Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested four suspects who counterfeited foreign currency in Kano and Nasarawa states.

In Kano State, operatives were said to have apprehended one Nura Ibrahim and discovered counterfeit currency, including N129,542,823,000 in counterfeit currencies, on December 8, 2024.

A statement on Wednesday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said a breakdown of the recovered fake money included $3,366,000 in counterfeit US dollars, 51,970 counterfeit CFA francs, and N1,443,000 in counterfeit naira notes.

Adejobi noted that two additional suspects, identified as Muhammed Muntari and Usman Abdullahi, were also arrested in connection with the case.

He said, “As a testament to the zeal to curb financial crimes and boost national security, the police recently made significant arrests in Kano and Nasarawa states.

“On December 8, 2024, at Gwale, Kano, operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended Nura Ibrahim and discovered counterfeit currency, which included the sum of N129,542,823,000 in counterfeit currencies, with a breakdown of 3,366,000 in “Counterfeit US Dollars”, 51,970 in “Counterfeit CFA franc”, and 1,443,000 in “counterfeit Naira”.

“The arrest led to further arrests of accomplices Muhammed Muntari and Usman Abdullahi.”

Similarly, Adejobi said operatives arrested a 53-year-old man identified as Ephraim Barde in Nasarawa State with $160,000 on January 13, 2025.

He said, “On January 13, 2025, the Force arrested 53-year-old Ephraim Barde in New Karu, Nasarawa State, with “counterfeit U.S. dollar notes” totalling $160,000.

“Following the arrest, further investigations are underway to determine the full scope of Barde’s involvement and identify any accomplices. The Police are committed to preventing further threats to the nation’s financial system.”

Adejobi also said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has established the “Anti-Money Laundering Units” of the Nigeria Police Force, appointing a financial expert, CP Hyacinth AEdozie, with officers of the rank of Chief Superintendents of Police to lead the units in all State Criminal Investigation Departments across the country.

“This initiative is a strategic move to strengthen the Police’s role in national security, specifically in combating financial crimes. It is also critical in countering the sophisticated methods used by terrorist organizations and other criminal entities to finance their activities.

“The establishment underscores the Force’s commitment to safeguarding national security by preventing and detecting illicit financial activities that could undermine the country’s stability. It also enhances the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies, especially the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, in furtherance of its global oversight functions to address various security threats,” Adejobi added.

Protesting students of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State on Wednesday, attacked the convoy of the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele.

Report has it that the angry students attacked the convoy of Salako-Oyedele, who was on her way to the 35 Artillery Brigade Alabama, Abeokuta, to represent the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, at the reception marking the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations.

It was also gathered that the students damaged some of the security vehicles of the deputy governor while some of her security operatives, were also hurt in the process of maintaining law and order.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, confirmed the attack in a statement in Abeokuta.

According to Akinmade, the irate students, who were armed with sticks and other dangerous projectiles attacked the deputy governor’s convoy despite all efforts of security operatives to placate them.

“Immediately the students realised it was the deputy governor, they became even more restive and rushed to attack her convoy with intention of demobilising it, despite her security operatives as well as other police officers persuasion to stay calm and allow the convoy pass,” Akinmade said.

He added that the deputy governor was forced to make an immediate detour to her lodge for the protesting students to pass peacefully before she left for the function she was slated to attend.

Akinmade noted that the students blocked the road, obstructing vehicular movement.

Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, says the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) needs approximately N2.7 trillion to complete 149 ongoing projects across the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, Bolaji Tunji, the minister’s spokesperson, said Adelabu spoke during a budget presentation at the national assembly.

Adelabu said the completion of the projects would significantly enhance the country’s electricity supply.

“I am happy to appear before you today to address you on what we have been able to achieve since last year and what is expected of us as a ministry this year,” he said.

“For the TCN alone, we will need about N2.779 trillion to enable us to execute the about 149 projects we are currently engaged in all over the country.

“Our total budget as a ministry is not even up to this, but as the saying goes, “half bread is better than none”.

“I’m telling you so that you can be aware of the kind of money that is needed in the ministry for us to address our electricity challenges.

“We need your cooperation and collaboration in achieving the mandate of Mr. President in electricity supply to Nigerians.”

Speaking on the Siemens project in more detail, Adelabu said the substations being constructed nationwide will enhance the country’s vulnerable power infrastructure, which has been hampered by ageing and outdated equipment.

“The federal government is fully determined to address these challenges and issues that have been blocking our progress in our effort to provide electricity to Nigerians and our consumers,” the minister said.

“Of particular note is the grid collapse, which has to do with the obsolete equipment around our power stations.

“To practically address this, the Siemens project will come on board in the first quarter of this year.

“We have almost concluded the take-off of the project and it will involve building five substations across the country.

“This will energise our supply so that the issue of grid collapse will be a thing of the past.

“By next week, we will begin the contracts for the substations to come on board.”

Adelabu also said the ministry will work with local contractors in their procurement plans for the year to help conserve foreign exchange and reduce transaction cycles often faced during import.