The naira continued to appreciate against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Wednesday, marking the third consecutive gain this week.

This is according to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange data released on Wednesday.

The apex bank’s foreign exchange data indicated that it strengthened to N1,526.15 against the dollar on Wednesday, from N1,529.57 traded on Tuesday.

This means that the naira gained N3.42 against the dollar on a day-to-day basis.

Meanwhile, on the black market, the naira remained flat at N1,570 on Wednesday—the same exchange rate recorded the previous day.

OSUNDAILY NG reports that the naira appreciated against the dollar on both Monday and Tuesday.

This comes as the International Monetary Fund, in its latest Article IV Consultation, lauded CBN’s foreign exchange and monetary policy reforms.

Troops of the Forward Operating Base have successfully rescued three kidnapped victims in the Mabai area of Katsina State.

Dr Nasir Mua’zu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, in a statement, said the rescue followed a distress call from Anguwan Kasale village, leading to the recovery of three kidnapped persons whose hands and legs had already been tied.

The statement named the rescued persons as Umar Isa, 27; Abdulrahman Sa’ada, 28; and Usman Auwal, 60. He added that the rescued victims are currently in safe custody.

The statement assured all residents of Katsina State that the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda remains strongly committed to ensuring the safety and security of every citizen.

At least three vigilantes were killed on Monday in a bloody encounter between local hunters, vigilantes, and armed kidnappers in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

According to confirmed reports, the tragic incident occurred during a violent confrontation between bandits and security forces in Gada Woro, along Patigi Road near Gbugbu town, in Edu LGA.

The encounter resulted in the deaths of three vigilantes and injuries to several security officers, after the bandits reportedly taunted the vigilantes to confront them near Gbugbu, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Reports indicated that “the bandits had gathered at Gada along Patigi Road near Gbugbu, daring the vigilantes to come and face them. The vigilantes, accompanied by soldiers and DSS personnel, responded to the challenge but were forced to retreat due to the bandits’ heavy weaponry.”

Confirmed casualties included Mohammed Nma Dsuru, a vigilante from Kokodo village; Yanda Doctor from Lafiagi town; and Ndagi Saraka, a vigilante from Edogi village. One vigilante remains missing, and several security officers sustained injuries.

OSUNDAILY NG reports that the incident has sparked widespread fear and concern among residents, who are urging security agencies to take decisive action to protect them.

A prominent resident of the area, who preferred anonymity, informed OSUNDAILY NG that community leaders met with Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to discuss the rising insecurity.

He disclosed that the governor assured them that around 100 soldiers from Sobi Cantonment in Ilorin would be deployed to the area to provide security.

The source further revealed that reinforcements had also been sourced from neighbouring Niger State, including the invocation of supernatural forces to protect the indigenous people.

Meanwhile, the Gbugbu International Market, a major economic hub in the area, has been deserted until further notice due to the escalating insecurity. Market leaders cited the need to prioritise the safety of traders and customers.

Residents of Lafiagi, Kokodo village, Gada Woro, and Gbugbu community are living in fear and calling for increased security presence to prevent further attacks.

“We are at the mercy of these bandits,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous. “We need the security agencies to come to our aid and protect us from these terrorists.”

The incident is the latest in a string of bandit attacks in Kwara State, which has witnessed a surge in kidnappings and killings in recent times. While the state government has promised to take decisive action to address the security challenges, residents remain sceptical.

As the situation continues to unfold, many are clinging to hope that authorities will take concrete steps to protect them and restore peace to the area.

In a related development, the people of Patigi Local Government Area have also declared war on banditry and kidnapping.

Reports indicate that local hunters and vigilantes have commenced a full-scale pursuit of the bandits and kidnappers in the forests of the LGA.

It was gathered that gunmen invaded the community, firing repeatedly to scare residents in an attempt to abduct prominent individuals in the early hours of Tuesday.

OSUNDAILY NG recalls that the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, visited Lafiagi just hours after several facilities were set ablaze, including the NDLEA office and the Emir’s palace.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in Ilorin on Wednesday, were unsuccessful.