The Sokoto State Police Command has intensified proactive security operations across the state as part of efforts to combat banditry and other violent crimes. In a statement issued on April 8, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the move aligns with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and is being implemented under the leadership of the State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa. According to the statement, the Command has adopted intelligence-led policing strategies to identify bandit hideouts and disrupt supply routes used by criminal groups, including those linked to the Lakurawa network.…
Author: Editor
The Nigerian naira extended its appreciation at the official foreign exchange window on Thursday, gaining N12.50 against the United States dollar. Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed the local currency closed at N1,359.31/$1, compared to N1,371.82/$1 recorded on Wednesday. The latest movement represents a 0.9 per cent appreciation, reinforcing a gradual recovery trend observed in recent trading sessions at the official market. Market analysts attribute the sustained stability of the naira to ongoing reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria, including improved foreign exchange liquidity, tighter monetary policy measures, and efforts to unify exchange rate windows.…
Niger State Government has renewed its pledge to transform healthcare delivery as the world marked World Health Day 2026, with top officials emphasising the need for stronger health systems, accountability, and science-driven solutions to serve residents better. The commemoration took place at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Minna, where the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Mohammed Bagana, described the day as more than a celebration, calling it a call to action to fix long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s health sector. “Despite current challenges, including concerns raised by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, we remain focused on building a…
My study and understanding of agricultural investment reveal that it is jointly owned by both the North and the South in almost equal and complementary proportions. Therefore, if any region attempts to sabotage agricultural development, it will have a direct and indirect impact. Agriculture is now a multi-stage business activity within a value chain that includes inputs, mechanization, production, aggregation/warehousing, transportation, processing, and marketing/export. These processes are coordinated by farmers, investors, and experts. Inputs: This refers to all raw materials used by farmers for food and livestock production. Nitrogen is the most important macronutrient for crop production, largely sourced from…
This powerful collage of three images in this article tells a compelling story about fish farming in Africa, a growing industry that is transforming rural livelihoods, boosting food security, and creating genuine entrepreneurial opportunity across the continent. The pride of the fish harvest The dominant left image immediately grabs attention. A young man stands waist-deep in a tarpaulin pond, beaming with pride as he holds up an impressive, large catfish, likely an African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), one of the most farmed species on the continent. Dozens of fish swirl around him in the shallow water. Behind him, lush green hills…
Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on crude oil is increasingly at odds with global economic shifts. Across both developed and emerging markets, value creation is migrating toward knowledge, culture and digital expression. In this context, the creative economy, which spans film, music, fashion, gaming, publishing and digital media, is no longer peripheral. It is becoming central. For Northern Nigeria, this transition presents a rare and timely opportunity. Globally, the creative economy is already a significant growth engine. According to UNESCO, cultural and creative industries generate over $2.25 trillion annually and employ nearly 30 million people worldwide, with strong growth driven by digital…
Nigeria’s banking industry is entering a new phase of strength and strategic relevance after lenders raised a combined N4.65 trillion in fresh capital under a sweeping recapitalisation programme mandated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), positioning the sector to fund large-scale investments critical to the country’s growth ambitions. A fact sheet from the CBN’s Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Department stated that the programme aims to enhance the resilience, competitiveness, and lending capacity of Nigeria’s financial system, positioning it to support the Federal Government’s aspiration for a $1 trillion economy. The exercise, which required banks to meet new minimum…
Nigeria’s banking industry is entering a new phase of strength and strategic relevance after lenders raised a combined N4.65 trillion in fresh capital under a sweeping recapitalisation programme mandated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), positioning the sector to fund large-scale investments critical to the country’s growth ambitions. A fact sheet from the CBN’s Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Department stated that the programme aims to enhance the resilience, competitiveness, and lending capacity of Nigeria’s financial system, positioning it to support the Federal Government’s aspiration for a $1 trillion economy. The exercise, which required banks to meet new minimum…
I have seen fraud happen in minutes, often at a time when most people believe nothing is happening. Anyone who has worked within compliance, anti-money laundering, or financial crime prevention understands this pattern. Fraud does not wait for business hours. In many cases, it deliberately avoids them. Some of the most successful fraud incidents occur late at night or in the early hours of the morning. These are periods when attention is lower, escalation is slower, and operational coverage is limited. In practical terms, this is what it looks like: Dormant accounts suddenly become active around 2 am Funds are…
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Sokoto State Chapter, on Monday held a praise and prayer service for peace in the state and across the nation. The interdenominational event, themed “Jesus Is Alive,” took place at Deeper Life Bible Church, Sokoto, drawing respected clerics and thousands of worshipers who prayed for God’s intervention in Nigeria’s challenges. Addressing the gathering, Sokoto State CAN chairman, Dr. Kayode James Moses, said, “We have come together this Easter to lift our voices in praise and to intercede for peace in our land.” He emphasized that Easter confirms that neither death nor the grave could…