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IPC calls for renewed commitment to press freedom, launches new report
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The International Press Centre (IPC) has called for renewed commitment to strengthening press freedom in Nigeria, as it joined the global community to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appeal was made in a statement issued on Saturday by IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan to commemorate the annual event, themed “Shaping a Future at Peace.”
According to the organisation, the theme highlights the crucial role of a free, independent, and responsible media in promoting peace, democratic governance, and social cohesion.
World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, is observed every May 3 to remind governments of their obligation to uphold press freedom and ensure a safe environment for journalists.
The IPC disclosed that in 2025, it documented at least 23 cases of attacks involving 28 journalists and two media organisations across Nigeria. The incidents ranged from threats to life, abduction, unlawful arrest, harassment, and physical assault to, in some cases, murder.
A breakdown of the data showed that 23 of the affected journalists were male, three female, while two cases did not specify gender. By media platform, online journalists recorded the highest number of attacks with 16 cases, followed by broadcast media with 10, and print with one.
Speaking on the significance of the theme, IPC Executive Director Lanre Arogundade said the media remains a vital pillar of truth and accountability, particularly in a world grappling with conflict, misinformation, and political instability.
“At a time when the world faces growing threats to civic space, journalism plays a key role in amplifying marginalised voices, countering disinformation, and enabling informed public discourse,” he said.
Arogundade, however, expressed concern over increasing risks faced by journalists, including harassment, unlawful detention, and violent attacks, noting that such threats undermine both press freedom and citizens’ access to credible information.
He called on governments, security agencies, and other stakeholders to prioritise the safety of journalists and ensure accountability for crimes against media professionals.
The IPC also stressed the need for ethical journalism and responsible reporting, particularly in conflict-sensitive situations, urging media practitioners to uphold professionalism, accuracy, and fairness while tackling misinformation and hate speech.
As part of activities marking the day, the organisation announced the launch of a new publication titled *“The Unseen Enablers,”* produced with support from the International Freedom of Expression Exchange.
The report examines the role of non-state actors in undermining press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria, highlighting how such actors impede access to information and the dissemination of news.
IPC said the publication is aimed at fostering greater awareness and encouraging collaborative efforts to address challenges posed by these “unseen enablers” to a free and safe media environment.
The organisation urged governments, civil society groups, media owners, and the international community to work together to build a media landscape that supports peace, justice, and inclusive development.
“A peaceful future is only possible where the press is free, voices are heard, and truth prevails,” the statement added.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
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