Zulaiha Danjuma

Hara, a healthcare worker in Kano, fell victim to a sophisticated scam on TikTok. 

KANO FOCUS reports that, a scammer, posing as a married woman based in the US, with Saudi Arabian heritage, gained Hara’s trust.

“I was so excited when she sent me a message,” Hara recalled. “She seemed so kind and genuine, and we started talking about our shared interests. I didn’t think twice about trusting her.”

The scammer sent Hara a photo of a laptop, claiming she would send it to her, along with £9,000. Hara was convinced and sent N75,000 to a microfinance bank account to cover supposed shipping costs.

“I felt like I had won the lottery,” Hara said. “I couldn’t wait to receive the laptop and the money.”

However, when Hara realized she had been scammed, she felt devastated.

“I couldn’t sleep for days, thinking about how I had been so foolish,” she said. “I felt ashamed and anxious, wondering how I would pay my bills or provide for my family.”

This scamming technique is known as “Advanced Fee Fraud,” a situation where scammers request money from their victims before an item or goods is delivered to them or service rendered to them.

The prevalence of advanced fee fraud in Kano is alarming, with many cases going unreported.

Notable cases of advanced fee fraud scammers in Kano include Musa Lurwanu-Maje and Aliyu Hussaini.

Musa Lurwanu-Maje’s modus operandi involved creating fake personas on Facebook and WhatsApp, stealing pictures from random social media users and claiming them as his own.

By using these fake profiles, he deceived unsuspecting individuals, ultimately defrauding them.

Another notable example is the case of Aliyu Hussaini, who posed as a textile seller on Facebook.

He deceived a woman who ordered 14 textiles worth N100,000. Instead of delivering the ordered items, Hussaini sent her rags, defrauding her of her money.

In 2023, the Economic Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned a couple for a N410 million advanced fee fraud in Kano state. This high-profile case highlights the growing concern of advanced fee fraud in the region.

How the Police Force is fighting cyber fraud?

The Kano State Police Command has made numerous arrests of such social media related advanced fee fraud cases but wants to take its fight a notch higher.It is leveraging the federal police force’s digital platform that helps to report such crimes for swift action.

The Nigerian Police Force has a dedicated website specifically for reporting fraud and cybercrime.

The website offers users the ability to report online or social media fraud to the police force from the comfort of their phones and electronic devices.

The website is www.specialfraudunit.org.ng is managed by the NPF under its Special Fraud Unit and offers an essential information database for the police to combat cybercrime.

Various security agencies across Nigeria leverage on the information provided by this dedicated website to track perpetrators and support victims.

The Kano State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa said the outfit is happy with the support it is getting from the said digital portal.

SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa

He said in combating social media advanced fee fraud the police Anti-cyber crime and the anti-money laundering units at the Kano State Bompai Police Headquarters are working closely.

“These offices are enabled with modern equipments for policing activities to combat various issues of cybercrimes” he said

SP Kiyawa said aside intelligence gathering and sharing the officers of the Kano State Command Anti-cyber crime units are constantly receiving specialized training, especially in checkmating and investigating social media and internet related fraud.

“We have constant training at divisional levels, command level as well as in the commands department of criminal investigations. We also have an upcoming training on Artificial intelligence (AI) for officers in order for them to understand the emerging technologies and how to best navigate financial internet fraudsters and their schemes” he explained

The Kano State Police Public Relations Officer added that the command has dedicated hotlines where the public can call in to report social media fraud.

“We leverage social media a lot, we also have engagements with social media influencers who assist the command to trickle down the message for the need of online safety, detection of misinformation, disinformation, Mal information and fake news that can all possibly lead to fraud”

These efforts have yielded a number of public outcry about fraudulent individuals on their social media interactions that resulted in several arrests by the Kano State Police Command.

The Role of digital verification systems

A Financial Crimes and Data science expert, Dr. Umar Yakubu explained further that incorporating biometrics and the use of blockchain on emerging technologies will minimize the occurrence of financial crimes.

Dr. Umar Yakubu

“Biometrics is a great tool that aids security, with the world now moving away from biometric fingerprints to facial and iris biometrics, these are some of the great tools that can be adopted to enhance data security and identity verification.”

“Blockchains are also great tools as they help to enhance transparency thereby tracking transactions and verifying identities too.”

If only Hara had been aware that the photo on the TikTok account, supposedly belonging to a US-based Saudi Arabian woman, was actually a stolen image used by a scammer, she might have avoided the devastating experience of being defrauded.

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has become a crucial tool in combating financial fraud. Its reliable identity verification and transaction monitoring capabilities provide a secure foundation for online interactions, ensuring a safe and trustworthy environment for individuals to engage in financial and social activities.

Engaging social media companies in the fight

According to Dr. Umar Yakubu, social media companies must do more to help fight social media fraud.

“Social media platforms say if someone is below 16 or 18 they can’t sign into their platforms, but in reality, even 10-year-old children are able to open accounts,” Dr. Yakubu said. “This happens because these platforms do not demand proper identification.”

The ability to set up social media accounts without using personal pictures or a real name are among the issues which drive advanced fee fraud on social media, Dr. Yakubu explained.

“Social media offers people the ability to be anonymous, whereby they are able to generate other people’s pictures, use fake names or other people’s names to create fake accounts while posing as those individuals they don’t even know, which makes social media a hotspot for fraudsters.”

To mitigate these issues, Dr. Yakubu explains that the current structure, which is to simply fine social media platforms in cases where their platforms were used for financial fraud, is not enough.

“The penalties these platforms pay are nothing compared to the amount of money they make, so at the end of the day, the penalties are not deterrents enough for them to ensure that people do not have social media accounts until we put up the right and correct identity,” Dr. Yakubu said.

This story is produced under the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Fellowship of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Co-Develop in partnership with Kano Focus online Newspaper.

Kano Livestock Fattening Scheme: A Game-Changer for Rural Empowerment Amid Criticism

Mischievous Criticism of a Life-Saving Initiative

By Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa

The Kano State Government has countered unfounded criticisms of its livestock fattening and goat reproduction scheme, which is a key component of the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Programme (KSADP).

These attacks, aimed at undermining a life-changing initiative, have been described by the government as mischievous attempts to misinform the public and derail efforts to empower rural communities.

The criticisms particularly targeted the recent distribution of goats to female farmers, an initiative designed to support animal husbandry, improve livelihoods, and enhance food security in Kano State.

Significance of the Livestock Fattening Scheme

The KSADP program, launched in 2019, is a $95 million project funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), and the Kano State Government.

Its overarching aim is to reduce poverty by 30% among beneficiaries and improve nutrition by boosting meat production in Kano State.

The program is built on three core components:

1. Agro-Pastoral Productivity and Production Enhancement – Aimed at increasing meat and livestock productivity.

2. Market Access and Value Addition – To improve the economic potential of agricultural products.

3. Project Coordination and Management – Ensuring seamless implementation and impact.

The Agro-Pastoral Productivity Enhancement component has been particularly impactful.

Livestock farmers participating in the scheme have seen significant improvements in meat yield, with bulls producing an additional 100kg of beef and rams contributing an additional 15kg of meat after a 120-day fattening period.

Similarly, goats under the reproduction scheme are expected to yield at least two kids within six to twelve months, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers.

Impact on Meat Production and Livelihoods

The livestock fattening initiative is a lifeline for thousands of rural families.

By increasing beef, mutton, and goat meat production, the program is addressing the twin challenges of poverty and malnutrition.

At the end of every fattening cycle, the program is expected to yield 6,000 metric tons of additional beef and mutton, significantly contributing to improved nutrition and food security in Kano State.

Sustaining the Program Under Governor Abba Yusuf

Recognizing the importance of continuity, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has prioritized the KSADP scheme as a key part of his administration’s agenda.

Building on the foundation laid by the previous administration, the Governor approved the continuation of livestock distribution, ensuring that rural communities continue to benefit from this transformative initiative.

To maintain transparency and fairness, Governor Yusuf directed that community representatives, under the Community Reorientation Committee (CRC), be actively involved in selecting beneficiaries.

This approach has not only strengthened public trust but also ensured that the program reaches those who need it most.

Recent Milestones in Livestock Distribution

Under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, the KSADP initiative has seen remarkable progress:

First Cycle (Second Phase):

Conducted in August 2023, where thousands of goats and rams were distributed to women across all 44 local government areas.

Second Cycle (First Phase):

Launched recently, distributing over 7,000 goats to more than 2,000 women.

The program has also outlined future plans for subsequent phases of the second cycle.

These include the distribution of rams to male and female youth, as well as bulls exclusively to young men for fattening purposes.

Economic and Nutritional Benefits of the Scheme

The livestock fattening program is more than just a distribution exercise—it represents a holistic approach to rural development.

By providing women and youth with livestock, the program is fostering financial independence, creating generational occupations, and addressing food insecurity.

With a significant portion of Kano’s population engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, the initiative is enhancing rural incomes and diversifying economic opportunities.

The availability of protein-rich meat, such as beef, mutton, and goat meat, is improving household nutrition, particularly in underserved communities.

Kano’s Leadership in Livestock Farming

Data from the 2024 National Agricultural Sample Census highlights Kano State’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s livestock industry.

The Northwest region contributes 33% of the country’s livestock, with Kano State alone accounting for 8%.

This includes approximately 1.458 million goats, making Kano the second-largest livestock producer in Nigeria after Bauchi State.

In addition, Kano boasts the highest number of agricultural households in the country, totaling approximately 2.369 million.

These figures underscore the state’s comparative advantage in agriculture and livestock farming, making initiatives like KSADP a natural fit for the region’s development needs.

Modernizing Agriculture Through KSADP

KSADP has introduced cutting-edge technology to transform agricultural practices in Kano.

This includes improved seeds, regenerative agriculture techniques, and extensive farmer training programs on modern agronomical systems.

The initiative is empowering farmers to increase their output while preserving the environment, positioning Kano State as a leader in sustainable agriculture.

By leveraging these advancements, Governor Yusuf’s administration is fostering a new era of productivity and innovation in Kano’s agricultural sector.

Empowering Women and Youth Through Livestock Distribution

The program’s emphasis on female farmers underscores the administration’s commitment to gender inclusivity and rural empowerment.

Women, traditionally the backbone of rural economies, are being equipped with the tools and resources to improve their livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.

The targeted involvement of youth further ensures the sustainability of the program.

By engaging the next generation in livestock farming, the initiative is creating long-term employment opportunities and addressing youth unemployment in Kano.

Strengthening Rural Communities Through Livestock Enhancement

With Kano’s rich agricultural heritage, the KSADP scheme is perfectly aligned with the state’s cultural and economic strengths.

By supporting livestock farming, the government is reviving ancestral occupations, enhancing the quality of life for rural dwellers, and reducing the urban-rural economic divide.

A Vision for a Prosperous Kano State

Governor Yusuf’s leadership is rooted in his vision to empower ordinary citizens through sustainable initiatives.

The KSADP livestock fattening scheme is a testament to this commitment, delivering tangible benefits to rural communities and strengthening Kano’s position as a leading agricultural state in Nigeria.

Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa
Is the Director General, Media and Publicity, writes from Government House, Kano

By Zulaiha Danjuma

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ensures online safety by promoting digital literacy, governance, and security. But what about “Accept Cookies”?

2024 internet usage statistics in Nigeria

We’ve all been there – scrolling through our favorite website or app, only to be interrupted by a seemingly innocuous pop-up: “Accept Cookies?”

Most of us mindlessly click “Accept” to access the content we want. But have you ever stopped to think about what you’re really accepting?

KANO FOCUS reports, cookies are small files that websites store on your device, tracking your online activities, from the websites you visit to your search queries.

But that’s not all – these files can also store your personal data, leaving you vulnerable to targeted advertising, data breaches, and even identity theft.

Types an Uses of cookies

In today’s digital landscape, the internet is filled with users seeking information, entertainment, and connection. Meanwhile, companies and individuals are increasingly tracking and analyzing the online activities of these users, gathering valuable data and insights.

Virtually every online platform, from banking and financial apps to social media, news websites, gaming sites, and e-commerce platforms, rely on cookies to function.

As a result, it’s almost impossible for internet users to browse the web without encountering the ubiquitous ‘Accept Cookies’ pop-ups.

While cookies offer several benefits, such as enhanced user experience and personalized content, they also raise significant concerns regarding user privacy and security. These concerns have sparked intense debate and scrutiny.

Data Breaches in Nigeria (2022-2023)

Despite their widespread presence, many online users underestimate the impact of “Cookies” on user privacy.

Several individuals shared their perspectives

“I always accept ‘Cookies’ without really thinking about it,” says Hadiza Musa Yusuf. “If I don’t accept them, I can’t access the sites I want.”

Sa’adatu Auwal admitted to routinely accepting cookies without much thought: “It never crossed my mind. I just see them as a means to access the webpage I need.”

Abduljabar AbdulSalam Ibrahim views cookies as mutual agreements between users and websites: “I accept them, but not always. It’s an agreement between a user and the site visited.”

Aishatu Abdullahi Muhammad acknowledges potential risks: “Accepting cookies can be dangerous. Some websites aren’t legitimate.”

Adam Ismail exercises caution: “I only accept cookies on trusted sites.”

Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman said he rarely accepts cookies.

These diverse perspectives highlight varying levels of awareness and concern regarding cookies and online privacy.

Cookie Usage Statistics

Expert Insight

KANO FOCUS reached out to Nigeria’s Country Representative for West Africa ICT Action Network, Ms. Amina Ibrahim Idris, a professional in data protection and cybersecurity. She explained that automatically accepting cookies undermines user data, privacy, and digital security.

Understanding the hidden dangers to online tracking

“Some risks include tracking and profiling, cookies tracking users’ activities online, creating profiles used for targeted advertising,” she said.

Ms. Amina added that data breaches can occur from accepting cookies indiscriminately: “By clicking ‘Accept Cookies,’ some sites might save login credentials and data, compromising user data in case of a breach.”

NDPC figures on data breaches in Nigeria

According to Ms. Amina, cookies can collect specific user data, including:

IP addresses, revealing geographic locations, frequently visited websites indicating interests, Real names, physical addresses, contact information, Browser types and operating system details Geo-location data and GPS coordinates.

Malicious cookies can target vulnerable devices, injecting malware and viruses, and facilitate phishing attacks.

:Prevalence of Cyber Attack in Nigeria

The Cambridge Analytica scandal exposed how third-party cookies harvested Facebook users’ data without consent, influencing the 2016 US presidential election. This breach affected 87 million users.

Google faced a $170 million settlement for violating cookie tracking regulations. The search giant allowed advertisers to track users’ browsing habits despite opting out.

These incidents are not secluded to big tech giants. In Nigeria, MoMo Payment Service Bank had a data breach incident in 2022 resulting in losses worth $53 million. While, Patricia a fintech company suffered a cyber attack also in 2022, resulting in losses worth $2 million.

MoMo and Patricia data breach losses

Users’ Inability to Read Cookie Policies

Ms. Amina notes: “Cookie Policies are usually tiny and long. Users quickly accept cookies without knowing what they entail.”

To address this, Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives promote:

Digital literacy programs educating users about online safety. Regulatory frameworks like General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), ensures companies protect user data Security guidelines for safe browsing practices

Protect Yourself:

1. Read cookie policies carefully to understand data collection.

2. Utilize browser extensions like u-Block-Origin, Ghostary, and Cookie Auto-Delete to block tracking cookies.

3. Adopt alternative authentication methods, such as Token-based authentication like JSON Web tokens, Smart cards and Biometric authentication.

In the words of Ms. Amina; Companies should align policies with GDPR and CCPA, providing transparent control over user data.

By understanding cookies and DPI, you can make informed decisions.

This story is produced under the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Fellowship of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Co-Develop in partnership with Kano Focus online Newspaper.