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Kano Profiles 718 Political Thugs in Fight Against Phone Snatching — Commissioner Waiya

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In a renewed effort to curb the alarming surge in phone snatching and related criminal activities, the Kano State Government has announced that 718 political thugs have been profiled through its “Operation Safe Corridor” initiative. This move, officials say, is a key component of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration’s strategy to tackle insecurity in the state.

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, during a one day stakeholder engagement meeting held in Kano between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the state government. The event focused on addressing phone snatching, insecurity, and related challenges as part of broader efforts to promote socio-economic development held at the conference hall of the ministry of Transport.

In his presentation titled “Insecurity Around Phone Snatching and Theft: The Role of Civil Society,” Comrade Waiya lamented the rise of street thuggery and resurgence of the “Yan Daba” phenomenon within Kano’s urban areas. He said, “The issue started under the previous administration and has now grown into a serious social crisis we are currently battling.”

Commissioner Waiya addressing the Press during the session

Commissioner Waiya addressing the Press during the session

The commissioner explained that the state government recognizes the vital role of civil society in reversing this trend and has consequently approved consistent engagement with CSOs, particularly those focusing on security and community development.

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He also criticized the former administration, accusing it of institutionalizing thuggery by empowering political miscreants. “The past government did not only tolerate the menace but gave it structural backing. We are now left to clean up the mess,” Waiya remarked.

According to the commissioner, the current administration has taken bold steps by establishing the “Safe Corridor” to engage with repentant political thugs and reintegrate them into society. “We don’t just arrest or prosecute; we engage them, understand their motivations, and get them to key into peace building processes,” he added.

He emphasized that the collaboration with civil society is not intended to politicize their activities but to work together in finding a sustainable solution. “Phone snatching has become a critical issue, and the government is keen on tackling it from its roots,” Waiya affirmed.

Highlighting the government’s institutional commitment, he revealed that two top officials are actively overseeing the program the Commissioner of Internal Security and the Director General of Special Services. “Their roles are to ensure that this operation is not cosmetic but delivers concrete security outcomes,” he noted.

Speaking at the event, Hassan Ibrahim Gama of the Patriotic Forum, a Kano-based CSO, echoed the need for collaboration between the government and enlightened segments of society. “No society can develop without the informed contributions of its civil population. Our involvement is crucial,” he said.

He also pointed out that phone snatching is only one of the vices troubling Kano, stressing the need for holistic approaches that tackle youth unemployment, drug abuse, and poor urban planning, which he said contribute to criminal behavior.

Also contributing, Rakiya Abba Tahula of the Interfaith Peace Foundation called for empowering local leadership structures to participate in the fight against phone snatching. “Those committing these crimes live among us. Empowering ward heads (masu unguwanni) with legislative support will enhance community policing efforts,” she said.

Rakiya noted that traditional leaders are closest to the grassroots and can play a significant role in identifying and curbing criminal tendencies among youth. “We need to return to neighborhood accountability where every stranger or deviant is known and addressed,” she urged.

The stakeholder meeting concluded with a collective commitment by government officials and civil society actors to continue working together in fostering a safer Kano through structured engagements, community empowerment, and rehabilitation of vulnerable youth.

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Author of ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ Languishes in Billion Dollar Debt

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Robert Kiyosaki, the author of the bestselling ’Rich Dad Poor Dad’ book, has accumulated an estimated $1.2 billion debt connected to his aggressive real estate investment.

According to reports, the debt is the estimated amount the 79-year-old author and his business partners borrowed to acquire approximately 1,500 property units as Mr Kiyosaki continues to expand his real estate holdings.

Despite the significant debt, Mr Kiyosaki does not appear apprehensive about the liabilities, maintaining that borrowing money to acquire income-generating assets is a strategy commonly used by wealthy individuals.

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“So, I’m a billion two in debt,” the author said on the ‘Get Rich Education’ podcast recently, adding that people “should not do what I do, right? But I studied it since 1974… If you’re going to learn to use debt, you’d better take some education.”

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Mr Kiyosaki’s ex-wife and business partner, Kim Kiyosaki, revealed that the debt did not reflect the amount her ex-husband personally owes.

She stressed that it is connected to the real estate properties owned by them and their business partners, adding that Mr Kiyosaki’s personal share of the liabilities is small.

Vanity Fair estimated Mr Kiyosaki’s share of the debt at around $30 million to $60 million.

“We have a lot of apartment houses with our partners. So technically, yes, we have all this debt,” the ex-wife told Vanity Fair.

Speaking to the magazine, Mr Kiyosaki stated, “If it all comes to hell, you can talk to my attorney. Firewalls—that’s the way the rich play the game.”

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Maulud: Best Choice Specialist Hospital Congratulates Kano Governor, Muslims Globally

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The Chairman of Best Choice Specialist Hospital, Kano, Auwal Lawal Muhammad (Dan Malikin Garo), has congratulated the executive governor of Kano State Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the good people of Kano State and Muslims across the world on the occasion of the Maulud celebration commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

In a statement he personally signed, Lawal commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his efforts towards fostering unity among the people of Kano State.

According to the statement, the chairman was amazed on how governor Yusuf placing emphasis on the development to the state particularly in matters concerning religion, saying such initiatives would help reduce divisions, promote mutual understanding and strengthen peaceful coexistence across the state.

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He urged Muslims to use the occasion of Maulud to strengthen their relationship with Allah through increased devotion and prayers for peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria and Kano State.

The Chairman of Best Choice also praised the Governor for his efforts to improve the healthcare sector in the state.

He cited the renovation and upgrading of healthcare facilities, provision of modern medical equipment, as well as the training and development of healthcare workers as some of the administration’s efforts towards improving healthcare delivery in Kano.

Auwal Lawal further commended Governor Yusuf for his dedication, compassion and commitment to the wellbeing of the people, noting that his efforts continue to have a positive impact on the lives of residents across the state.

He prayed for continued peace, unity and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria, while wishing the Governor and the people of Kano a blessed Maulud celebration now and beyond.

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Kenyan Newspaper Links Editor’s Abduction to President Ruto

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Alex Kiprotich, an associate editor of The Standard, a Kenyan newspaper, has been abducted by armed men.

The newspaper’s CEO, Chaacha Mwita, in a statement, said Mr Kiprotich was abducted along Gilgil-Nakuru Road shortly before 9:20 p.m. while travelling to Nakuru on Tuesday.

Mr Mwita said this is the second time in as many months that Mr Kiprotich had been targeted.

According to him, on June 27, 2026, armed men in a Toyota Probox, a vehicle model linked to enforced disappearances of government critics in Kenya, tried to seize him from his car as he drove to work in Nakuru.

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He got away by locking his doors and driving off.

The Standard CEO linked the failed abduction attempt on Mr Kiprotich to President William Ruto’s government.

“That attempt came days after President William Ruto publicly criticised this Group over its coverage, and our own investigations traced the vehicle to the National Police Service’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau,” said Mr Mwita. “No one has ever been held to account for it. Tonight, that threat has been carried out.”

The Standard CEO added, “We do not believe this is a coincidence. Mr Kiprotich has been at the forefront of our editorial output, including reporting that has scrutinised the conduct of the state, and tonight’s abduction bears all the hallmarks of a targeted attack on a journalist for doing his job.”

“If that is confirmed, this is not simply a crime against one man. It is an assault on the Constitution of Kenya, on the freedoms of expression and of the media guaranteed under Articles 33 and 34, and on the right of every Kenyan to independent information.

“We say this plainly and without equivocation: the Standard Group holds the state responsible for Alex Kiprotich’s safety and his life, and for anything that happens to him while he remains missing. Protecting the life and liberty of every citizen is the state’s first duty, not an afterthought, and Mr Kiprotich’s safety now rests entirely in its hands.”

The government of Mr Ruto has not reacted to the latest allegation.

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