The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched a fresh wave of market reforms, beginning with a strategic engagement at the Dawanau International Grains Market in Kano.

Addressing traders on Wednesday, FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the commission is prioritising grassroots-level intervention to safeguard consumer rights and restore integrity to the Nigerian marketplace.

“Our presence here is not to police, but to partner; ensuring that fairness, transparency, and quality define every transaction.” Bello emphasized.

The outreach, part of FCCPC’s nationwide initiative, aims to curtail recurring illegal practices such as repackaging lower-quality goods as premium brands and arbitrary price inflation.

“Unscrupulous practices like these hurt everyone — the buyer, the genuine trader, and the country at large,” he said.

In response, President of the Dawanau Market Development Association, Alhaji Muttaqa Isa, welcomed the engagement, describing it as “long overdue.” He pledged the market’s cooperation in aligning with government efforts to deliver safe and affordable food to Nigerians.

“As market leaders, we take it upon ourselves to ensure that what we sell reflects true value not deceit,” Isa said. “We will continue to sensitise our members on fair pricing and product integrity. Quality is non-negotiable.”

He also reiterated the market’s readiness to work closely with regulators to end product adulteration and other malpractices that undermine public trust.

Suspected armed Fulani herdsmen launched an attack on a joint security patrol team in Benue State on Monday, leaving some operatives injured and three others unaccounted for.

Details from the Benue State Police Command revealed that the ambush occurred at approximately 2:19 p.m, along the Daudu–Uikohol Expressway, situated in the Guma Local Government Area.

The security team, made up of personnel from the Police Mobile Force (13 PMF and 58 PMF), State Intelligence Services (SIS), Operation Zenda, Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and local vigilantes, were engaged in a routine mission when they noticed smoke rising from huts roughly two kilometres off the expressway.

As they moved closer to investigate, the officers walked into an ambush set by suspected herdsmen, believed to be responsible for torching homes in the area.

During the exchange, Police Inspector, Ochepo Benjamin (AP/No. 266789) and an NSCDC operative sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, where they remain under medical care.

However, Inspector Muhammed Abdullahi (AP/No. 196271) and two NSCDC officers were declared missing following the confrontation.

Security authorities have since launched a coordinated manhunt in a bid to recover the missing personnel.

The home-based Super Eagles preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has suffered a hitch following withdrawals and injury involving several invited players.

Five of the invited players are now ineligible to participate in the competition after joining clubs outside the country.

The CHAN is reserved for players who play in their respective domestic leagues.

Reliable defender, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi has been ruled out of the competition due to injury, while young goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt is on duty with the Flying Eagles.

The home Eagles started preparations for the competition in Ikenne on Monday.

28 players are currently training under head coach, Eric Chelle.