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Analytical Instruments appoints Madura Liyanarachchi as Managing Director

Analytical Instruments Ltd., (AIPL), one of Sri Lanka’s foremost providers of healthcare and laboratory solutions, has announced the appointment of Madura Liyanarachchi as the Managing Director.

A respected industry leader with over 23 years of dedicated service, Liyanarachchi’s appointment marks the culmination of an inspiring career built on technical expertise, strategic vision, and exceptional leadership. Having joined Analytical Instruments in 2003 as a Sales Engineer, he has progressed through every level of the organisation to become its Managing Director, an achievement that reflects both his professional excellence and the company’s enduring commitment to developing talent from within.

Throughout his career, Liyanarachchi has played a pivotal role in transforming Analytical Instruments into Sri Lanka’s market leader in laboratory diagnostics and healthcare technologies. Under his leadership, the Health Sector achieved remarkable business growth, doubling its annual revenue within the past three years and further strengthening the company’s position as the industry’s benchmark for innovation and service excellence.

One of his most significant contributions has been spearheading the digital transformation of clinical laboratories in Sri Lanka. By introducing advanced laboratory automation, digital laboratory information solutions, and cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, he has been instrumental in modernising laboratory operations and improving efficiency across both public and private healthcare institutions. His vision has helped lay the foundation for the next generation of laboratory services in the country.

In his new role as Managing Director Liyanarachchi will focus on driving innovation, strengthening partnerships with globally renowned healthcare technology manufacturers, expanding the company’s portfolio, and accelerating sustainable growth while continuing to deliver outstanding value to customers and stakeholders.

An engineer by profession, Liyanarachchi is a proud alumnus of Dharmaraja College, Kandy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Peradeniya and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Colombo.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he has made significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector. He serves as a Visiting Lecturer at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, as well as at several other universities, where he shares his industry knowledge and expertise with the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Liyanarachchi’s appointment represents not only a significant personal milestone but also reflects Analytical Instruments’ continued investment in visionary leadership, innovation, and the advancement of healthcare in Sri Lanka.

Move beyond criticisms, present alternatives, APC National Chairman tells opposition

The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has challenged opposition leaders to move beyond criticisms and present practical, well-articulated alternatives to addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.

This is contained in a statement by Yilwatda’s Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, in Abuja.

Tooki quoted the national chairman as stating this at the 10th National Assembly Award Dinner Ceremony held on Wednesday in Abuja.

Yilwatda, who was represented by Daniel Rejenieju at the event, said opposition leaders should desist from merely condemning government policies.

He said the removal of fuel subsidy by the President Bola Tinubu-led APC administration was an inevitable and necessary decision to rescue the nation’s economy from imminent fiscal collapse.

The national chairman described the former subsidy regime as an unsustainable system that only enriched a privileged few, while denying the country the resources required for critical national development.

He urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for the bold economic reforms being implemented by the Tinubu-led administration.

Yilwatda expressed confidence that the temporary hardship associated with the reforms would ultimately give way to sustainable economic growth, fiscal stability and shared national prosperity.

According to him, a courageous leadership is defined by the willingness to take difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions in the overall interest of the people.

He stated that Tinubu had demonstrated exceptional courage by implementing reforms that successive administrations acknowledged were necessary but lacked the political will to execute.

Yilwatda explained that the current economic difficulties represent the short-term consequences of reforms designed to correct years of structural distortions, adding that the long-term gains would far outweigh the present sacrifices.

Highlighting the positive impact of the administration’s reforms, he identified the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the most transformative social intervention programmes under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that millions of students across tertiary institutions had benefitted from the initiative regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, thereby expanding access to higher education and reducing the financial burden on Nigerian families.

The national chairman further stated that the reforms had promoted greater fiscal discipline among citizens by encouraging prudent spending, responsible financial planning and a renewed culture of productivity.

He also noted that increased allocations to states and other sub-national governments had strengthened their capacity to pay salaries promptly, undertake infrastructure projects and deliver meaningful development to their people.

While acknowledging the temporary hardship occasioned by the reforms, he appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and united in support of Tinubu’s administration.

Yilwatda emphasised that lasting national transformation required resilience, sacrifice and collective commitment.

According to the statement, special awards were conferred on some deserving Nigerians at the event convened by Uko Miracle, who commended the president and the APC leadership for remarkable achievements since assuming office.

Miracle said his organisation undertook an extensive documentation of the administration’s performance by engaging ministries, departments and agencies nationwide.

This, he said, culminated in the publication of a comprehensive magazine showcasing the Tinubu-led administration’s accomplishments.

Reps probe Mining Marshals over alleged N2bn scandal

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the activities of the Mining Marshals Corps, comprising more than 2,200 personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Abdulmaleek Danga (APC-Kogi) during plenary on Wednesday.

Danga recalled that the Federal Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Interior inaugurated the specialised security unit on March 21, 2024.

He said the unit was established under Section 3 of the NSCDC Act and the regulatory framework of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

According to him, the Mining Marshals were established to secure mining sites, combat illegal mining and banditry in mineral-rich communities, and protect federal revenue from the solid minerals sector.

However, the lawmaker alleged that the unit had deviated from its mandate, resulting in the wrongful arrest and harassment of legitimate mineral title holders.

He also alleged financial impropriety within the unit, including the reported discovery of more than N2 billion in the bank account of a former state commander.

Danga said the commander was redeployed instead of facing judicial inquiry, prosecution or internal disciplinary action, fuelling allegations that the unit had been compromised by wealthy illegal mining syndicates.

He also expressed concern over the procurement and allocation of operational vehicles without clear evidence of legislative appropriation or budgetary provision.

The House mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities and performance of the Mining Marshals nationwide.

The committee is to investigate the N2 billion bank account allegation, other cases of alleged compromise, the source of funding for the operational vehicles, and all external financial inflows to the unit.

It is also to examine the statutory compliance of the unit’s creation, structure and composition, and recommend an internationally accepted and legally compliant security model.

Ruling on the motion, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu mandated the committee to submit its report within four weeks for further legislative action.

2027: Crisis rocks Oyo NDC as members petition national leadership over state chair

A crisis is brewing in the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following a petition by some members seeking an investigation into allegations against the party’s state chairman.

The petitioners accused the chairman of abuse of office, anti-democratic practices, anti-party activities and actions they claimed are hindering the growth of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The petition, dated July 20, 2026, was addressed to the party’s national leadership through its National Secretariat in Abuja. It was signed by Engr. Oshiariyo Stephen Adeyinka and co-signed by other members.

Copies were also sent to the party’s National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe; the Deputy National Chairman (South-West), Babatunde Ali; and the party’s National Leader, former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

The aggrieved members said they submitted the petition ‘in the interest of justice, internal democracy, party unity and the long-term growth of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Oyo State.’

‘It is with great concern that we bring to the attention of the National Leadership a series of actions allegedly committed by the Oyo State Chairman of the party, Mrs Oyeronke Akinlolu, which, if left unchecked, may seriously undermine the credibility, unity and electoral prospects of our great party,’ the petition read.

The petitioners alleged that the state chairman had exercised the powers of her office arbitrarily by taking unilateral decisions without consulting the State Executive Committee and other relevant organs of the party.

They urged the national leadership to investigate the allegations and take appropriate steps to safeguard internal democracy and unity within the party.

The petition stated, ‘Mrs Oyeronke Akinlolu has allegedly exercised the powers of her office in an arbitrary manner, making unilateral decisions without consultation with the State Executive Committee or relevant party organs, contrary to the principles of transparency and collective leadership.’

The petitioners also alleged that the state chairman had consistently undermined internal democracy within the party by excluding members from decision-making processes and creating an atmosphere of intimidation.

‘The State Chairman is alleged to have consistently suppressed internal democracy by excluding members from decision-making processes, refusing to encourage open discussions, and creating an atmosphere of intimidation within the party,’ the petition read.

The aggrieved members further alleged that more than 50 members were removed from the party’s official Oyo State WhatsApp platform without any disciplinary process.

According to the petition, ‘Over fifty members of the party were arbitrarily removed from the official Oyo State WhatsApp platform without due process or any disciplinary proceedings.’

‘This action has alienated committed members, weakened communication and created unnecessary divisions within the party.’

The petition also accused Mrs Akinlolu of alleged anti-party conduct, claiming that some of her actions and public statements had raised concerns about her commitment to the ideals and objectives of the party.

It added, ‘Several actions and utterances attributed to the State Chairman have raised serious concerns regarding loyalty to the ideals and objectives of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.’

‘Such conduct has caused disaffection among members and has weakened confidence in the leadership of the State chapter.’

The petitioners equally alleged that the state chairman had removed or replaced recognised executive members without following constitutional procedures.

‘The State Chairman is alleged to have removed or replaced duly recognised executive members without following the procedures laid down by the party’s constitution or obtaining the approval of the appropriate organs of the party,’ the petition stated.

They further claimed that the leadership style allegedly adopted by the state chairman had deepened divisions within the Oyo State chapter of the party.

The petition further read: ‘Rather than promoting reconciliation and expansion of the party, the leadership style allegedly adopted by the State Chairman has resulted in factionalisation, mistrust, declining membership and internal crises that threaten the survival of the party in Oyo State.’

The petition also alleged that Mrs Akinlolu had openly expressed hostility towards the party’s presidential ticket comprising Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

‘It has been alleged that the State Chairman has openly expressed dislike and shown hostility towards the party’s Presidential Candidate, H.E. Peter Obi, and his running mate, H.E. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.’

‘Such conduct, if established, is inconsistent with the obligation of every party leader to promote and defend the party’s candidates at all levels,’ the petition stated.

The petitioners argued that the allegations, taken together, portrayed ‘a pattern of leadership that is inconsistent with the democratic ideals, constitutional provisions and vision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.’

They urged the national leadership of the party to institute an independent investigation into the allegations, restore members allegedly removed from the party’s official communication platforms pending the outcome of the investigation, review executive appointments and replacements allegedly made outside the party’s constitution, and impose appropriate disciplinary measures if the allegations were substantiated.

The petition also called on the party leadership to introduce measures capable of restoring unity, inclusiveness, fairness and confidence among members of the Oyo State chapter.

‘This petition is made in good faith and in the overall interest of strengthening our great party. We remain committed to the ideals of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and trust that the National Leadership will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves,’ the petition concluded.

Invictus in order to avoid Convictus

It has become clear, not just apparent, that the technique of the vice president and her defense team is to divert the attention of the people from the charges against her and use “argumentum ad populum” by portraying herself as the victim of persecution, instead of addressing the charges directly.

The reference to Invictus is one of the most illustrative of this tactic which is appealing to the “hoi polloi” who decide based on emotions rather than logic. The literal translation of the Latin term “Invictus” is unconquered, unconquerable, undefeated and undefeatable. If the vice president is fair to her audience, she should have mentioned that she was only borrowing the phrase from William Henley’s poem written in 1875. She should have put context to her expression by disclosing that such words as “bloodied but unbowed” is not original but written by Henley after his leg was amputated due to bone tuberculosis.

The vice president is obviously praising her own fighting spirit. The term unconquerable soul was mentioned in the first stanza of Invictus. She is making reference to the second stanza of Henley’s “obra maestra.” “In the fell clutch of circumstance, I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance, my head is bloodied but unbowed” It is indeed a good mantra to ignite her self-confidence, her indomitable spirit to fight. The vice president indeed is a brave woman. She is not your usual portrait of a submissive female. She is strong, firm and even her own father recognized her strength in character and resilience.

When I took the Bar many decades past, I used to recite each day, as a provinciano coming to Manila for the first time, the last stanza of Invictus: ” It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” We respect the vice president’s right to express herself in such a way, and declare her unflinching determination amidst “the slings and arrows of her outrageous fortune” to follow Shakespeare in Hamlet. But she has to cite her source instead of implicitly sounding original. That is called intellectual honesty.

However, her propensity to divert the attention of the people by relentlessly attacking the government and nonchalantly ignoring her duty to attend her impeachment trial does not sit well with the expected character of a true leader. Her attack against the government of which she is very much a part of is the most. She keeps on attacking the president when it was she who asked the people to vote for him does not speak well of her character. Vice president Leni disagreed with president Duterte in almost all principles of governance, but she never insulted, berated or shamed the president.

Vice President Jojo Binay was not of the same party as the late president Noynoy Aquino. But Binay remained a gentleman, a decent and respectful vice president. Even the late Diosdado Macapagal was very polite, restrained and respectful of president Carlos P Garcia despite the fact that Macapagal was of the Liberal Party while Garcia was of the Nacionalista Party. Only this vice president who ran under the same banner keeps on attacking the chief executive, instead of helping the government address the huge problems confronting the country.

There is no line in Invictus that can save the vice president if the evidence should lead to “convictus.”

Lagos: 12 month billing rule not electricity debt cancellation

The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) has moved to dispel reports that electricity debts older than 12 months have been written off, clarifying that the proposed 12 month limit on the recovery of unmetered electricity charges does not amount to debt cancellation.

The Commission said the provision, contained in the proposed Lagos State Retail Electricity Supply Code, is prospective and will only take effect when the Code comes into force. It does not apply to liabilities incurred before then.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Temitope George, said all electricity debts accrued before the commencement of the Code remain valid and enforceable under existing laws and contractual obligations.

The clarification followed media reports that interpreted the proposed regulation as an automatic waiver of outstanding electricity debts beyond 12 months.

According to the Commission, the provision is intended to strengthen consumer protection while compelling electricity distribution companies to speed up metering and reduce dependence on estimated billing.

LASERC explained that under the proposed Code, electricity distribution companies and other suppliers must issue bills for electricity consumed within 12 months of supply. Any bill issued within that period remains valid and recoverable in accordance with contract law.

Mrs George said the regulation was designed to improve discipline and accountability in the electricity market rather than invalidate historical debts.

‘Our objective with the Lagos State Retail Electricity Supply Code is to establish an environment of mutual accountability,’ she said.

‘By limiting the recovery of unmetered bills to 12 months moving forward, we are creating a powerful regulatory incentive for distribution licensees to accelerate their metering timelines.

‘This policy carefully balances consumer protection against prolonged estimated billing while providing operators with a clear and predictable framework within which to operate. Outstanding historical debts must still be settled, but moving forward, bills must be issued in a timely and predictable manner.’

LASERC reiterated that electricity distribution licensees would be required to meter all eligible consumers within timelines prescribed under the new Code, warning that operators who fail to comply would forfeit the right to recover charges for unmetered electricity older than 12 months, except in circumstances expressly provided for in the regulation.

The Commission said the measure is part of its drive to achieve universal metering, eliminate estimated billing and ensure consumers pay only for electricity actually consumed, while promoting greater regulatory certainty, operational efficiency and investment in Lagos’ electricity market.

’Coup’: Sylva’s aides’ trial for Oct. 5

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the trial of five men, said to be aides of former Governor of Bayelsa State Timipre Sylva, for October 5.

The trial, initially scheduled for yesterday, was moved forward due to the absence of Justice Peter Lifu in court.

The five – Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha and Ayebaifie Suobite- were arraigned on July 1 on a two-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/299/2026, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

They are, among others, accused of failing to disclose Sylva’s whereabouts, allegations they denied by pleading not guilty.

Justice Lifu had on July 1 granted bail to each of them at N5million, with two sureties, who must be residents of Abuja and who must provide their tax clearance certificates.

The defendants are, in count one, alleged to have, on or about April 28 in Abuja, become ‘accessories after the fact of felony by concealing the whereabouts of Timiprey Sylva, who is a fugitive of the law.’

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 519 of the Criminal Code Act.They are, in count two, alleged to have conspired to commit a felony by concealing the whereabouts of Sylva, who Is a fugitive of the law.

The offence is contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act LFN, 2004.

The five defendants, who were arrested last year, had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit, demanding that they be either released or be arraigned in court.

In the suit, they described themselves as domestic workers and aides to Sylva.

Anagaha’s wife, Preye, stated in a supporting affidavit that DSS operatives arrested her husband and others on October 25 at Sylva’s house in Maitama, Abuja.

Preye, who described her husband as ‘a domestic staff member’ to Sylva, further stated that ‘when Chief Timipre Sylva was not found at the residence, the operatives arrested three aides and domestic workers including my husband.’

Sylva featured in the charge, filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) against six men currently being prosecuted before a Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged coup plot against the Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Sylva is not named as a defendant in the 13-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, but was described in some of the counts as ‘still at large.’

The six are: Maj. Gen. Mohammed Gana (rtd.), Captain Erasmus Victor (rtd.), Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani.

Hearing in the trial of the six alleged coup plotters continues on September 30 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, also of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Bombers blast Lions to win first ever FilOil preseason title

For the first time in the preseason league’s history, the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers are champions of the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

This after JRU blasted off against the reigning NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions, 74-67, Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Heavy Bombers kept the Red Lions at bay with huge plays down the stretch to complete a two-game sweep in the championship round.

Eventual Finals Most Valuable Player Lawrence Mangubat finished the game with 27 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Jahmir Eligado had 10 markers and nine boards in the title-clinching Game 2.

JRU led by 11, 56-45, after a layup by Eligado with 7:36 remaining.

But an 8-1 run, capped by a 3-pointer by Zedjay Etulle, closed the gap, 53-57, with 5:31 left.

Mangubat, though, hit a trey of his own and followed it up with a baseline jumper to keep their opponents at arm’s length, 62-53.

A pair of free throws by Lawrence Hawkins and a deuce by Sean Torculas off the steal, made it a five-point deficit anew, 57-62.

But both teams traded triples as San Beda kept in step with the Heavy Bombers.

With less than 40 seconds left and with the Red Lions trailing by six, 64-70, after a split from the line by Dom Sarigumba, San Beda forced a steal.

Dan Marcelo, however, was blocked by Chris Hubilla, and the rock hit Marcelo on the way out.

And while San Beda continued to pound on the door, clutch free throws by Mangubat down the stretch, as well as a clutch rebound by Ivan Panapanaan that led to the dagger freebies by Mangubat, iced the game.

The game was tight through the half, with JRU leading by just one, 29-28, after the first 20 minutes of play.

But the Heavy Bombers dropped a 23-12 third quarter to break the game wide open, 52-40, heading to the fourth.

Allan Laurenaria and Jay Garupil finished with nine points each, while Chris Hubilla had eight points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block.

Zedjay Etulle had 14 points and four rebounds for San Beda, while Torculas had 13 markers, seven boards and three dimes.

This is the first title of JRU in the tournament.

The Heavy Bombers last made the finals back in the first season of the competition, finishing as the runners-up to the La Salle Green Archers.

EAC unveils regional virus research centre to strengthen health security

The East African Community (EAC) has operationalised its Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology, marking a major milestone in efforts to strengthen the region’s capacity for virus research, specialised laboratory training and disease surveillance.

The facility, hosted by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe, Uganda, was officially launched on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, by Uganda’s Prime Minister, Ms Robinah Nabbanja, on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni.

The centre is expected to serve as the region’s leading hub for advanced virology research, laboratory diagnostics, scientific training, disease surveillance and knowledge sharing, enabling EAC partner states to better prepare for and respond to public health threats, including Ebola, Marburg and other emerging and re-emerging viral diseases. Launching the centre, Ms Nabbanja described the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening regional health security, saying East Africa must continue investing in scientific research and innovation to address evolving disease threats.

‘The world is changing rapidly, together with its health challenges. We have learnt that a nation capable of studying its own pathogens is a self-reliant nation. Uganda remains committed to increasing investment in research,’ she said.

The EAC Council of Ministers Chairperson, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, said the establishment of the centre came at a critical time when infectious diseases continued to pose serious risks across the region and beyond.

She said lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated that diseases do not respect national borders, making regional cooperation essential in preventing and responding to outbreaks.

Ms Kadaga added that although EAC partner states had strengthened their laboratory systems in recent years, disparities in technical expertise, infrastructure and resources remained.

She said the new centre would bridge those gaps by promoting scientific collaboration, specialised training and the sharing of expertise among partner states.

Representing the EAC Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Mr Ariik Malueth said the centre was among seven Regional Medical Diagnostic Centres of Excellence identified under the EAC Health Investment Priority Framework 2018-2028, approved by the 19th Summit of EAC Heads of State.

He said the centre would ensure specialised scientific knowledge developed in one partner state became a shared regional resource benefiting all East Africans.

‘Uganda’s selection reflects the Uganda Virus Research Institute’s internationally recognised expertise and decades of contribution to virus research, disease surveillance and outbreak response,’ he said.

UVRI Director, Prof Pontiano Kaleebu, said the institute was committed to supporting regional health security through cutting-edge virology research, specialised laboratory training, diagnostics, surveillance and scientific collaboration.

He noted that UVRI already played a regional role by confirming laboratory samples submitted by partner states before disease outbreaks were officially declared, ensuring public health decisions were guided by scientific evidence.

The operationalisation of the centre has been supported through the EAC Regional Network of Reference Laboratories for Communicable Diseases Project, with financial support from the German government through KfW and technical assistance from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM).

Uganda’s KfW country director, Jan Alber, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting East Africa’s health security, saying stronger laboratory systems and scientific partnerships were essential for building resilient health systems capable of responding to future disease outbreaks.

NAPTIP rescues 156 trafficking victims

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) yesterday said human trafficking has evolved beyond sexual exploitation and forced labour into cyber-enabled scam operations, with tech-savvy young graduates now the fastest-growing group of victims.

Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, disclosed this at a press conference ahead of the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, themed ‘Trapped Behind the Scam.’

Bello said the agency rescued 156 trafficking victims between January and July, in addition to over 300 victims repatriated from Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire in 2025. She said NAPTIP has also disrupted several trafficking-linked scam centres nationwide.

According to her, young Nigerians, particularly skilled graduates, we’re being lured abroad with false job offers in IT, digital marketing, cryptocurrency trading, gaming and telecommunications.

On arrival, mostly in parts of Asia, their passports are seized and they are coerced through violence, debt bondage or psychological pressure into running online scams targeting victims worldwide.

The victims themselves become prisoners trapped behind computer screens, false promises, organised criminal networks, and fear, Bello said.

She said criminal networks now exploited social media, encrypted platforms, cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence to recruit and control victims, adding that large scam compounds operate mainly in Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos, with similar hubs emerging in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. Victims there are coerced into romance scams, crypto and investment frauds targeting victims in the U.S., UK, Canada and Ethiopia, she added.

Citing global data, Bello said over 300,000 people are trafficked into scam operations across Southeast Asia annually, generating an estimated $64 billion, with victims drawn from 66 countries.

On prosecutions, she said NAPTIP has secured 839 convictions since its establishment, including 47 recorded this year. She urged Nigerians to verify overseas job offers and avoid unofficial recruitment channels.

Also speaking, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, said trafficking thrives where legitimate opportunities are scarce, noting that job seekers and young people are most vulnerable to exploitation. He called for stronger investment in youth skills development, job creation and inclusive economic growth as a frontline defence against trafficking, alongside law enforcement.