Kano State Police Command has arrested 157 criminal suspects for various crimes in the last four weeks, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said yesterday.
Of those arrested 24 are robbers, 14 drug dealers, seven motor vehicle thieves, five motorcycle thieves, 28 thieves and 79 thugs (Yan Daba).
Among the weapons recovered are two English pistols, 19 fabricated revolver rifles, a fabricated pistol, 117 cartridges, six expended cartridges and 11 ammunition.
Other weapons recovered included 57 cutlasses, 71 sharp knives, 15 sharp irons (Dan Bida), seven scissors, two axes and a bow, among others.
Items recovered included two motor vehicles, two tricycles, three motorcycles, consignments of tramadol tablets worth N150 million, six cartons of Ampicillin tablets, 22 bottles of suck and die and 69 sachets and 260 pieces of exol tablets.
Bakori, who assumed duty on March 17, said, after obtaining briefs on the security in Kano, it became necessary to address pervasive issues of notorious thugs (Fadan Daba), drug abuse (Kwaya), armed robbery and other violent crimes.
“Over the past four weeks, the command intensified intelligence-led joint operations, round-the-clock visibility patrols and initiated strategic partnerships with community members.
“The proactive and collaborative efforts are yielding positive results and of the successes recorded are the breakthroughs that led to the dismantling of criminal networks that specialized in smuggling of firearms into the state.
“In order to ensure peace continues to prevail in the state, we have planned to conduct a series of community-based engagements and intelligence-led operations at strategic locations in the State with a view to prevent crimes and maintain law and order,” Bakori said, encouraging residents to cooperate with the police.
Kano State Police Command has announced the surrender of a 20-year-old Umar Auwal, who confessed his involvement in violent crimes, including homicides, in the state and its environs.
In a statement, the police spokesman, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the development followed sustained raids conducted by the Command at strategic locations.
The raids were aimed at getting rid of criminals and protecting life and property, during which Auwal decided to confess his crimes.
Auwal, popularly known as ‘Abba Dujal’, a resident of Wudil Local Government Area, confessed he had been involved in a series of culpable homicide, armed robbery, motorcycle and phone snatching etc in different parts of Kano and Jigawa states.
At Sabon Gari, Dujal said he had stabbed one ‘Boka’ to death and took his Infinix Hot 40i mobile phone, which he sold for N40,000.At Kurna Quarters, Kano, he stabbed another person to death and took his Samsung S26 phone, which he sold for N160,000.In Jigawa State, Dujal confessed to killing a man in Ringim Local Government and carting away his motorcycle, which he sold for N300,000.
Dujal is in custody of the Command’s Homicide Section, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for detailed investigation into the veracity of his confessions and further necessary actions, Kiyawa, a Superintendent of Police (SP) said.
Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, appreciated Umar’s decision to surrender. He urged others involved in similar crimes to also give up.
“Criminals will have no hiding place in the State. They should repent and surrender, as no stone will be left unturned in curtailing criminal activities in the State,” the CP said.
Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development has rescued a seven-years-old boy, Abubakar Sani, from his abusive father in Lere Local Government Area.
The boy’s two legs, our correspondent reports, were tied up by his father who poured hot water on them for allegedly stealing biscuits.
Commissioner in the ministry, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, told reporters when she visited the victim, who is recuperating at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital that after medical examination, the only option to save the boy’s life was to amputate his legs.
According to her, “The boy’s report came to the ministry about nine days ago and by then, his legs had already rotted and had maggots coming out. So, the advice from the doctors was amputation to save his life.
“It is so disheartening knowing the pain and trauma the child must have passed through and as if that was not enough, the father with the help of his wife, the boy’s stepmother, locked him up in a room for over 20 days in that condition without proper food.”
She added that the police had apprehended the father, Sani Tanimi Maishago, and his wife.
She said they would be charged to court after investigation.
She reiterated that the state government’s Child Protection Law is aimed at defending the rights of children because the social well-being of the child is the state’s paramount goal.
She emphasised that the state has zero tolerance for child molestation, domestic violence, rape and abuse of all sought on women and children is not taken lightly in the state adding: “We will make sure that justice is served to serve as a deterrent to others. I also want to warn parents that they do not have the right to cause such harm to their children as the government also has rights over that child.”
Chief Medical Director, Barau Dikko Teaching hospital, Kaduna State University, Dr. Abdulkadir Musa, said with the amputation, the boy would be crippled for life.
He said in future, perhaps the only thing that could be done to ease his survival is by equipping him with artificial limbs.
He counselled parents to know their limits when punishing their children and advised them to exercise caution and perseverance to avoid irreversible consequences.
Many rural women in Bauchi lack savings due to limited access to financial services, poor financial literacy and the absence of formal documentation—challenges the the Catalysing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience CASCADE have promised to address.
CASCADE Project Manager, Isaac Ishaya Audu, spoke in Bauchi at a financial linkage worship held to improve access to financial services for women and smallholder farmers in agribusiness.
According to him, the project is targeting the sensitisation of about 1,500 beneficiaries across the state.
He said: “ Many women in rural communities face barriers such as low financial literacy, lack of registration documents, and limited access to financial information.
“This workshop helps bridge those gaps by connecting women-led groups with banks and other providers, so they can understand and access the right products.”
He explained that each participant represents a group of 25 women, adding that the knowledge shared at the event will reach around 1,500 women across Bauchi.
“After the training, these women are expected to return to their communities and train others”.
Audu said the project is also working on long-term solutions, including partnerships and agreements with financial institutions to expand their presence in rural areas.
He revealed that the Netherlands has committed €10 million to the initiative for over five years with nearly half of the funds already invested- with focus on four northern states .
Audu said further that the workshop is part of ongoing efforts to boost rural incomes, promote financial inclusion, and strengthen the state’s economy through women empowerment.
The Nation reports that the CASCADE project, implemented by CARE and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), is supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bauchi Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Iliyasu Gital, commended CASCADE’s efforts pledging the state’s support in mobilizing beneficiaries and ensuring security for smooth implementation.
One of the beneficiaries, Ladi Abdullahi said the workshop afforded them the opportunity of financial education and also gave them access to financial institutions ready to support their businesses.
United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, Emir of Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and Chief Operation Officer (COO), Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, will today join other global speakers at the 11th year programme of the Chibok Girls abduction, with photo exhibition and commemoration in London, the United Kingdom.
The event with the theme: “A Decade On: Chibok Photo Exhibition and Commemoration”, will hold at SOAS, University of London, in the UK.
Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode, in a statement yesterday, said she would lead global panellists in a discussion titled: “The Stolen Daughters of Chibok: Resilience, Justice and Global Lessons”.
It will also feature photo exhibition, bringing together global leaders, scholars and advocates to reflect on the enduring tragedy and its impact on education, gender and conflict recovery.
Muhammed-Oyebode, whose advocacy has been instrumental in keeping the Chibok narrative alive, will open the session with remarks contextualising the ongoing plight of the girls and the communities affected by insurgency in Nigeria.
She said: “This isn’t just history – this is a continuing horror. We gather not only to honour the stolen daughters of Chibok, but also to hold the world accountable for allowing impunity to thrive, while generations of girls are silenced by violence.
“The programme will include contributions from UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, Bulama Bukarti, Osai Ojigho and Dr. Elizabeth Pearson, with an address from Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who serves as the honorary patron of the accompanying photo exhibition.’’
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, received encomiums at the weekend from women as they lauded her performance and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu Administration.
They praised her for championing the cause of women and girls and for making an impact within a short time in office.
They include business mogul Bola Shagaya; Chair of Women in Philanthropy and Impact Africa (WIPIA) Dr Anino Emuwa; Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; Chief Executive Officer of South East Development Commission Mark Okoye and wife of Senator Shehu Musa, Hajiya Sa’adatu.
Others were Dr Kemi Ibru Da Silva, Founder WARIF; Bola Adesola Chair Ecobank Nigeria; Claire Omatseye, Founder/Managing Director of JNC International, Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Director for Africa, Mabel Makun, and Dr Princess Kelechi.
MTN Nigerian chairman, Earnest Ndukwe, an engineer, was also present.
The consensus at the event hosted by WIPIA was that Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim has done well in driving and delivering the mandates of the ministry and championing the course of women, children, families and vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
Bola Shagaya, a renowned business magnate and philanthropist, praised the minister’s dedication to empowering women through various initiatives and pledged to support the ministry when called upon.
As the founder and CEO of Bolmus Group International, Shagaya understood the importance of supporting women’s economic empowerment.
“The minister’s commitment to creating opportunities for women is truly commendable,” Shagaya said.
Erelu Dosunmu, a respected member of the Ogun royal family in Nigeria, lauded the minister’s efforts in promoting women’s welfare, recognising her legacy of supporting women’s empowerment.
Ndukwe and Mark Okoye, Dr Princess Kelechi, Chief Executive of City FM, Allen Doja, and other great women also pledged their support and commitment to the minister.
The minister used the forum to showcase her activities and achievements which included the setting up of committees to review the 18-year-old Child Rights Act, the ambitious Nigerian for women project, the empowerment of thousands of Nigerian women and her compassionate gestures in supporting victims of sexual and gender-based violence, among others.
It should also be noted that the Minister of Women Affairs has implemented various programmes aimed directly promoting economic empowerment, providing opportunities for women to access finance, training, and mentorship, advocating for girls’ education and providing scholarships and combating Gender-Based Violence, working with stakeholders to address violence against women and girls.
These prominent Nigerians urged the government and stakeholders to continue supporting the minister’s initiatives, emphasising that empowering women is crucial to Nigeria’s development.
They noted that investing in women is investing in the future of the nation.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on the attendees to join her in advancing the vision of President Tinubu.
“Nigerians can build a brighter future for women and girls, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute to the country’s growth, prosperity, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu,” she said.
Chair of WIPIA, Dr Anino Emuwa, said: “It is an honour to be here with such a powerful room of leaders from government, business, philanthropy, and civil society to celebrate the Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim for her visionary leadership and to support her critical work to advance women and girls in Nigeria.”
She urged that this is not the time to retreat. It is the time to push forward – boldly, collectively, and with greater resolve.”
“Let us not leave here with just ideas. Let us leave with commitments.
“WIPIA stands ready to partner with the Government, Private sector and philanthropists – to catalyse the mobilisation of funding, to convene decision-makers, and support Nigeria’s leaders and policymakers on this journey.”
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has appealed to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to urgently intervene in addressing the dilapidated state of infrastructure at the Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja.
The appeal formed a major resolution at the second Congress of the NUJ FCT Council held on Saturday, 12th April 2025.
Delegates at the meeting lamented the poor condition of the facility currently used for Congresses, describing it as unfit for a professional body of journalists operating within the nation’s capital
These were contained in a communiqué signed by the Chairman, Communiqué Committee, Odigie Ehidiamen Kelvin and two members,Kehinde Ayanfe and, Ebriku John.
Congress called on the Minister, fondly referred to as Mr Project for his visible development strides across the FCT, to extend similar attention to the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat.
The Union also appealed to him to come to its aid in the completion of the long-delayed NUJ Pentagon, a building envisioned to serve as a landmark edifice for journalists in Abuja.
“The current state of our secretariat is appalling. We are earnestly appealing to the Honourable Minister to undertake a facility tour and see for himself the infrastructural decay we contend with. We believe that under his leadership, the Secretariat and Pentagon project can finally be transformed into a lasting legacy,” the Congress resolved.
In addition to the infrastructure concerns, the NUJ FCT Council used the platform to draw attention to broader socio-economic issues confronting residents of the capital and Nigerians at large.
Congress decried the persistent power outages across the FCT, attributing the problem to the inefficiencies of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). It warned that the poor electricity supply was stifling productivity and negatively impacting quality of life.
Similarly, members criticised the rising cost of telecommunications and internet data, describing it as a heavy financial burden on citizens. They urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate billing practices and introduce measures that ensure affordability and consumer protection.
The Congress also expressed grave concern over the increasing rate of maternal mortality, which it linked to worsening economic conditions and inflation.
It called on the Federal Government to provide free maternal healthcare services, including pre-natal, ante-natal, and post-natal care, to alleviate the burden on expectant mothers and reduce preventable deaths.
In conclusion, the Congress reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the welfare of journalists and the general public, pledging continued engagement with relevant authorities to address these pressing challenges.
The Managing Director of the Kwara Garment Factory, Hajia Bukola Adedeji, has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for visionary leadership and commitment to economic development, industrialisation and job creation in the state.
Speaking during a special feature on Radio Kwara, Midland 99.1 FM, Adedeji described the Kwara Garment Factory as a flagship legacy project of Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration, purposefully established to boost the State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and create sustainable employment opportunities, especially for women and youths.
“The factory stands today as a testament to Governor AbdulRazaq’s foresight and genuine passion for empowering the people of Kwara,” she stated. “Through his support, we have not only created a thriving manufacturing hub but also opened doors of opportunities for hundreds of Kwarans.”
She stated although the factory is yet to be officially commissioned, it has commenced full operations, employing over 245 trained workers, with plans to expand to 4,000 employees at full capacity.
She noted that the factory is poised to producing approximately 6,000 garments daily, thereby contributing significantly to the State’s economy.
Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, including the Oshima Cutting Machine — the only one of its kind in West Africa — and advanced embroidery and direct printing machines, the Kwara Garment Factory is fast becoming a leading name in garment manufacturing both in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
The MD highlighted the impressive catalogue of projects successfully executed by the factory under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, such as:high-quality sportswear for the Kwara contingent at the National Youth Games in Asaba, customized apparel for the Kwara Diocese 50th Anniversary, Chapel Secondary School, Quest College Ibadan; and the production of factory wears for TASCON, Ilorin.
Others include the production of over 25,000 tote bags for a major organisation in Abuja, souvenirs for the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, OON, premium uniforms for the Young Farmers Club and Women Agricultural Support Programme Initiative under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
She further announced that following the successful production of souvenirs for the First Lady’s visit, the factory secured an order from the Nigerian Air Force for aso-oke souvenir bags for the African Armed Forces Week. In addition, the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF) has expressed interest in partnering with the factory for the production of police uniforms after an impressive assessment of the facility.
Adedeji emphasised that the milestones are the direct results of the enabling environment created by the State government, adding that the administration’s support has positioned the factory to take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to expand its reach across Africa.
“We remain deeply grateful to His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his visionary leadership and steadfast support. The Kwara Garment Factory is not just about garments; it is about transforming lives, driving industrialization, and building a legacy of prosperity for generations to come,” she concluded.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has told politicians who are already campaigning for the 2027 general elections to stop, saying it is too early, considering the ranging hunger and socioeconomic hardship in the country that are not yet addressed.
In his remarks at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at its headquarters in Kaduna on Thursday, the ACF chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman SAN urged political leaders to address the needs of the people ahead of the next general elections rather than to be too committed to an election campaign whose time has not come.
According to the ACF Chairman, “Individual utterances and media exposés relating to the upcoming 2027 elections are already hitting the airwaves. This momentum, in my humble view, should take the back burner while emphasis should be earnestly placed on governance that will truly address the biting needs of our people who are daily subjected to sufferings as a result of brigandage, terrorism, kidnapping, mass murders, hunger, and diseases.
“While genuine desires to serve are welcome, concerted efforts that prioritize the safety and well-being of Nigerians should be uppermost in the minds of our leaders. Notwithstanding our political allegiance to individual politicians, groups, or ideologies.
“I humbly urge that we, as ACF, should in practical terms manifest and espouse ourselves as beacons of hope for our people by altruistically, openly and courageously preaching truth to power in the manner done by the late Martin Luther King Jr., Indira Gandhi and Nelson Mandela”. Osuman said.
ACF also expressed bitterness over recent killings in some parts of Northern region, saying, “Only recently, we were rudely astounded with the sad news of the resurgence of the debilitating terror attacks and loss of lives and property in Bokkos – Plateau State, the gruesome assassination of northerners in Uromi, Edo State and the resurgence of Boko Haram in Borno State. The resurgence of these monstrous, blood-thirsty psychopaths is an issue of grave concern to us all in ACF.
“Only a few days ago, I watched the Governors of both Plateau and Borno States on Television lament about the phenomenal harm occasioned on their citizens. While the cruel, murderous attacks on the Bokkos peasant farmers and peace-loving petty traders are said to be undergoing investigations, the recent resumption of Boko Haram merchants of evil on families in the North East lacks a conceivable explanation, bearing in mind the federal government’s assurance of the region’s return to normalcy.
“ACF’s pain and concern are aggravating as it derives from our knowledge of the recent horrendous flood that destroyed lives and property in Maiduguri town and its environs.
“It is my hope that ACF’s recently constituted Security Committee will, before long, assist ACF in appreciating the raison d’être of the variant criminal attacks on our region. These insecurities have substantially interfered with the peaceful coexistence of our people. Farm lands are evacuated, schools are closed, petty trading is discontinued, and livelihood is impaired. The ugly situations have been accentuated by recession, high cost of living, poor health care, and the high cost of transportation.
The Forum equally expressed worry about the land dispute between Kogi State and Enugu State and called on the chairman of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), the Vice President, Shettima, to direct the Commission to complete its assignments by erecting appropriate pillars demarcating the exact State Boundary between Enugu and Kogi
“The Ette Community is an integral part of the North. It is in Kogi State, peopled by highly educated, skilled, and peace-loving people. The determination by Enugu State to illegally grab a portion of Ette land where rich mineral deposits abound has, for years, been resisted by our Ette brothers and sisters.
“Notwithstanding the favourable official records in favour of the fact that the contested borderline land belongs to the Ette Community, Enugu State has not only attacked, conflagrated and killed our people on the land but has sustained inordinate pressure towards annexing the land.
“ACF is reaching out to the Director General (DG) National Boundary Commission and the Director in charge of inter-State Boundaries of the commission to expedite action on erecting appropriate pillars to demarcate the boundary of the two States”, the ACF Chairman said.
In a landmark step to revamp Nigeria’s rail infrastructure and improve regional connectivity, the Plateau State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to restore and operate the historic Jos–Kuru rail corridor.
The MoU was signed at the NRC headquarters in Lagos by Plateau State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Jatau Davou, and NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa.
According to a statement issued by The NRC media team, the agreement represents a major milestone in efforts to stimulate economic growth, reduce transportation costs, and enhance mobility within Plateau State and its surrounding regions.
At the official signing ceremony, Davou expressed deep appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Hon. Said Ahmed Alkali, and Dr. Opeifa for their steadfast support in pushing the project forward despite various hurdles.
“This is not just about rail transportation; it is about restoring hope and economic prosperity to our people,” Davou noted, adding that; “we appreciate the United Nations for debunking negative narratives about our dear state and reaffirming our commitment to national development.”
The Jos–Kuru line, a segment of the historic Kafanchan–Kuru route linking the National Western from Lagos to Kano and the Eastern line from PH to Maiduguri, will serve as a vital link between the Western and Eastern rail corridors.
It will connect local communities, support farmers and traders with efficient cargo movement, and ultimately drive down the cost and duration of travel within the state. While the service will initially operate on the existing narrow gauge, plans are underway to expand to modern standard gauge networks as part of a broader national railway modernisation programme.
In his remarks, Opeifa emphasized the importance of federal-state cooperation in infrastructure development, lauding the Plateau State government’s proactive role in partnering through the NRC-Railing with the States and the PSG Railway on the Plateau.
“This partnership demonstrates how government at all levels can collaborate beyond politics, to deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.
We’re not just bringing trains; we’re bringing back dignity, economic empowerment, and national integration,” Opeifa added.
He also clarified that recent reports of railway coaches were being stolen were misinformed. “Those coaches were not stolen. They were redeployed to Plateau where they are now being put to productive use”.
The project is expected to generate jobs, stimulate local businesses, and offer new opportunities through train services.
He disclosed that the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Said Alkali, threw his full weight behind this project, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and pledging the full support of the federal government in ensuring that it delivered full dividends of rail services to the average Nigerians who badly needed these services.
“We will continue to rail across Nigeria—from Jos to Borno, from Aba to Port Harcourt, and everywhere in between. This is a new dawn for Nigerian rail.”
He said he looked forward to the commencement of commercial operation on the corridor anytime soon, in order to assure the people of the Plateau of the commitment of the federal government under the Tinubu administration to take rail transportation to all nooks and crannies of the country.
