News
Zulum: Boko Haram left Borno with bank branches in two of 27 local governments

Zulum: Boko Haram left Borno with bank branches in two of 27 local governments
By Michael Mike
There are banks in two of 27 local government areas of Borno State as a result of over a decade Boko Haram crisis in the state.
This was disclosed by the governor of the State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, while ordering for the immediate establishment of branches of Microfinance Bank, as well as ICT centres across the all councils of the state to enable for exchange of old currency notes to new ones.
The governor gave the directive to the State Ministry of Finance and that of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation following the CBN’s policy on changing of old notes to new ones.
He noted that there are absence of banking services across 25 out of 27 Local Government Areas due to over 12 years of killings and destructions by Boko Haram insurgents.
The governor announced the microfinance measures on Wednesday in Maiduguri during an extraordinary stakeholders meeting which was attended by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, represented by the Waziri of Borno, Mustapha Waziri Muktar.
Zulum directed that where possible, branches of the microfinance bank should start being established this week in Monguno and Gwoza Local Government Areas.
Zulum said: “At the moment we only have two LGAs with banking services and these are Maiduguri and Biu. The distance from most of the local governments to either Maiduguri or Biu is too long”
He added that: “Despite a great improvement of the security in Borno, there are still challenges for banks to start operations. Banking is a very delicate industry and I am sure none of them is willing to take the risk of establishing branches in our LGAs for now. Therefore, to support our people, Borno State Government has to take the risk. I have directed the ministry of finance to ensure the recapitalization of Borno Renaissance Microfinance Bank to qualify it to have the capacity to open branches in all the 27 LGAs. This I believe will greatly alleviate the suffering of our people.”
Zulum also directed the Ministry of Finance to immediately come up with a template to organize and ensure people in rural communities deposit their old naira notes before the 31st of January deadline.
Zulum told the stakeholders that: “I have convened this meeting to discuss how our people in the villages can get easy windows of depositing their money to the bank accounts as stipulated in the CBN’s new policy. The Ministry of Finance is hereby directed to moblize the people and ensure nobody lost his money, you should facilitate ways through which people can voluntarily deposit their money into the banks in the remaining days.”
Zulum also directed the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation to support mobile telecommunication providers towards improving their network coverage for internet connectivity across all 27 local government areas.
The meeting had in attendance, members of the Borno State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Advisers, Local Government Chairmen and other critical stakeholder.
Zulum: Boko Haram left Borno with bank branches in two of 27 local governments
News
Hisbah in Katsina Brutalizes Lady in a Case of Lawlessness and Impunity

Hisbah in Katsina Brutalizes Lady in a Case of Lawlessness and Impunity
By Zagazola Makama
The brutal assault of a young woman, Hauwa’u Lawal Suleiman, and her sisters at the Katsina Hisbah office on April 15 has triggered widespread outrage and drawn fresh attention to the conduct of the state’s religious enforcement agency.
Eyewitnesses say Hauwa’u had gone to the Hisbah office to inquire about relatives allegedly detained by the operatives. What began as a simple inquiry reportedly ended in violence, as she was assaulted by about 20 Hisbah personnel, resulting in serious injuries, including a fracture. Her sisters, who were present and pleaded with the operatives to stop the attack, were also allegedly beaten and subjected to degrading treatment.
The shocking incident has once again raised concerns over the operational methods and legal limitations of Hisbah in Katsina State. While the agency is mandated to enforce moral standards under Sharia principles, critics argue that its operatives often act outside the bounds of the Nigerian constitution and without adherence to due process.
Legal experts say that although Hisbah is legally recognized under state law, it remains obligated to operate within the confines of the Nigerian legal framework. The growing number of complaints about unlawful raids, arbitrary arrests, and use of physical punishment without judicial oversight has led to calls for a comprehensive review of its operations.
Civic groups and legal observers in Katsina cite this latest incident as part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses allegedly carried out by Hisbah. They allege that the agency disproportionately targets young people, women, and the poor under vague pretexts such as “immoral gatherings” or “suspicious behavior.”
The Katsina State Government has yet to issue an official response to the incident. However, increasing public pressure is mounting for a full-scale investigation and disciplinary actions against any operatives found culpable. The absence of formal law enforcement training, lack of investigative procedures, and limited understanding of suspects’ rights are being pointed out as contributing factors to Hisbah’s alleged misconduct.
In a related development, Amnesty International has issued a strong condemnation of the assault, describing it as “lawless and callous.” The organization called on the Katsina State Government to immediately investigate the incident and hold the perpetrators accountable.
“Suspected Hisbah operatives that played a role in the assault on Hauwa’u Lawal Suleiman and her sisters must be identified and tried for gross violation of human rights,” Amnesty said in a statement.
The human rights group also alleged that the Hisbah in Katsina has routinely violated citizens’ rights through illegal raids and arbitrary punishments, particularly targeting women and youths. It warned that the unchecked actions of the agency were fostering a climate of fear and impunity.
“Hisbah cannot operate outside of the law. Failure of the Katsina State Government to subject Hisbah to legal accountability breeds and perpetuates impunity, creating a toxic climate of fear,” Amnesty added.
As the dust settles on this disturbing incident, the state faces renewed demands for regulatory clarity, institutional reform, and justice for the victims. For many observers, this case could be a turning point in how religious law enforcement is balanced with the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.
Hisbah in Katsina Brutalizes Lady in a Case of Lawlessness and Impunity
Crime
Herder killed, 40 cows rustled in Taraba village

Herder killed, 40 cows rustled in Taraba village
By Zagazola Makama
A 30-year-old herder, Muazu Anaruwa, was killed and 40 cows rustled by suspected bandits in Kogon Dutse village, Old Muri district of Taraba State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident, which occurred on April 22, came to light after Muazu’s father, Alhaji Audu Anaruwa, reported that his son had gone out to graze their cattle but failed to return home.
Police operative later discovered Muazu’s body in the grazing area, bearing what appeared to be a bullet wound, while all the livestock were missing.
Local sources described the attack as a case of banditry and cattle rustling. The body of the deceased was evacuated to the Primary Healthcare Centre in Andami, where a medical officer confirmed his death.
He has since been buried according to Islamic rites.
Police say efforts are ongoing within the local security network, including hunters and vigilantes, to track the perpetrators and recover the stolen cattle.
Herder killed, 40 cows rustled in Taraba village
News
Three suspects arrested in Plateau, firearm recovered

Three suspects arrested in Plateau, firearm recovered
By Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three suspected and recovered a locally fabricated pistol during a raid in Jos on April 22.
Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the arrest followed credible intelligence received by the Anglo Jos Division’s surveillance team, which led to the capture of Michael Jimoh, 26, Pam Davou, 37, and Ibrahim Isuwa, 35. The suspects were apprehended at around 10:30 p.m.
During a search, officers recovered a locally made pistol, which was loaded with one cartridge, from the suspects’ possession. The police did not specify the exact location of the arrest.
Sources said that the suspects are currently in police custody, and investigation into the case is ongoing.
Three suspects arrested in Plateau, firearm recovered
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