be kidnappers, causing several group members and bystanders within the neighborhood to assault and lynch 16 of those inside the vehicle. Additionally, the truck transporting them was also set ablaze.

He mentioned that the police arrived at the location where 10 travelers were saved, whereas the two individuals with varying levels of injuries were quickly taken to a hospital and are currently receiving medical care.

He mentioned that members of the Police Mobile Force, along with other specialized tactical units, were dispatched to the region to prevent any potential disruption to public order.

The Police Commissioner emphasized the importance of harmony between different communities and asked citizens to stay composed and work together with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation, according to him.

He similarly warned against retaliatory assaults or illegal assemblies that could heighten the situation even more.

Survivors recount ordeal

A survivor named Dayyabu Yahya described their escape after the attack. He stated: “The trip was calm from Port Harcourt until we arrived at Uromi, where problems started. The vigilantes intercepted us. I was sitting upfront. They instructed our driver to exit the car, but he declined. As a result, they whipped him. Additionally, they demanded that all passengers leave the vehicle; during this process, they assaulted us and then gathered us collectively.”

They examined our possessions but discovered nothing suspicious—only some authorized Dane firearms. The vehicle contained roughly 27 passengers. I am unable to specify the number of individuals who are unaccounted for, however, I do know that two passengers required hospitalization.

A fellow survivor, Mustafa Ali Kassim, recounted: “As soon as we got off the vehicle, the vigilantes began assaulting us. They then herded us into one spot where the local residents took over and carried on with the attack. The vigilantes eventually withdrew, allowing the locals to continue their beating while they merely observed from afar. Understanding that our situation was dire and fearing for our lives, several individuals decided to flee—I was among those who ran. During my escape, I met compassionate Hausa people who provided me with funds so I could seek help from the local Hausa community leader.”

The village of Torankawa in Kano is in mourning.

Weekend Trust discovered that all the victims come from Torankawa village located within the Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State.

According to our correspondent, the village has fallen into deep sorrow due to recent events. A local informant revealed that the identities of three deceased individuals have been established, yet multiple families remain anxious about the fate of their loved ones—whether they are still alive or among the departed.

It was learned that each year, a band of hunters from the village goes on hunting trips across different regions of the country. According to the report, around 30 individuals departed from the village for this year’s hunting venture. It was also mentioned that these hunters claimed the casualties occurred as the targets were returning home at the time of the event.

“Our community is grieving; each household is filled with anxiety as they remain uncertain about their loved ones’ wellbeing—whether they are among the living or deceased. The information regarding this event reached us recently. Such occurrences were unheard of previously. According to reports we’ve gathered, three victims have been identified,” stated an individual from within the village.

Another villager living in Rano Malam, Alasan Ubale, expressed his dismay over the situation, stating that this practice had been ongoing for a considerable time but they had never encountered an incident like this before.

Okpebholo assures of justice

At the same time, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo characterized the action as barbaric and unacceptable, pledging that those responsible would face legal consequences.

While speaking at Uromi, the governor conveyed his message via the Chief Security Officer (CSO) from the Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale. He expressed his intention to assess the extent of the damages incurred and emphasized the necessity for an investigation to be conducted. This approach aims to secure justice and prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.

He cautioned that no one had the authority to end another person’s life, emphasizing that the manner of the killing was troubling for the governor.

I can guarantee you that those responsible for this unjustified attack will face consequences, as His Excellency has instructed the Commissioner of Police to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

“As I speak now, four individuals have been detained due to their involvement in this unfortunate incident,” he stated.

He appealed for tranquility and encouraged the law-abiding citizens of Uromi, particularly the Hausa community, to continue with their regular routines. He assured them that members of the Nigerian police force along with other security personnel have been dispatched to help reinstate peace and normality in the region.

Tinubu calls for investigation and a search for the assailants.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu responded by denouncing the event.

The president has urged security personnel within the state to pursue the assailants and ensure they face justice, emphasizing that an extensive inquiry must be carried out.

Bayo Onanuga, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated in an official announcement that the president was shocked by the heinous incident. The president also instructed the police and other security organizations to carry out prompt and comprehensive inquiries, followed by punitive actions against those believed to be responsible.

President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and promised that perpetrators will not be permitted to continue harming innocent Nigerians.

The president stated that vigilante actions have no role in Nigeria, and every Nigerian citizen enjoys the right to travel unrestricted throughout the nation.

Northern govs condemn killing

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has likewise denounced the killings.

Yesterday, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahawa, who also serves as the chairperson of the Forum and governs Gombe State, released a statement condemning the assault as a severe breach of human rights. He firmly stated that such unauthorized use of force is “totally impermissible and should be denounced with unambiguous intensity.”

He stated that the forum conveyed its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and everyone impacted by the event.

We are profoundly troubled by the deaths of innocent people and the appalling way in which these individuals were assaulted.

This deplorable action erodes the principles of the legal system and tears apart the social structure we uphold. It is crucial for the appropriate agencies to carry out a comprehensive and meticulous inquiry into this irrational deed. The individuals responsible must be located, apprehended, and prosecuted without delay,” he stated.

Governor Yahaya emphasized that every Nigerian, irrespective of where they live, must have the ability to move around effortlessly and securely without worrying about being harassed, attacked, or coerced.

Atiku, Kwankwaso speak

Similarly, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar responded to the situation with deep sorrow over the incident and urged for a comprehensive inquiry.

“I am profoundly distressed by the news of the unfortunate murder of several hunters in Edo State. I extend my sincere sympathies to their families and close relatives,” Atiku posted on his Facebook page.

He demanded an open and unbiased inquiry to guarantee justice and stop any further incidents of mob violence from happening.

“The safeguarding of innocent lives should take precedence, and I encourage the authorities to move quickly and resolutely to stop the repetition of mob rule. It is essential that justice not just be administered but also visibly enforced to rebuild trust in our law enforcement agencies,” he stated.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general elections, also condemned the mob action.

In his Facebook post, he characterized the event as barbaric and underscored the right of every Nigerian to move around freely without fearing harassment or intimidation.

Barau urges security agencies to pursue the killers.

Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I Jibrin called for immediate action against those responsible, urging security forces to pursue the culprits.

Characterizing the murders as brutal, inhumane, and demonic, the Deputy Senate President urged the Edo State Police Command and other security organizations to take firm actions to ensure the perpetrators face justice.

Senator Barau, as stated by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir, urged for tranquility and guaranteed that those responsible would face consequences.

He revealed his plan to propose a motion in the Senate aimed at ensuring accountability for those who carried out the killings.

‘I have been inundated with calls by my constituents and other Nigerians on the horrific murder of innocent individuals in Edo State. I condemn in totality the barbaric killing of innocent Nigerians.

I am urgently calling upon our security organizations to promptly take action to apprehend these wrongdoers and make sure that they face consequences befitting the severity of their crimes.

Amnesty International too

Additionally, Amnesty International issued a statement on Friday, signed by their Country Director, Isa Sanusi, denouncing the event.

“The Nigerian authorities should not only condemn the incident but also guarantee that the alleged perpetrators are arrested and undergo a just legal process,” the statement said.

Mr. Sanusi stated that the continuous inability of the Nigerian government to penalize acts of mob violence has fostered a situation where aggressive crowds feel justified in assuming legal authority for themselves.

Amnesty International characterized the lynching as indicative of an increasing pattern where vigilante organizations are illegally obstructing roads and carrying out violent actions without facing consequences.

The disturbing riotous behavior witnessed in Uromi is indicative of an increasing pattern where local militias from communities situated near roadways are obstructing traffic and engaging in illegal acts without facing consequences.

Mr. Sanusi stated that “The persistence of these murders over an extended period, coupled with the minimal investigation and prosecution of such cases, underscores the alarming inadequacy of the authorities in fulfilling their duty to safeguard individuals from injury and criminal acts.”

AYCF reacts

Additionally, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), as stated in a press release signed by their President General, Yerima Shetima, commented, “Following the baseless allegations of abduction, which enraged the public, a horrific and savage incident occurred, causing great sorrow and disapproval. This unfortunate event claimed 16 valuable lives, with several individuals’ remains unfortunately still enclosed within the burning vehicle.”

As eyewitnesses describe, the horrific sight involved alleged victims being transported away using wheelbarrows before reportedly being cast into the fire, serving as a grim reminder of the disturbing prevalence of mob justice within many Southern Nigerian towns,” he stated.

He voiced his worry about the incident of mob violence and demanded prompt and comprehensive inquiries into the tragic event.

Arewa groups in the South-South denounce murders and call for justice.

The Southern Coordinator of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Musa Saidu, has likewise denounced the killings.

Alhaji Musa Saidu, speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt, stated

The victims were innocent individuals who were diligently striving to make ends meet.

He stated, “The Arewa people along with the whole Hausa community in Rivers State and throughout the entire South-South region strongly condemn the killings and

urge the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General Zone 5, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Governor of Edo State, and the federal government to probe the events leading to the deaths of these unarmed individuals. It is essential that this matter be fully examined with severe consequences for anyone deemed responsible.’

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Amotekun Cracks Down on Visa Fraud and Kidnapping Ring in Ondo

On Thursday, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, commonly referred to as Amotekun, announced that approximately 61 alleged criminals were apprehended by the Ondo State joint security team. This group includes 28 suspects believed to be part of a kidnapping ring along with another 33 individuals involved in different unlawful acts within the region.

Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the State Commander of Amotekun, revealed this information at a parade for the criminals held in Akure, which serves as the state’s capital. According to him, these individuals were arrested within the past fortnight due to their involvement in suspected acts such as kidnap, attempted homicide, armed burglary, and fraud related to visas.

Adeleye disclosed that 28 of the suspects were part of a gang detained for allegedly abducting and swindling 72 Ghanaians and Nigericans who were trying to migrate overseas for improved prospects.

As he stated, the syndicate, headed by someone from Ghana, enticed many of its targets within Ghana with promises of obtaining safe visas to go to the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Australia.

The head of Amotekun stated: “As you know, the government of Ondo State, led competently by Dr. Seun Akeredolu, established a committee along with a task force to address the increasing security concerns in Ondo State over the past few days.”

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This led to our code-named mission: Operation Daadaa. Security personnel from various units across Ondo State, such as the Amotekun Corps, the Police, the Army, and the Civil Defence, conducted intensive operations in the Alagada, Ago Ademekun, and Ago Oyinbo Forests. These efforts also covered regions within the Ose and Owo local government areas, along with both Akure North and South local government areas in Ondo State.

Today, we are marching with 61 suspected individuals. These suspects were apprehended for different offenses throughout the state. Regarding the kidnapping incidents, we’ve presented both the victims and those arrested as perpetrators; these individuals confirmed each other’s identities during their encounters.

We also took down a group of 28 individuals involved in kidnapping, human trafficking, and cattle theft.

They lure innocent members of the public with promises of assisting them obtain U.S. visas. There are currently 28 Ghanaians who were enticed to go to Akure; upon their arrival, the criminal group demanded payments ranging from $2,000 to $1,500 before abducting and holding them captive in Oda.

The sole condition for their release was capturing another individual as a hostage. The keen-eyed operatives from the Intelligence Division of the Amotekun Corps managed to locate these individuals, resulting in 28 of them being apprehended today. Additionally, several victims have been saved by the corps along with their respective family members.

My counsel to young men: make sure you interact with trustworthy individuals as you pursue better prospects overseas.

In the Owo Local Government Area, we successfully rescued two families—five people in one instance and four in another—from kidnappers without paying any ransom. Both families are safe here, and no money changed hands.

The sole amount of money obtained from the Idanre group during the kidnapping was 210,000 naira, discovered when they were trying to negotiate for ten million naira. Nevertheless, due to intelligence tips, we conducted an operation in the forest where they were concealed, successfully rescuing the hostages unharmed.

We have apprehended multiple people for stealing livestock and breaking the anti-grazing regulations. Notably, we caught Sylvester—a person of interest in kidnapping cases—who was detained at Old Garage in Akure.

We also detained Olaoluwa Akinmuyi and Anthony for comparable crimes. In Araromi, Akure, Blessing Imafidon was taken into custody for attempting murder. Furthermore, our forces seized weapons from cult members such as Abdullahi Suberu and Abiodun Edward in both Owo and Ikare.

Describing his experience, victim Jeremiah Amoah recounted that he was approached by the leader of the criminal group, a man from Ghana, who promised to assist him in obtaining an Australian visa through Nigeria.

Amoah mentioned that he went to Nigeria and was instructed to travel from Lagos to Akure, which is the capital of Ondo State. Nevertheless, when he arrived, a motorcycle taxi driver guided him to a spot in the Oda section of the town.

As per Amoah, upon entering the premises, the group gathered $2,000 USD from him right away. It was only afterward that he understood he had been deceived when they told him to bring another individual from Ghana, intending to replace him as part of his liberation from the site.

He stated, “A acquaintance phoned me from Ghana and instructed me to go to Nigeria for my travel formalities to Australia. Upon reaching Lagos, he informed me to hail a taxi to Akure.”

Upon reaching Cathedral Junction, I was instructed to await an agent who would collect me. Once this agent showed up, they escorted me to a hotel before taking approximately $2,000 from me.

“After collecting my money, they took me to another location and instructed me to lure another person to Nigeria before I would be released.

I managed to flee at midnight when everybody was sleeping. I climbed over the wall. Amotekun truly assisted us; they made sure that all those involved were detained and more than 70 victims were released.

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Amotekun Foils Visa Kidnappers, Frees 72 in Ondo


AKURE

A group of 28 individuals who engage in scams targeting people looking to emigrate for better opportunities has been dismantled by the Ondo State Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps.

Led by a Ghanaian, the syndicate attracts the majority of its victims from Ghana by promising them secure visas to travel to the United States (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Australia.

The testimonies of the victims indicated that the syndicate had amassed more than $144 USD (₦216 million) from those they defrauded.

While recounting his experience, Jeremiah Amoah received communication from the leader of the syndicate—a Ghanaian based in Nigeria—who offered assistance in securing a visa for Australia.

He revealed that he had been requested to visit Nigeria. Upon arriving in Lagos, he was instructed to use public transportation to reach Akure, which is the state capital of Ondo State.

Upon reaching Akure, he was instructed to ride a commercial motorcycle to Oda town, where the group linked him up with others.

As per Jeremiah, once they stepped into the house, they promptly gathered $2,000 from him.

He eventually realized that he had been deceived when he learned about the plan to replace him with someone else from Ghana in order for him to gain freedom from the camp.

He revealed that he spotted 72 individuals along with several others who were being held hostage inside the building.

However, Jeremiah climbed over the compound’s wall and managed to flee.

After reaching out to his sibling in Ghana who listened to his harrowing experience, his brother then got in touch with his buddy from Nigeria.

The friend reached out to the Amotekun Corps, who promptly intervened and apprehended every individual in the premises.

Eight months prior, Jeremiah’s first brother reached the camp, followed by his second brother arriving three months ago and his third brother coming one and a half months back.

The Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that the individuals displayed as criminal suspects were apprehended over the past fortnight through collaborative efforts in the forested areas by various security agencies within the state.

He stated: “You know that the government of Ondo State, led competently by Dr. Lucky Aiyeditiwa, established a panel and a task force recently to address the growing security concerns within the state.”

This led to our code-named mission: Operation Daadaa. Security personnel from various units across Ondo State—such as the Amotekun Corps, the Police, the Army, and the Civil Defence—conducted extensive operations in areas like Alagada, Ago Ademekun, Ago Oyinbo Forest. These efforts were also directed towards Ose and Owo Local Government Areas, along with both Akure North and South Local Government Areas within Ondo State.

Today, we are marching with 61 suspected individuals. These suspects were apprehended due to multiple offenses occurring throughout the state. Regarding the matter of kidnappings, we have included both the victims and the detained perpetrators; these parties mutually recognized one another.

We also managed to dismantle a group of 28 individuals who specialize in abduction, human trafficking, and cattle theft.

They lure unwitting members of the public whom they claim can assist with obtaining U.S. visas. There are 28 Ghanaians who were lured to Akure; upon their arrival, these individuals are extorted for varying amounts—some pay $2,000, others $1,500—and then get kidnapped and held captive in Oda.

The sole condition for them leaving this location is to provide another group as replacements. The Eagle Eye unit from the Intelligence Division of the Amotekun Corps managed to locate them, and currently, we have 28 individuals with us. Additionally, some of these people have been rescued by the Corps and reunited with their families.

In the Owo Local Government Area, we managed to save a family of five from kidnappers without demanding any ransom. Similarly, another family of four was rescued under the same circumstances. These families are present as well, and not even one kobo was paid as ransom.

The only funds recovered from the Idanre group amounted to ₦210,000, which was what they had on them during negotiations for an exchange of £10 million. However, thanks to our intelligence network, we launched operations in the forest where they were being held, successfully rescuing them unharmed.

We also apprehended several individuals for cattle theft and breaching the anti-grazing regulations.

In particular, we have had Sylvester under surveillance as a potential kidnapper and he was apprehended at the old garage in Akure.

We also had Olaoluwa Akinmuyi and Anthony detained for comparable crimes. Additionally, Blessing Imafidon was apprehended in Araromi, Akure, charged with attempting murder. Furthermore, several individuals involved in cult activities were seized with weapons; these include Abdullahi Suberu and Abiodun Edward, who were caught in Owo and Ikare respectively.

“Also, under these two weeks under review with the Amotekun Rangers and Operation Daadaa, in collaboration with other security agencies, we arrested a group in the far Arimogija boundary of the Ondo/Edo that were dismantling critical Federal Government assets in terms of aluminum conductors and wires. This brings to a total of 61 suspected criminals.

Consequently, during Operation Daadaa, the armored rangers continue their efforts unceasingly within the forest regions. Meanwhile, officials from all 18 local government areas have been placed on high alert to safeguard lives and property across Ondo State.

We continue to uphold our commitment to guaranteeing the safety of lives and property in Ondo State.

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Catching the Con Artists: An International Edition

The newly appointed head of the anti-trafficking unit at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) states that they are prepared to intensify efforts against fraudsters and illicit operators working across the borders, aiming to enhance the nation’s standing on the United States’ human trafficking watchlist.

The recently named head of the CIB’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD), Pol Maj Gen Songklod Krirkkitaya, stated that the government’s offensive against fraud rings near the borders has been successful.

People from across the globe have been saved from facilities managed by criminal groups in Thailand who had deceived them into coming for what they were told would be legal employment.

His primary emphasis currently is differentiating genuine victims from those accused individuals pretending to be victims as a means of evading potential legal consequences.

Therefore, law enforcement agencies have modified their strategy. For example, the ATPD has devised a novel technique to assist officials in determining which individuals rescued were genuine victims of criminal organizations.

Currently, whether they are Thai or foreign nationals who have been rescued from scams operating across the borders will undergo a detailed 74-question interview aimed at identifying the criminals within the group of detainees.

The screening method was implemented by Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, who leads the Anti-Human Trafficking Centre within the Royal Thai Police, following revelations that numerous Thai nationals found in fraudulent operations across Cambodia had initially departed from Thailand with their consent to engage in illegal activities orchestrated by criminal organizations.

Pol Maj Gen Songklod stated that individuals involved in smuggling people and scams have identified weaknesses within the procedures. As a result, numerous detainees frequently fabricate claims to suggest they were victims of human trafficking organizations.

In a recent instance, it was discovered that out of 119 individuals claiming victimhood, they were actually voluntary participants after thorough investigations and examinations of their smartphones.

In comparison to the previous eight-question screening method employed by law enforcement, the updated version is more comprehensive. It includes additional inquiries about an individual’s travel background, places of stay, and daily engagements.

Lt. Gen. Pol Maj Songklod stated that the information gathered from the screenings could serve as grounds for issuing arrest warrants.

BORDER CROSSINGS

General Pol Maj Songklod stated that Thailand’s initiatives to assist nations aiming to recover their nationals trapped in scam operations could enhance the nation’s position in the U.S. State Department’s yearly Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report.

As law enforcement agencies combat the syndicate’s operations locally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborates with diplomatic missions abroad to both return individuals deceived into working overseas by fraudsters and inform these countries about any dubious transnational actions involving their nationals.

Two major points of entry where human trafficking flourishes are the Mae Sot district in Tak province to the west, adjacent to Myanmar; and Sa Kaeo province to the east, near Cambodia’s border.

At the Huai Hin Fon checkpoint in Mae Sot, officials are deployed as part of an important border management center. Each non-resident passing through this point undergoes a thorough 74-item questionnaire. These findings are then sent to Pol Gen Thatchai.

The passage through the Sa Kaeo border presents a distinct difficulty due to the many natural pathways available for individuals to traverse.

Gen Pol Maj Songklod admitted that the majority of Thai nationals involved in unlawful employment in Cambodia utilize these pathways. It is believed that this group consists of tens of thousands of individuals.

BIG DATA LEAD

CIB’s efforts are supported by an extensive big data system and the Real-Time Crime Centre, which acts as a centralized hub for combating criminal activities.

Under the guidance of Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, the CIB has prepared a strategy to break down human trafficking rings both within the country and abroad. The plan also includes strengthening legal frameworks to boost law enforcement actions and provide better aid and safeguards for victims. This initiative requires collaboration with various government entities to offer help, recovery programs, and protective measures for witnesses.

Furthermore, anti-trafficking law enforcement personnel will adhere to standardized operational procedures (SOPs) ensuring that anti-trafficking initiatives align with globally recognized benchmarks, as stated by Pol Maj Gen Songklod. These officers will receive additional instruction to enhance their investigation techniques and capacity for supporting victims.

Working together with governmental bodies as well as private and international organizations can enhance information sharing and broaden the scope of efforts aimed at suppressing various activities.

Upon completing his education at the Royal Police Cadet Academy, Pol Maj Gen Songklod went on to earn a master’s degree in government administration in the United States. Throughout his extensive career, he has taken on numerous responsibilities such as working in administrative and traffic policing, engaging in crime suppression efforts, and serving with the Special Branch police force prior to being appointed as the chief of the ATPD.

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US Extradites UK-Based Nigerian Suspect on Fraud Charges

A Nigerian man believed to be a runaway, Ehis Akhimie, was handed over from the UK to the US to confront accusations associated with organized criminal activities. This includes participating in an international scam specifically aimed at defrauding senior citizens within the country.

The U.S. Department of Justice verified his extradition in an emailed statement to our correspondent on Friday.

The document indicated that the suspect’s extradition was achieved through comprehensive collaboration and coordination between the Department of Justice and various law enforcement entities spanning several nations.

The report indicates that the collaborative initiative included participation from law enforcement organizations based in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mexico, Spain, and the UK.

Due to this partnership, the Nigerian scammer was handed over by authorities in the UK along with multiple other individuals facing charges such as homicide, pediatric sexual abuse, running the MS-13 gang, human trafficking, narcotics distribution linked to Colombia, digital crimes tied to Russia, and visa application fraud.

“The relentless efforts of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs alongside their international counterparts led to the successful extradition of fugitives accused of serious offenses in the U.S.,” stated Matthew R. Galeotti, who heads the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

“The Justice Department will actively target and prosecute transnational criminals within the United States, ensuring they face accountability for the deaths and acts of violence they have perpetrated both domestically and overseas,” stated Galeotti.

The suspected 41-year-old Nigerian fraudster was extradited from the UK to the Southern District of Florida, where he faced charges for allegedly participating in a transnational criminal organisation that ran an inheritance fraud scheme targeting elderly consumers in the U.S.

Part of the report stated, “The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs offered considerable support in facilitating the arrest and extradition of the defendants, working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service.”

The Justice Department expresses gratitude and recognizes the crucial contribution of its law enforcement collaborators in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom in facilitating these extraditions.

According to PUNCH Metro, Nigerian siblings Samuel and Samson Ogoshi, who orchestrated a sextortion scheme against a 17-year-old, received prison terms of 17 years and six months each in the United States back in September.

The brothers from Lagos who were found guilty reportedly tricked Jordan DeMay into sending explicit photos by posing as a female of his age, before extorting him.

The alleged victim apparently took his own life within six hours of beginning communication with them on Instagram.

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