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22.7 million telecom subscribers activate Do-Not-Disturb code – NCC
Nasiru Yusuf
Over 22.7 million subscribers have activated the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) code made available by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Kano Focus reports that the DND Code (2442) is the, NCC’s short code to completely stop receiving telemarketing and other unsolicited text messages on customers’ phones.
NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Umar Danbatta who made this disclosure at ATCON Virtual Conference stressed that the need to protect and empower telecom subscribers cannot be overemphasized.
This, according to him, is in furtherance of the commission’s mandate to protect the interests of consumers and support a robust telecommunications sector in Nigeria.
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Mr Danbatta said NCC will continue to inform and educate telecom consumers on their rights, new developments in the sector and other emerging issues they need to know about.
Speaking at the virtual forum on Thursday, the NCC Boss said only 500,000 telecom subscribers activated the Do-Not-Disturb short code in the year 2015.
The commencement of the campaign saw the activation of the Do-Not-Disturb code grew to over 21 million, 21,704,061 to be precise in the year 2018.
While in the year 2019, the commission recorded 22,196,712 subscribers had activated the DND (2442) short code.
NCC, according to Danbatta has continued to receive numerous complaints from subscribers, following dissatisfaction in services delivered.
Headlines
APC chairman reaffirms 60/40 leadership formula during visit to Gov. Yusuf
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed the party’s 60/40 leadership-sharing formula between new defectors and existing members in Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof Yilwatda made the declaration during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, where he expressed satisfaction with what he described as an impressive turnout of party supporters and leaders.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the APC National Chairman, the 60/40 arrangement was designed to promote inclusiveness, unity, and effective participation of all stakeholders in party affairs and governance activities.
He said he was deeply impressed by the large number of party faithful who attended the meeting, noting that the turnout reflected a high level of enthusiasm, unity, and commitment among APC members in Kano State.
Yilwatda added that the strong gathering was a positive signal that would further strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu and boost his prospects in the forthcoming general elections.
He also commended Alhaji Yusuf Gawuna and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, for setting aside personal ambitions and aligning with the Governor’s vision for the party in Kano.
The APC Chairman further praised former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for his leadership and contributions to the party’s growth and cohesion in the state.
In his response, Governor Yusuf thanked the APC leadership for the visit and for their continued support toward unity and peace in Kano State.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with party members to ensure that the state remains united and prosperous, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
Governor Yusuf noted that the strong turnout and show of solidarity demonstrated that APC members in Kano are ready to work together for the progress of the party and the overall development of the state.
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Ex-FRSC officer calls for relocation of Singer Market after recurrent fires
Bosede Olufemi
A retired Assistant Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf-Nadabo, has called for the relocation of Singer Market in Kano to the Dangwaro International Market following repeated fire incidents at the facility.
KANO FOCUS reports that Yusuf-Nadabo, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Jigawa State, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Monday.
He said the relocation had become necessary to address persistent fire outbreaks that have plagued the market over the past 15 years.
According to him, he was at the scene of the latest fire incident on February 14 from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., where he observed serious challenges in accessing the area during rescue operations.
“It took about 12 hours to put out the fire. The current location of the market is not conducive for heavy-duty and articulated vehicles, posing serious safety risks,” he said.
He noted that the market’s environment makes it difficult for articulated vehicles and fire service trucks to move freely, especially during emergencies.
Yusuf-Nadabo added that nearly 100 trucks enter the market daily to offload goods, contributing to congestion. He said major adjoining roads, including Bello Road and Ibrahim Taiwo Road, are often blocked, compounding traffic problems and hindering emergency response.
“Based on my experience in traffic management and public safety, relocating the market to Dangwaro International Market will significantly reduce congestion and help put an end to recurring fire outbreaks,” he stated.
The retired FRSC officer urged the Kano State Government to act urgently in the interest of public safety and sustainable urban development.
Meanwhile, KANO FOCUS reports that the recent fire destroyed goods and property worth over ₦5 billion, affecting more than 1,000 businesses and leaving seven persons missing.
The Chairman of the market, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, disclosed the extent of the damage to NAN in Kano on Sunday.
Singer Market has witnessed several fire outbreaks in recent years. A massive blaze occurred at the market on February 2, 2026, affecting numerous shops before firefighters and emergency agencies brought it under control, with no reported loss of lives.
In November 2025, a dawn fire razed 44 shops, while in March 2023, over 100 shops were destroyed. Similarly, in November 2022, a warehouse and goods worth over ₦100 million were consumed by fire.
News
NFSS seeks govt support to boost forest security operations
Bosede Olufemi
The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Kano State Command, has appealed to the Federal and State Governments to strengthen its operational capacity to protect forests and curb criminal activities across the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the State Commander of the Service, Abdullahi Al’ameen, made the appeal at a security summit held in Kano, where he called for full legal recognition and improved logistical support for the organisation.
Al’ameen reaffirmed the commitment of the NFSS to enhancing national security through closer collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).
He explained that the summit was organised simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation to promote intelligence-driven operations within Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, the forum was designed to provide a platform for the DSS to educate NFSS personnel on intelligence collation, analysis, dissemination, and the proper handling of classified information.
“The summit will also focus on the roles of intelligence officers during ambush situations and other security operations,” he said.
The commander disclosed that officers from the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State participated in the summit, pledging their continued commitment to safeguarding communities.
Al’ameen urged participants to effectively apply the knowledge acquired at the summit in order to contribute meaningfully to national security efforts.
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support the NFSS in its quest for full recognition as part of the country’s security agencies, noting that the service has made sustained efforts to be formally integrated into Nigeria’s security framework.
Also speaking at the event, Assistant Commandant (Operations) of the DSS Kano Command, Mr. Sale, urged personnel not to relent in applying intelligence-driven strategies when apprehending suspects.
