Nigeria

By Uzair Adam 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the death of ten people, including four children, following a stampede during a food distribution event at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama. 

The incident, which also left eight others injured, occurred early on Saturday, December 21, 2024.  

The distribution of food items was intended to assist vulnerable and elderly individuals but tragically resulted in a chaotic scene around 6:30 a.m. 

According to a statement signed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, four of the injured have already been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims are still receiving medical attention.  

Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased, the Police Command called for increased caution in organizing such events to prevent future tragedies.  

“To prevent such unfortunate incidents, all organizations, religious bodies, and groups planning public gatherings in the FCT are directed to notify the Police Command in advance to ensure adequate security measures are in place,” the statement read.  

The Command warned that failure to comply with this directive would lead to holding organizers accountable for any loss of life or injuries caused by negligence.  

The Police also reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property in the FCT and urged residents to report emergencies through the control room lines provided: 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu,

Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, grapples with a troubling paradox: soaring fuel prices and a meagre minimum wage. This contradiction underscores the harsh realities confronting millions living in a resource-rich nation.

Crude oil has long anchored Nigeria’s economy, generating substantial revenue and foreign exchange. Yet, the wealth rarely trickles down to ordinary citizens. Fuel, a key derivative of crude oil, remains prohibitively expensive due to deregulated markets, subsidy removal, and limited domestic refining capacity. 

Instead of refining its crude oil, Nigeria imports refined petroleum products, driving costs and straining an already fragile economy. The ripple effects are profound. Transportation costs have skyrocketed, inflating the prices of goods and services. Farmers transporting produce to markets, artisans powering tools, and businesses reliant on generators to offset erratic electricity endure immense burdens. 

Small-scale businesses are teetering on the brink of collapse, and consumers face relentless price hikes for basic necessities. These challenges are insurmountable for an average Nigerian earning ₦30,000–₦70,000, one of the world’s lowest minimum wages. 

Despite rising inflation and a depreciating naira, wages have remained stagnant, forcing workers into painful trade-offs: skipping meals, forgoing healthcare, or withdrawing children from school to survive. Experts widely view Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports as a colossal policy failure. 

The nation’s four state-owned refineries, once symbols of industrial pride, have devolved into monuments of inefficiency. Operating at less than 20% capacity for decades, these facilities consume billions in rehabilitation efforts with no meaningful outcomes, leaving the country reliant on costly imports.

Successive administrations have promised reforms to the oil and gas sector, but the results have disappointed. Corruption and a lack of political will perpetuate a cycle of waste and economic hardship.

Recent reforms, such as subsidy removal, aim to redirect funds to infrastructure and social welfare. However, these measures have worsened the immediate plight of citizens. Fuel prices have soared, deepening poverty and sparking protests. While the affluent and corporations may weather the storm, low-income earners face a relentless battle for survival.

Addressing these challenges demands transparent and decisive leadership. Revitalising local refineries is essential to reducing dependence on imports, creating jobs, and stimulating the economy. Exploring alternative energy sources like renewables can diversify the sector and alleviate pressure on oil dependency.

Revising the minimum wage to reflect inflation and the cost of living is equally critical. This adjustment would offer workers some reprieve and restore their purchasing power.

Nigeria must also prioritise institutional reforms to ensure accountability in managing its oil wealth. A transparent, well-regulated oil and gas sector could unlock enormous potential, transforming the nation from a land of paradoxes into shared prosperity.

For Nigeria to truly harness its vast resources, it must close the gap between its wealth and the welfare of its people. Affordable fuel and a living wage remain aspirations for millions—a dream that can only be realised through bold action, sustained commitment, and genuine prioritisation of the masses over vested interests.

Usman Muhammad Salihu is a PRNigeria Communication Fellow. He wrote from Jos via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Niger’s foreign minister has called in the Nigerian charge d’affaires, accusing Nigeria of using its territory as a base to destabilize Niger. The allegations come amid ongoing tensions between the two nations since Niger’s military coup in 2023. 

Niger’s government claims that Nigeria has been complicit with foreign powers and officials of the ousted regime, continuing to fuel instability despite efforts to normalize relations. Although security cooperation between the two countries resumed in August, the recent accusations have led to renewed diplomatic friction. 

Niger has also reaffirmed its commitment to participating in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJT) to combat jihadist groups along the borders.

By Wonderful Adegoke 

“I’ve also had to absorb the cost of failed transactions,” lamented Adeyemi Ademola, a food seller on campus at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), her voice tinged with frustration and despair. 

Struggling to keep her business afloat, Ademola’s story highlights the pervasive challenges stemming from disrupted banking services. Her small shop, which supplies students with staples like rice, beans, garri, and other essentials, has been eerily quiet. The culprit? Persistent banking service disruptions, especially from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and Access Bank, which her customers rely on for online payments.

Ademola’s predicament mirrors the experiences of countless others who cannot access essential banking services. GTB’s ongoing downtime—part of its transition to a new core banking application system—has left many in limbo. Even a visit to customer care brought little solace, as the explanation of “technical disruptions” linked to recent system upgrades felt more like a dismissal than a solution. Such upgrades, ostensibly aimed at fortifying defences against cyberattacks, have instead sown doubt about the security and efficiency of these systems.

The upgrades, though necessary, come with inevitable growing pains. Migrating vast amounts of customer data and integrating it across multiple platforms—from ATMs to mobile apps—is complex and time-intensive. Customers, however, bear the brunt of these transitions, enduring weeks or even months of service disruptions that hinder daily transactions.

In the past quarter alone, several commercial banks in Nigeria have initiated IT upgrades to bolster their operations and prepare for an increasingly competitive future. While these efforts are laudable, they have had far-reaching effects, straining banking operations and customer satisfaction. 

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that the banking sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP rose to 16.36% in Q2 2024, a testament to significant technological investments. Yet, for many, these figures are cold comfort amidst recurring downtimes and transaction failures.

Ademola’s weariness is palpable. She confides that her trust in traditional banking institutions, once the cornerstone of financial stability, is eroding. The persistent disruptions have cost her business revenue and undermined the basic operations on which her enterprise depends.

Lost Sales, Revenue, and Opportunities

The ripple effects of these banking failures are felt across various sectors. Rabi’u Bawa, a POS attendant, recounts her struggles: lost sales, revenue, and opportunities due to failed transactions. She still haunts the memory of a recent incident—a Sterling Bank system failure that left her unable to process payments. The frustrated customer walked away, leaving Bawa to shoulder the financial loss.

“This isn’t an isolated incident,” Bawa shares, her tone heavy with frustration. She’s frequently faced delayed payments and disputes stemming from unprocessed transactions. When her account is debited, but the recipient remains untouched, she finds herself mired in time-consuming and costly resolution processes, often at the expense of her reputation.

The disruptions have had devastating consequences for Adepoju Victor, an entrepreneur dealing with laptop repairs and phone accessories. “The stress and anxiety have taken a toll on my mental health,” he admits, his voice betraying sleepless nights spent worrying about his business. “The banks need to take responsibility for their actions and find a solution to this recurring problem.” His sentiment is echoed by many who have poured their resources and efforts into enterprises now threatened by systemic banking inefficiencies.

Service Disruptions Violate Customers’ Rights

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned financial institutions sternly about the crisis. According to a statement by Tunji Bello, the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, these disruptions inconvenience customers and infringe upon their rights.

“Interruptions that impede customers from engaging in transactions or accessing essential funds are not merely an inconvenience,” Bello asserts. “They may constitute a violation of fundamental consumer rights.” The Commission’s stance underscores the urgency for banks to address these disruptions swiftly and decisively.

As customers continue to grapple with the fallout of these disruptions, Nigeria’s banking sector must balance technological advancements with reliable service delivery. Until then, entrepreneurs like Ademola, Bawa, and Victor have remained at the mercy of a system struggling to adapt to its progress.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Taxation is not merely a tool for generating revenue; it is a cornerstone for fostering national balance and ensuring the collective survival of all citizens. Recognizing this, with wisdom, Nigeria has exempted many essential goods and services such as agricultural produce, fertilizers, certain baby products, and healthcare items from taxation or VAT. This policy ensures that food items like rice, maize, sorghum, millet, beans, and meat—produced in states like Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, etc —can reach markets in Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, where they are accessible to Nigerians at reasonable prices.

Conversely, products such as fertilizers, agricultural machinery, baby items, and healthcare essentials manufactured in industrial hubs like Aba, Ibadan, Warri, and Lagos, etc., remain affordable across the country, including the northern states, because they are VAT-exempt. This interconnected economic framework fosters interdependence among states and promotes equitable access to essential goods, irrespective of geographic location.

However, the current discourse surrounding the proposed tax reform bill, particularly its provisions on VAT, has raised concerns about fairness and equity. Rather than serving as a unifying mechanism, the proposed VAT contributions and their sharing formula have become a source of tension, with some Nigerians—especially from the North—perceiving the system as skewed in favour of economically dominant states like Lagos. This perception has fueled suspicions, leading to terms like “Lagos colonialism” being used to describe the perceived imbalance in resource allocation and benefit distribution in the new VAT bill if passed into law by two chambers of the National Assembly 

To address these concerns, the tax reform bill must be designed to generate revenue and reflect the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and Nigeria’s complex politics.

Taxation policies should be a tool for strengthening national unity, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of region or state, feels an equitable share of the nation’s prosperity. There is no need to rush to nowhere- the government must patiently engage in transparent dialogue and adopt a balanced approach that considers the diverse economic contributions and needs of all states. 

One key reason the North rejected the bills is that President Tinubu’s administration is facing growing suspicion among many Northerners due to certain policies, programs, and appointments. This is a troubling development for a government that, before coming to power, proudly counted the North as its political stronghold and key support base.

Such distrust is damaging not only to the administration’s credibility but also to national unity. To maintain the confidence of all Nigerians, it is crucial for the government to address these concerns transparently, ensuring that its actions reflect inclusivity and fairness. Economics and politics often intertwine. When political backlash outweighs economic benefits, retreat and consultation are essential.

The Tinubu government must strive to deliver on its promises while fostering trust across all states and demographics, particularly among those who believe in its leadership.

In essence, taxation should not be seen as a divisive tool but as a bridge that connects the unique strengths of each state and region, fostering a truly united and prosperous Nigeria.

 Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and 13 other agencies failed to meet the standards set by its 2024 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).

This revelation underscores the inability of several prominent institutions to adhere to the ethical benchmarks established by the ICPC.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of the agency’s EICS report by Dr. Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the ICPC, who was represented by Demola Bakare, the Director of Public Enlightenment and Education.

According to Aliyu, a total of 330 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were evaluated in the outgoing year, with none achieving full compliance.

Among the 15 non-compliant MDAs were the University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Legal Aid Council, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and several others.

These agencies reportedly failed to conduct system studies or submit required financial and audit reports.

Aliyu cautioned that the ICPC would take necessary enforcement measures to ensure compliance.

Despite the shortcomings of some MDAs, he commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for leading the compliance rankings with a score of 89.75 percent, followed by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (89.33 percent) and Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (88.73 percent).

The assessment focused on indicators such as Management Culture and Structure, Governance and Executive Management, Financial Management Systems, and Administrative Systems. It also examined policies on ethics education, whistle-blowing mechanisms, and stock verification.

Aliyu stated that the EICS serves as a tool for identifying gaps, advising on policy, and fostering self-evaluation among MDAs. Between December 2023 and December 2024, the ICPC tracked 1,500 projects across 22 states, valued at N610 billion, recovering N346 million in cash, N400 million in assets, and saving N30 billion for the government.

The report highlighted that 29.55 percent of MDAs achieved substantial compliance, 51.62 percent partial compliance, and 2.92 percent were categorized as non-compliant.

Jimoh Sulaiman, Head of the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative, noted that tracking projects had increased completion rates and public accountability.

“Nigerians now realize that project funding originates from the Federal Government, not politicians’ pockets, leading to greater demand for accountability,” he said.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

Journalism is a global profession of significance, recognised and protected by constitutional statutes. In Nigeria, it is the only profession explicitly acknowledged in the 1999 Constitution.

Chapter 2, Section 22, titled Obligation of the Mass Media, mandates that “The press, radio, television, and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.”

Similarly, Chapter 4, Section 39 guarantees “freedom of expression and the press,” ensuring every citizen’s right to hold opinions and share information freely.

With these constitutional provisions, journalists are tasked with informing the public and bridging the gap between government and citizens. They serve as vital agents of transparency and accountability, reinforcing democracy by fostering open communication and trust.

However, the path of a journalist is fraught with challenges. While the profession is often romanticised as noble, those outside the field frequently underestimate its complexities.

In today’s digital era, citizen journalism has blurred the lines between professional journalism and unverified information shared on social media. The advent of blogs and platforms has given rise to individuals claiming to be journalists without formal training, undermining the profession’s credibility.

Real journalists with specialised training adhere to high verification and reporting standards. However, distinguishing them from impostors is becoming increasingly tricky, primarily online.

For instance, the recent case of Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, who published unverified claims about the Sokoto State government, highlights the consequences of misinformation. Although she eventually apologised, her actions emphasised the need for professionalism and ethical standards in journalism.

Untrained influencers and bloggers often disseminate half-truths or outright falsehoods before verified news reaches the public. Their fame and large followings make it harder for audiences to discern fact from fiction.

This misleads the public and makes it challenging for trained journalists to correct narratives. Professional journalists face immense personal and professional pressures.

They contend with fatigue, low motivation, and depression but must persevere for the sake of public service. On the streets, they endure insults and harassment while gathering stories, often risking their safety and personal relationships.

Investigative journalists, in particular, face the highest risks, with some losing their lives in pursuit of the truth. Police harassment is another recurring issue. Journalists are frequently detained or obstructed while on assignments despite their role as allies serving the public interest.

Such hostility erodes trust between security agencies and the press, undermining collaboration.

Misinformation poses one of the greatest threats to journalism. Nigerians and citizen journalists must understand that setting the nation on a better path requires a civil, constructive approach. Publicly disparaging the government or amplifying unverified claims online worsens problems without offering meaningful solutions.

Journalists must be empowered to tackle these challenges effectively. This begins with creating an environment where journalists feel safe and valued. Providing resources for unhindered reporting, ensuring mental and physical well-being, and recognising exceptional contributions through awards can significantly boost morale.

Collaboration is also essential. Journalists should partner with lawyers, security agencies, and other stakeholders to form coalitions that uphold ethical practices and safeguard the profession’s integrity.

Finally, journalists must advocate for safe civic spaces where everyone can share information without fear. Upholding constitutional protections is crucial, but building trust, professionalism, and resilience is equally essential for journalism to thrive. Only then can the press fulfil its role as the cornerstone of democracy and accountability.

Rabi Ummi Umar is a student at Al-Hikmah University, and she can be reached via rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli 

The Nigerian healthcare system has long faced challenges that make accessing quality care difficult, especially for the average citizen. Many patients have endured unnecessary struggles during critical moments, from long queues at registration units to delays in retrieving medical records. Tragically, these inefficiencies have, in some cases, led to preventable losses—not just because of late arrivals at hospitals but also due to prolonged registration and file retrieval processes.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi has boldly changed this narrative. Staying true to its vision and mission, the hospital has introduced an innovative e-health system to alleviate these issues. This transformation goes beyond addressing immediate challenges—it sets ATBUTH on a path to becoming a leader in modern, patient-focused healthcare in Nigeria.

ATBUTH has been a symbol of hope for years, offering quality healthcare to countless patients while continuously striving to improve its services. Recognizing the growing needs of modern healthcare, the hospital has embraced advanced digital solutions to revolutionize how it delivers care.

Adopting an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, seamlessly integrated with the eCMDS platform, reflects ATBUTH’s commitment to progress and patient well-being. This transformative step simplifies operations, improves administrative processes, and creates a more compassionate, patient-centred experience for everyone who walks through its doors.

The introduction of e-health at ATBUTH also aligns with a Federal Government policy to digitize public services. This initiative aligns with global trends, ensuring healthcare services are faster, safer, and easier to access. Digitizing patient records, registration, billing, and laboratory results drastically reduces waiting times and makes every interaction smoother.

The EMR system protects patient data from being lost or tampered with, while automated processes close gaps that could lead to fraud or revenue loss. Furthermore, the centralized database enables researchers to access accurate, real-time information, fostering medical advancements. This leap into digitization firmly establishes ATBUTH as a forward-thinking institution ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with leading hospitals in Nigeria and beyond.

Although the implementation of the e-health system has been highly successful, challenges still exist. One of the most pressing issues is network reliability, which can sometimes be unpredictable. However, the hospital’s management is actively working to resolve these issues permanently to ensure uninterrupted services. Unfortunately, specific individuals have also attempted to undermine this initiative by spreading misinformation and discouraging public trust. Such actions disrupt progress and risk undoing the remarkable strides ATBUTH has made in improving healthcare delivery.

Everyone must understand that progress is a journey that moves forward, not backwards. For ATBUTH to maintain its momentum as a leader in healthcare innovation, it needs the collective support of patients, staff, and the public. Adopting the e-health system is not just about modernizing healthcare—it’s about making services more accessible, efficient, and humane.

Despite being a relatively young institution, ATBUTH has achieved remarkable feats rivalling even the country’s most established hospitals. This e-health initiative is a testament to the hospital’s determination to excel and better serve its community.

ATBUTH’s e-health system is more than just a technological upgrade—it is a lifeline for thousands of patients who rely on the hospital for their care. As this digital transformation continues to evolve, the public must embrace and support it wholeheartedly. Together, we can ensure ATBUTH remains a trusted name in healthcare and a symbol of progress in Nigeria’s health sector.

Usman Abdullahi Koli writes from Bauchi.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu

Access to quality healthcare remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, particularly for the millions living in rural areas. Despite various initiatives to improve healthcare delivery, rural communities continue to face significant barriers, resulting in poor health outcomes and deepening inequalities in the healthcare system. 

These challenges underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare access. One of the most significant challenges rural communities face is geographical isolation. Many villages and settlements are far from urban centres where most healthcare facilities are concentrated. 

The distance to the nearest hospital or clinic can sometimes span hundreds of kilometres, making timely access to care nearly impossible for many rural residents. This problem is exacerbated during medical emergencies, where every second counts, yet patients must endure long and arduous journeys before reaching medical help.

A chronic lack of healthcare infrastructure plagues Nigeria’s rural areas. Many villages do not have hospitals or clinics; even where facilities exist, they are often under-resourced. Shortages of essential medical supplies, equipment, and trained personnel are common, making providing even basic healthcare services difficult. 

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria needs to increase the number of healthcare workers and facilities to meet the growing demands of its population, particularly in underserved rural areas. Poor transportation systems further compound the challenges of accessing healthcare in rural Nigeria. 

The lack of reliable road networks, especially during the rainy season, leaves many rural areas cut off from healthcare services. Sometimes, patients must travel on foot or rely on motorcycles, which may not be suitable for critically ill individuals. 

The absence of affordable public transport options also limits the ability of rural residents to seek medical care, particularly for routine check-ups or preventive healthcare. Financial hardship is another significant barrier. Many rural residents are subsistence farmers or engage in informal sector jobs with little to no stable income. 

As a result, they often cannot afford healthcare services, especially when these are not subsidised. Even when free services are available, hidden costs such as transportation, medication, and unofficial fees can deter people from seeking care.

Cultural beliefs and language differences present additional hurdles for rural communities. In some areas, traditional medicine is preferred over modern healthcare, leading to delays in seeking professional medical attention. Furthermore, healthcare providers unfamiliar with local languages and cultural practices may struggle to communicate effectively with patients, resulting in misunderstandings and mistrust.

The challenges of accessing healthcare in rural areas have far-reaching consequences. One of the most alarming is poor health outcomes, including higher rates of maternal and infant mortality. According to UNICEF, Nigeria accounts for a significant proportion of global maternal deaths, with rural women disproportionately affected due to a lack of access to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care.

Delayed treatment is another critical issue. The inability to access healthcare promptly often leads to the progression of diseases to more severe stages, reducing the chances of successful treatment. For example, conditions like hypertension or diabetes, which can be managed with early intervention, often go undiagnosed and untreated in rural areas, leading to life-threatening complications.

Additionally, the economic burden of healthcare is devastating for rural households. The cost of treatment can deplete a family’s savings, forcing them to sell assets or take on debt. This cycle of poverty further entrenches the disparities between urban and rural populations.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. Governments and stakeholders must prioritise investment in rural healthcare infrastructure. Building and equipping clinics and hospitals in underserved areas is critical to reducing the geographical barriers rural communities face. Additionally, mobile clinics and telemedicine programs can bring healthcare services closer to people who live in remote locations.

Community-based healthcare programs are another effective solution. Training and deploying community health workers to provide essential services such as immunisations, maternal care, and health education can significantly improve health outcomes. These workers can serve as rural residents’ first point of contact, offering accessible and culturally appropriate care.

Financial support for rural residents is equally important. Subsidising healthcare costs through insurance schemes or direct financial aid can ensure that rural populations can afford essential services without economic hardship. The government’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should be expanded and tailored to adequately cover rural residents.

Finally, addressing cultural and language barriers is essential for fostering trust between healthcare providers and rural communities. Training healthcare workers in cultural sensitivity and local languages can improve communication and encourage more people to seek care. Public health campaigns should also engage community leaders and use culturally relevant messaging to promote modern healthcare practices.

To conclude, the healthcare challenges in rural Nigeria are deeply rooted in geographical, infrastructural, financial, and cultural issues. However, these challenges are not insurmountable. 

Nigeria can take significant steps toward achieving equitable healthcare access for all its citizens by investing in rural healthcare infrastructure, implementing community-based programs, providing financial support, and addressing cultural barriers. Ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for quality healthcare is a moral imperative and a necessary foundation for the nation’s development and prosperity.

Usman Muhammad Salihu was among the pioneer cohorts of the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship and wrote in from Jos via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that over 25 million phones were stolen in Nigeria between March 2023 and April 2024.

This is according to findings from the bureau’s Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey 2024.

The report highlighted that approximately 17,965,741 individuals experienced phone theft during the reference period, making it the most prevalent crime at the individual level.

It noted that 13.8% of Nigerians reported phone theft, which accounts for a significant proportion of the 21.4% of citizens who reported being victims of crime overall.

The survey further disclosed that seven out of every 10 stolen phones were taken either at home or in public spaces.

Despite this, less than 10% of victims reported these incidents to the police, citing various reasons for their reluctance.

Among those who reported, only 11.7% expressed satisfaction with the police response.

This report underscores the pervasive nature of phone theft in the country, emphasizing the need for improved security measures and better law enforcement responses.