smuggling

Garowe (AX) — Recently, Northeastern State authorities made a resolute declaration in the ongoing fight against human trafficking and smuggling activities that disproportionately affect the region's youth. The urgency of this call to action cannot be understated; the lives of many Somali youths hang in the balance as they become targets for illicit trafficking networks operating through local airports. Following a comprehensive meeting held in Garowe, attended by top officials from various immigration and security agencies,…

In a remarkable turn of events in Naivasha, Kenya, two Belgian teenagers, David Lornoy and Seppe Lodewijckx, found themselves at the center of an unusual court case that underscores the gravity of wildlife trafficking. Charged with the illegal possession and trafficking of garden ant queens, their pre-sentencing report was presented at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Courts. This case, however, reflects a larger, burgeoning crisis in biodiversity conservation. Earlier this month, Kenyan police conducted a…

Seizing Clarity in Maritime Confusion: The Capture of Two Oil Tankers In a turn of events making waves in the Persian Gulf, two oil tankers, the Sea Ranger and Salama, were intercepted near the bustling port city of Bushehr. Initially linked to Tanzania, these vessels were alleged to be attempting to escape Iran's territorial waters. With the air thick with intrigue, one must wonder: what drives international vessels into such precarious situations? Despite the Tanzanian flag being an initial point of interest, the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Recently, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) took a bold step by conducting an airstrike targeting a stateless vessel off the coast of Somalia. This action, aimed at a vessel reportedly transporting advanced weaponry to the militant group Al-Shabaab, marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle against maritime smuggling in the region. It’s not often that airpower is deployed in such a way, creating ripples of interest and concern across military and political circles. Officials from both the Somali…

The Nigeria Customs Service, represented by its Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, recently brought attention to an alarming and ongoing issue: the booming illicit fuel trade that continues to thrive in the country. This insight not only underscores a pressing economic challenge but also raises critical questions about the efficacy of policy changes aimed at curbing such illegal activities. During a recent performance review conference held in Abuja, Adeniyi provided a candid assessment of the current state of…

Trade Unions Applaud ICA's Courageous Stand Against Child Trafficking The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) has thrown its weight behind the Immigration and Citizenship Agency of Somalia (ICA) following their recent, impactful action against trafficking rings. These organized criminals have been covertly transporting young Somali girls and boys to the Gulf States and Europe, deceitfully cloaked under promises of meaningful employment. How often must we look the other way before such harrowing…

LONDON, UK (Axadle Times) —  an ordinary journey taking a profound turn. At Newcastle International Airport, amidst the bustling travelers, a London man found himself at the heart of a legal storm over khat, a substance often cloaked in controversy.It's not every day that a simple trip lands one in headlines. For Ahmed Hirsi, aged 46, life took an unexpected twist after customs officers uncovered approximately £18,000 worth of khat concealed in his luggage. The discovery occurred on October 11, 2023, marking what should have…

BOSASO, Somalia - In a striking turn of events, a vessel laden with military uniforms has been intercepted by the vigilant Northeastern State Devish Forces, raising eyebrows about its purpose. Was it, as officials suspect, intended for the elusive ISIS fighters who find themselves cornered in the rugged eastern terrain of Northeastern State? Joint efforts by the valiant Jubaland forces, alongside critical support from the US Africa Command and the military prowess of the United Arab Emirates, have gradually tightened the…

 FILE - A collection of weapons showcased in Mogadishu after a security raid. Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali Federal Government has come down hard on Ethiopia, accusing it of illicitly slipping weapons into Northeastern State—a move they believe jeopardizes national security and tramples over Somalia's sovereignty.Friday saw the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation release a statement claiming two trucks brimming with weaponry crossed into Northeastern State from Ethiopia sans any diplomatic heads-up or…

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says at least 20 migrants have been killed after smugglers threw 80 overboard during a trip from Djibouti in East Africa to Yemen. A statement said that "smugglers started shouting that there were too many on board" after the boat with 200 migrants, including children under 18, got off on Wednesday. IOM says five bodies have been recovered and survivors are being treated in Djibouti. This has happened in the past when thousands of migrants continue to…