News

FG Unveils Emergency Hotline To Tackle Kidnapping

Published

1 year ago

February 6, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has activated the toll-free 112 emergency number for Nigerians to report kidnappings and other security threats.

The initiative is part of efforts to tackle the growing menace of ransom-driven abductions.

The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, disclosed this during a press briefing on the activities of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell under the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja on Thursday.

He said, “The Nigerian Communications Commission has facilitated an emergency response number, 112. The NCTC calls on all Nigerians to report suspicious activities, crimes, and kidnappings by calling the toll-free number 112, including the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell’s designated numbers that will be provided to the public.

“Kidnapping for ransom remains a critical challenge requiring collective and intensified efforts by all stakeholders. While significant progress was achieved in 2024, sustained commitment and innovative approaches are imperative to mitigate the menace in 2025.”

Laka stated that Nigeria recorded a 16.3% decrease in kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in 2024 compared to 2023, although the number of victims increased slightly by 0.27%.

He noted that Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states in the North-West accounted for the highest prevalence, with 13.8% of total incidents and 61.1% of victims nationwide.

He explained that bandits, terrorists, cultists, militants, and secessionist groups continued to exploit kidnapping for financial gain and to fund illicit activities.

“Trends in 2024 showed that kidnappings occurred in both rural and urban areas, targeting villages, schools, highways, and residential areas.

“Despite efforts to curb the menace, mass abductions persisted, leading to deserted agrarian communities, disruptions in food production, and rising food prices. The sustained payment of ransom continued to fuel the crime, as perpetrators exploited families’ fears to demand exorbitant sums.”

Laka said the government implemented both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to combat the menace, achieving significant results, including rescuing hostages, neutralising and arresting kidnapping kingpins, and destroying kidnappers’ hideouts.

In 2025, he said the government would strengthen and expand counter-kidnapping initiatives across all geo-political zones.

“The government projects that kidnapping for ransom will persist in 2025 due to its financial incentives. To counter this, authorities aim to strengthen counter-kidnapping initiatives, expand efforts to all six geo-political regions, improve collaboration with the 36 state governments, reinforce public confidence in government protection to discourage ransom payments, and engage state governments to address unemployment and economic vulnerabilities that drive individuals to crime,” Laka stated.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.