Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has trained journalists and media practitioners on the use of Earth Observation (EO) technologies to improve evidence-based reporting on climate change, disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability.

KANO FOCUS reports that the capacity-building workshop, held on Monday at the university, brought together journalists, researchers and development partners to equip participants with practical skills in the use of satellite imagery, geospatial data and other Earth Observation tools for data-driven environmental reporting.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the project team lead, Professor Aliyu Salisu Barau, said the growing impacts of climate change—including flooding, drought, desertification, deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss—have made science-based journalism increasingly essential.

He said the media plays a critical role in informing the public, shaping policy debates and promoting accountability, stressing that journalists must rely on credible scientific evidence to produce accurate and impactful reports.

“Earth Observation technologies provide reliable, objective and continuously updated information about our changing environment. They enable journalists to verify facts, undertake investigative reporting, produce data-driven stories and communicate complex environmental issues through powerful visual evidence,” Mr Barau said.

He explained that the workshop was designed to introduce participants to practical Earth Observation platforms and geospatial tools for monitoring land-use changes, flooding, drought, water resources and other forms of environmental degradation.

According to him, wider adoption of the technologies by journalists would improve public awareness, strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance environmental accountability and contribute to climate resilience and sustainable development.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor Amina Mustapha, described climate change as one of the most pressing development and security challenges confronting Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.

She noted that the shrinking Lake Chad, advancing desertification, deteriorating rangelands and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns continue to threaten livelihoods, food security and economic stability across the region.

Mrs Mustapha urged journalists to devote greater attention to environmental issues affecting Nigeria instead of focusing predominantly on climate disasters in other parts of the world.

“The media serves as the bridge between scientific knowledge and public understanding. You have the responsibility to translate scientific evidence into stories that influence policy, shape public behaviour and hold governments and institutions accountable,” she said.

She also encouraged journalists to embrace investigative and solutions-oriented reporting by documenting the experiences of vulnerable communities and scrutinising the management of environmental and ecological resources.

“Climate change is not merely an environmental issue; it is a development issue, a justice issue and a human security issue. The stories you tell can inspire action, strengthen resilience and drive sustainable development,” she added.

Mrs Mustapha reaffirmed Bayero University’s commitment to supporting journalists through collaboration with its researchers, laboratories and research centres to ensure scientific findings are translated into public knowledge and policy action.

In a virtual presentation, the Research Coordinator and European Space Agency (ESA) Liaison for Future Earth, Freya Muir, highlighted the role of Earth Observation technologies in improving climate modelling, environmental monitoring and evidence-based decision-making.

The workshop, themed “Earth Observation Journalism, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Communication,” featured practical sessions on the use of satellite imagery, remote sensing and geospatial data for climate and environmental reporting.

Participants described the training as timely and relevant, pledging to apply the knowledge acquired to produce accurate, evidence-based reports while combating misinformation and disinformation on climate change and other environmental issues.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 51-year-old suspect and recovered a pistol, suspected cannabis, 120 lithium batteries and a vehicle believed to be stolen during the ongoing enforcement of Operation Clean Plates, a statewide campaign targeting vehicles without proper registration numbers.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Bompai, Kano.

Mr Bakori said the operation, launched on 6 July, is aimed at removing vehicles with covered, defaced or missing registration plates from roads across the state’s 44 local government areas.

According to him, such vehicles are frequently used by criminals to conceal their identities, commit crimes and evade law enforcement.

“This is not a mere traffic violation. It is a deliberate tactic employed by criminals to create anonymity, commit crime and evade detection. The Kano State Police Command will not allow our roads to be used as escape routes for criminality,” he said.

The police commissioner disclosed that officers had intercepted 23 vehicles found to be violating registration regulations since the commencement of the operation.

He said all the drivers had been charged to court and were being prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“There will be no sacred cows and no room for impunity,” he added.

Major arrest

Mr Bakori said one of the operation’s major breakthroughs occurred on 9 July when officers attached to the Panshekara Police Division intercepted a vehicle without a registration number within Kano metropolis.

He said the driver, identified as Mahi Ibrahim, allegedly refused to stop and attempted to flee before he was pursued and arrested by police operatives.

A search of the suspect and the vehicle, according to the commissioner, led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol, dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, a sharp knife, electric wires, 120 lithium batteries and a vehicle suspected to have been stolen.

The suspect has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

Mr Bakori said investigators were also working to trace the origin of the recovered firearm and other exhibits to determine whether they were linked to a wider criminal network.

He said the arrest underscored the rationale behind the operation, noting that unregistered vehicles were increasingly being used to transport firearms, narcotics and other prohibited items.

Police to intensify operation

The commissioner said *Operation Clean Plates* would continue across all 44 local government areas of Kano State.

He described the initiative as intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-focused, in line with the policing strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Mr Bakori urged vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles were properly registered and fitted with standard registration plates that remained clearly visible at all times.

He also appealed to residents to cooperate with security personnel and provide credible information that could assist in combating crime.

The commissioner encouraged members of the public to report any misconduct by police officers through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit, assuring that professionalism and discipline remained priorities for the command.

He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property, saying the command would sustain efforts to prevent criminals from exploiting anonymity to perpetrate crimes in Kano State.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced the nomination of his deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement was made during a strategic meeting with federal political appointees of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Kano Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Mr Yusuf said the decision was informed by Mr Garo’s loyalty, commitment and contributions to the administration since assuming office as deputy governor.

The governor commended his deputy for what he described as competence, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility in the discharge of his duties.

“I have no regrets for choosing Garo as my deputy in the last few months, and he has proven to be the right choice so far. I want to confirm to you that I have every confidence in him,” Mr Yusuf said.

He also passed a vote of confidence in the deputy governor, describing him as a dependable partner whose contributions have strengthened the administration’s efforts to deliver development across Kano State.

The governor urged party leaders, political appointees and supporters to remain united as the administration consolidates on its achievements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Garo, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, was appointed deputy governor following changes in the state’s political leadership and has since worked alongside Governor Yusuf in the administration.