TheCable

Daily Independent says Nigeria may have lost N45 billion and numerous jobs to the ban on new SIM cards. The newspaper reports that the federal government is set to strengthen security at correctional centres nationwide following the recent attacks on police stations and prison facilities.

The Guardian says gunmen razed another police station in Imo state a few hours after Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, and Mohammed Adamu, former inspector-general of police, left Owerri, the state capital. The newspaper says the World Health Organisation (WHO) asked the federal government and states to address inequality on access to health facilities.

The Nigerian Tribune says the journey of Adamu, who was on an official visit to Imo state when a new police boss was announced to replace him, was cut short. The newspaper reports that gunmen kidnapped a family of five in Ondo.

Daily Sun says the strike embarked upon by resident doctors, judicial workers and polytechnic lecturers have paralysed activities in the affected sectors. The newspaper reports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) signed an agreement with an Italian firm for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery.

The Punch says the federal government is going after members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over the recent attacks on police stations and prison facilities.

The cover story of The Nation focuses on Nigeria’s rising insecurity. The newspaper says eight persons were killed and 11 kidnapped in Osun, Ondo and Kaduna states within the last 24 hours. The newspaper reports that Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state, asked the police to confront members of IPOB.