‘Rising food prices, insecurity to push millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty’ – IMF, WFP warns

Aminu Imam
IMF, WFP warns

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening humanitarian and economic situation, warning that soaring prices of essential goods, insecurity and funding shortages could drive millions more Nigerians into poverty and hunger. In its July 2026 World Economic Outlook Update, the IMF said that although Nigeria’s economy is benefiting from improved macroeconomic stability and favourable terms of trade, the rising cost of essential commodities is expected to worsen poverty and food insecurity. The Fund maintained its growth forecast for Nigeria…

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FG unveils new anti-kidnap strategy, expands intelligence network

Aminu Imam
FG unveils new anti kidnap strategy

…Adopts 112 as national emergency number The Federal Government has intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and improve emergency response across the country by expanding its Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell to more states, and moving to adopt 112 as Nigeria’s single national emergency number. The anti-kidnapping initiative was unveiled by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), with support from the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, during the inauguration of the second edition of the ‘Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell State Expansion Programme and…

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Tinubu holds marathon security summit with Defence Minister, NSA, Service Chiefs, as attacks surge nationwide

Aminu Imam
Tinubu holds marathon security summit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday presided over a high-level security meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, bringing together the country’s top military commanders, intelligence chiefs and security advisers, for what officials described as a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s worsening security situation. The closed-door meeting, which lasted for more than two hours, came amid renewed attacks by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups in different parts of the country, raising concerns over the nation’s security architecture and the need for fresh operational strategies. Among those in attendance were the National Security…

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Ex-Israeli PM backs state police, urges FG to create Federal Rapid Response Force

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Ehud Barak on state police

Former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, has thrown his weight behind Nigeria’s proposed state police system, saying it can strengthen security if backed by strong legal safeguards, effective federal oversight and a centrally controlled rapid response police force. Speaking yesterday during a town hall meeting on state police and in a televised interview, Barak said decentralised policing would enable security agencies to respond more effectively to local threats while allowing the Federal Government to intervene whenever state police face challenges beyond their capacity. He proposed the establishment of a federally…

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Alleged ₦2.7bn Air Nigeria fraud: Court plays Sirika’s voice note, as EFCC reveals details of contract probe

Aminu Imam
Court on Sirika

The trial of former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an alleged ₦2.7 billion fraud continued yesterday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presenting an audio recording it claims links the former minister to the controversial Air Nigeria consultancy contract. During the proceedings, the court listened to an audio recording allegedly containing a conversation between Sirika and a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation, Enitan Abel. An EFCC investigator, who testified as a prosecution witness, identified…

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Insecurity: “Kebbi schools in banditry-affected communities to remain closed” – Govt.

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Kebbi govt. on schools

As part of efforts to reduce incidents of banditry attacks in some volatile communities, the Kebbi State government has said schools recently closed in communities affected by banditry would remain shut until security improves. The government said the decision, taken about seven months ago, was based solely on security considerations and would not be reversed until the safety of students and teachers could be guaranteed. In a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris, he said: “The affected schools will remain…

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“Every Nigerian will feel impact of my reforms” – Tinubu

Aminu Imam
Tinubu on reforms

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the impact of his administration’s reforms will be felt by citizens across the country, saying the policies are aimed at laying the foundation for greater prosperity and national development. Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement’ in Abuja yesterday, President Tinubu, who was represented by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said he chose the path of courage and conviction in implementing reforms aimed at rescuing Nigeria and building a better future for the country. Since taking office on May…

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“Banditry escalated after foreign fighters entered northern Nigeria, Zamfara” – Emir reveals

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Zamfara emir reveals

Emir of Gusau in Zamfara State, Ibrahim Bello, has raised fresh concerns over the worsening insecurity in Northern Nigeria, revealing that the country’s banditry crisis intensified after armed fighters from neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso and the Republic of Niger were recruited into local criminal networks. The traditional ruler made the disclosure while speaking on the deepening security challenges confronting Zamfara State and other parts of the North, warning that the influx of foreign combatants has transformed what was once a local security problem into a more sophisticated and dangerous cross-border…

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Liberty Symposium Convener, Ramalan backs Tinubu’s directive to probe global tech, media firms over Nigerian content exploitation

Aminu Imam
Ramalan backs Tinubu's directive

Aminu Imam Convener of the Liberty Symposium,  Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major foreign technology companies, global media platforms, digital content aggregators, and generative artificial intelligence providers over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unregulated exploitation of Nigerian media content. Ramalan described the presidential directive as a landmark intervention that demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s media ecosystem, promoting fair competition, safeguarding national digital sovereignty, and ensuring the long-term sustainability…

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“Don’t wait for order before shooting terrorists” – Defence Minister to soldiers

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Defence Minister to soldiers

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has directed security personnel not to hesitate in confronting armed bandits and terrorists, declaring that any operative who fails to neutralise criminals under the excuse of awaiting orders would be treated as collaborating with them. Musa gave the charge yesterday in Sokoto State while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state. He said: “Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot…

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