The Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to leveraging media collaboration as a critical tool for crime deterrence and public education. He stated this in Kano on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 while receiving the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matashiya TV, an online television platform, on a courtesy visit to his office.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, Ebelo emphasized that the media remains a core stakeholder in the EFCC’s mandate to investigate, prevent, and prosecute economic and financial crimes. He noted that the Commission’s vision is to achieve a Nigeria free of economic and financial crimes, a goal that cannot be realized without the active partnership of the media.
“Whatever we do, if it is not properly reported to the populace in the form of education and crime deterrence, we will not be able to go further. The media is a core partner in progress. From the beginning, our Public Affairs Department has coordinated the media angle of our operations, and it is on this premise that we seek to further reaffirm our support and partnership.”

The Zonal Director highlighted that the EFCC’s mandate covers a broad spectrum of offences, including cybercrime, fraud, money laundering, public sector corruption, and economic sabotage. He stressed that publicizing these efforts is essential to deterring potential offenders and enlightening the public, particularly the youth.

In his remarks, the Chairman/CEO of Matashiya TV, Abubakar Murtala Ibrahim expressed the platform’s desire to establish a working and sustainable relationship with the Commission. He noted that Matashiya TV focuses on journalism, community development, and youth empowerment, having trained over 3,000 youths in various professional skills.

He explained that the platform has designed programs specifically aimed at enlightening the youth to steer them away from cybercrime and violence. “We have ideas and programs to enlighten the people, especially the youth, because we believe this will reduce their engagement in cybercrime and related violence,” the CEO stated, soliciting the EFCC’s partnership in this regard.

The visit concluded with both parties agreeing to foster a robust working relationship to advance the fight against economic and financial crimes in Kano and beyond.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Vice President, Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to lead a nutrition-focused peer exchange mission.

Shettima is attending the inaugural Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Visit at the invitation of Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh.

According to a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), the visit will enable both nations to share strategies on establishing a combined federal, state, and local compact for effective nutrition delivery.

According to the statement, during the visit, the Nigerian delegation will study Ethiopia’s government-led, multi-sectoral approach to food security and tour several key sites, including: A wheat farm and banana plantation in Oromia, The ‘Bounty of the Basket’ Training Centre and community household initiatives in Mojo, and Jabdu Motors in Bishoftu.”

“The Vice President’s entourage includes Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; and Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar Abubakar,” it added.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members and a civilian abducted while travelling through Imo State have been rescued in a joint operation by security agencies.

The victims were rescued by operatives of the military, Department of State Services and police following an intelligence-led search operation launched after the abduction.

The development was confirmed by security sources, who said the victims were receiving medical attention at a DSS facility.

The prospective corps members were reportedly abducted while travelling through the state, prompting security agencies to mobilise for their rescue.

The coordinated operation involved the military, DSS, police and other security agencies.

The sources said the operation was intelligence-driven, leading security operatives to the location where the victims were held.

The rescue comes amid persistent concerns over the safety of travellers and NYSC members in parts of the country.

Authorities have commenced investigations into the abduction and are working to identify and arrest other suspects linked to the incident.

The rescued victims are expected to receive further attention as security agencies continue investigations into their ordeal.

The agencies have yet to disclose details of the identities of the victims, the exact location where they were rescued or whether any arrests have been made.

Security sources said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects involved in the abduction