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  • NAFDAC Clears BON Bread After Viral ‘Two-Month Freshness’ Controversy

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has declared BON Bread safe for consumption after completing investigations into viral claims that the bread stayed fresh for nearly two months without going mouldy.

    The agency said laboratory findings confirmed that the preservative used in the bread production was within approved safety limits and did not violate food safety regulations.

    Viral video triggers online controversy

    The controversy started on April 13, 2026, after a blogger identified as Love Dooshima shared a video expressing concern over a loaf of bread that allegedly remained fresh for almost two months.

    Although the blogger did not mention any brand, BON Bread’s manufacturer reportedly identified the product as theirs and denied the allegation.

    The incident quickly gained attention online and later led to a ₦50 million lawsuit against the blogger.

    Dooshima was also detained by the Nigeria Police Force on April 20 after honouring an invitation at the Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja over allegations bordering on cyberstalking, fraud and mischief.

    She was later released after the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission also announced a probe into the matter.

    NAFDAC reveals findings

    NAFDAC Director-General Christianah Adeyeye disclosed the agency’s findings in a statement released on Sunday.

    “Though the complainant did not mention the brand or producer of the said bread, Food & Food Integrated Company Limited claimed that the said bread is produced by the company, and that the allegation was not true,” Adeyeye said.

    According to her, the agency launched investigations because of the public concerns generated online and the need to provide scientific clarification.

    She explained that NAFDAC officials inspected the company’s bakery in Abuja on April 20 and collected bread samples from both the production facility and the open market for laboratory analysis.

    “Investigation by the agency revealed that the company in question commenced bread production in the year 2006 and has successfully gone through several product license renewals without any penalties or recalls,” she stated.

    Bread met approved standards

    Adeyeye disclosed that laboratory analysis confirmed the use of calcium propionate as preservative and noted that the quantity used complied with international standards.

    “Laboratory findings revealed that calcium propionate was used as preservative, and that the amount of the preservative used was within the limits specified in Codex Alimentarius,” she said.

    She further explained that the analysed bread samples did not contain harmful substances, including bromate and non-nutritive sweeteners.

    “The bread samples analysed did not contain objectionable substances, including bromate and non-nutritive sweeteners,” she added.

    According to the NAFDAC boss, food manufacturers are allowed to use approved preservation methods provided they comply with globally accepted standards.

    “As a result of the foregoing, the public is hereby informed that the company is not in violation of any of the agency’s regulations,” she stated.

    NAFDAC advises Nigerians

    The agency also urged Nigerians to report concerns directly to NAFDAC instead of rushing to social media.

    “The public is implored to always visit any of the NAFDAC offices nationwide or use our different electronic handles, including the recently launched call centre to lay complaints before going to the social media,” Adeyeye said.

  • Court Grants El-Rufai ₦100m Bail, Orders Monthly DSS Reporting

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum.

    The ruling was delivered on Monday as the court outlined strict conditions the former governor must meet before regaining freedom.

    Court lists strict bail conditions

    Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the surety must reside in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja and must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property at the court registry.

    The court further directed that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17 and must provide evidence of salary payments for at least three months.

    According to the court, the documents must be authenticated through a letter from the surety’s bank manager within the court’s jurisdiction.

    The judge also ordered the surety to depose to an affidavit of means, enter into a bail bond and submit a recent passport photograph to the court registry.

    El-Rufai to surrender passports

    As part of the bail terms, El-Rufai was ordered to deposit all valid international passports with the court.

    The court also directed that a verification letter from the surety’s department, alongside a six-month tax clearance certificate, must be submitted.

    Justice Abdulmalik additionally ordered the former governor to report to the headquarters of the Department of State Services every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register pending the determination of the case.

    The judge warned that failure to comply with any of the conditions would lead to automatic revocation of the bail.

    The court also directed El-Rufai to submit a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council.

    How El-Rufai’s legal battle started

    The former Kaduna governor was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, before being granted bail two days later.

    He was subsequently re-arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and had remained in custody pending his arraignment.

  • Nigerian Military, US Forces Kill Over 20 ISIS Fighters in Fresh Borno Airstrikes

    The Nigerian military has announced the killing of more than 20 suspected ISIS and ISWAP fighters during fresh coordinated airstrike operations carried out with support from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Borno State.

    According to the military, the operation targeted terrorist enclaves around Metele, a northern Borno community that has repeatedly come under insurgent attacks.

    DHQ confirms joint operation

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.

    According to the Defence Headquarters, the strikes followed intelligence reports indicating movement and gathering of terrorist fighters within the area.

    “The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with United States Africa Command, wish to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across North-East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” the statement read.

    The military said several coordinated airstrikes were launched on identified terrorist positions, leading to the death of more than 20 fighters linked to ISIS and ISWAP.

    Operation follows killing of ISIS commander

    The latest offensive comes days after Nigerian and American forces reportedly carried out another joint operation that led to the killing of notorious ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.

    According to the Defence Headquarters, the ongoing operations are aimed at weakening terrorist networks, restricting insurgent movements and preventing them from establishing operational bases within Nigeria.

    “The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria,” Uba stated.

    Military vows sustained offensive

    The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military offensives against insurgents across the country.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” the military said.

    “Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated. There will be no safe haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.”

  • Makinde Confirms Abducted Oyo Teacher Killed by Terrorists After School Attack

    Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed that one of the teachers abducted during the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has been killed by terrorists.

    Makinde made the disclosure during a press briefing on the school abduction incident, days after armed men invaded schools in Ahoro-Esinele community and kidnapped dozens of teachers and pupils.

    Makinde confirms teacher’s death

    According to the governor, intelligence reports available to the state government showed that seven teachers were abducted during the attack.

    He added that one of the victims, identified as a mathematics teacher, was killed after a disturbing video surfaced online.

    “What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. And unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand the maths teacher, was killed by the terrorists this morning. Of course our prayers are with the family,” Makinde said.

    RNN had earlier reported that a viral video allegedly showed Mr. Oyedekun being beheaded while in captivity.

    Government adopts new rescue strategies

    The governor stated that the state government had begun combining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address the crisis and secure the release of the remaining victims.

    He revealed that consultations were ongoing with community leaders, security agencies and religious organisations, including the Baptist Convention whose school was affected during the attack.

    According to Makinde, the situation remains difficult and sensitive, stressing that authorities are doing everything possible to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers safely.

    “We have decided that we will adopt not just the kinetic approach. There has been a lot of threats… I want to appeal. We have not taken this lightly,” he said.

    Makinde appeals for calm

    The governor appealed to residents of the affected communities and the people of Oyo State to cooperate with security agencies and support rescue efforts.

    He insisted that the priority of government remained the safe return of the remaining abducted victims.

    “I want to appeal that we do everything within our power to ensure that this is resolved quickly and we bring our children back safely. But it is a very difficult and challenging situation,” he added.

    Makinde also announced that the state government would commence daily press briefings to keep the public updated on developments surrounding the rescue operations.

  • Tension in Oyo as Abducted Teacher Reportedly Killed by Kidnappers

    There is growing tension in Oyo State following reports that one of the teachers abducted during the recent attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinele community has allegedly been killed by kidnappers.

    According to a video circulating online, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers earlier declared missing after the attack, was reportedly murdered while in captivity.

    Fresh fear after school attack

    The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School on Friday after armed men reportedly stormed the communities on motorcycles.

    Community sources disclosed that about 46 persons, including teachers, students and pupils, were abducted during the invasion.

    The attackers were also said to have carted away four motorcycles belonging to residents during the operation.

    List of abducted teachers

    Among the teachers earlier reported missing were Mrs. Alamu Folawe, Principal of Community High School; Mr. Ojo Jonathan, Vice Principal; Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus; Mr. John Olaleye; Mr. Michael Oyedokun; Mrs. Oladeji; and Mary Akanbi of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

    RNN had earlier reported that Mrs. Alamu appeared in a viral video appealing to the Federal Government, Governor Seyi Makinde and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure the release of the abducted victims.

    Police yet to react to fresh claim

    The Nigeria Police Force in Oyo had earlier confirmed the abduction and announced the deployment of tactical and intelligence teams to rescue the victims and track down the kidnappers.

    However, as of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to officially confirm or react to the video alleging the killing of Mr. Oyedokun.

  • Sheikh Gumi Sparks Reactions After Saying Terrorists Need Kidnap Money To Survive

    Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has triggered widespread reactions online after making fresh comments about terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria amid growing insecurity across the country.

    Gumi made the remarks during an interview with AIT while speaking on how terrorist groups allegedly sustain themselves financially despite increasing military offensives against them.

    Gumi speaks on terrorist financing

    According to the cleric, many armed groups rely heavily on money generated from kidnappings to continue their operations and maintain their activities.

    “The terrorists need all the money they’re getting from kidnapping. It’s not like they are living luxurious lives,” Gumi said during the interview.

    He further argued that intensified military pressure from the Nigerian government has allegedly pushed the groups into seeking more sources of funding.

    “The government is putting too much pressure on them, so they need money to finance their war machines. If they leave banditry, they won’t have any source of financing themselves,” he added.

    Comments trigger backlash online

    The statement quickly sparked reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing mixed feelings over the cleric’s remarks.

    While some users claimed Gumi was merely explaining the operational structure of terrorist groups, others accused him of appearing sympathetic toward bandits and kidnappers terrorising parts of the country.

    Several critics questioned why the cleric would make such comments at a time when many communities across northern Nigeria continue to battle attacks, abductions and killings linked to armed groups.

    Insecurity remains major concern

    Nigeria has continued to witness deadly attacks, kidnappings and insurgency activities across several states despite ongoing military operations targeting terrorists and bandits.

    The North-East and parts of the North-West have remained major flashpoints for insurgency, kidnapping and violent attacks on communities, schools and security formations.

    Gumi has repeatedly made headlines in recent years over his controversial engagements and comments concerning bandits, negotiations and insecurity in Nigeria.

  • Oyo School Abduction: Kidnapped Principal, Nursing Mother Plead For Help In Viral Video

    Terrorists who abducted students and staff of Community High School, Esinele in Oyo State have released a video showing the school principal and another victim appealing for urgent rescue.

    The victims were reportedly kidnapped during an attack on the school on Friday morning, an incident that has sparked fresh concerns over rising insecurity in parts of the South-West.

    Principal Pleads For Government Intervention

    In the video, the principal of the school, Mrs Alamu, confirmed that students and staff were taken during the attack, urging authorities to act swiftly to secure their release.

    She appealed directly to the Federal Government, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene.

    According to her, the abducted victims are in distress and need urgent help to return safely to their families.

    Nursing Mother Breaks Down In Tears

    In a separate clip, a nursing mother identified as Aiyedaunsi Temitope also appealed for assistance, describing the ordeal as traumatic.

    She said she previously worked at First Baptist Church in Ogbomosho before the attack and pleaded for negotiations to secure their release.

    “They are all crying… please help us so we will not lose our lives,” she said tearfully in the video.

    Growing Security Concerns

    The incident adds to growing fears over repeated school attacks and kidnappings in different parts of the country, with residents calling for stronger security presence around vulnerable communities.

    Authorities are yet to issue an official update on rescue efforts or the number of victims affected.

  • WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak Global Health Emergency As Cases Spread To Congo And Uganda

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern,” following a sharp rise in confirmed cases and suspected deaths across affected regions.

    The outbreak, first detected in Ituri Province in northeastern Congo, has now been confirmed in both Kinshasa and Kampala, raising global concern over wider transmission.

    Cases Spread Across Borders

    According to WHO data, at least 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths have been recorded in Ituri Province, although only a small number have been confirmed through laboratory testing.

    The organisation said eight cases have so far been scientifically confirmed, while broader assessments suggest the outbreak could be more widespread than currently documented.

    Emergency Declaration Raises Global Alarm

    The WHO’s emergency declaration signals a coordinated international response to contain the outbreak, improve surveillance, and accelerate access to vaccines, treatments and health resources.

    The agency warned that significant uncertainties remain about the true scale and geographic spread of the virus.

    “There are significant uncertainties about the true number of infected people and the geographic spread associated with this event,” the WHO said.

    Urban Spread Raises Concern

    Health officials confirmed that cases have now been detected in Kampala and Kinshasa, both major capital cities, increasing fears of rapid transmission due to high population density and cross-border movement.

    One of the confirmed cases in Uganda reportedly resulted in death, while others were linked to travellers moving from Congo’s affected regions.

    Response And Challenges

    The outbreak has been linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no licensed vaccine or treatment currently exists.

    WHO said ongoing humanitarian challenges, population movement, and weak health systems in affected areas could complicate containment efforts.

    Public health experts have also raised concerns that early detection may have come late in the outbreak cycle, making response efforts more difficult.

    As the situation develops, global health authorities are expected to intensify monitoring, contact tracing and emergency response operations across Central and East Africa.

  • ISWAP Suffers Heavy Losses As Bomb Blast Kills Six Fighters In Borno

    No fewer than six suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed after an improvised explosive device (IED) they were assembling exploded in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The incident reportedly occurred around 7:00 a.m. on Saturday in Jubilaram village.

    The information was contained in a report by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, which quoted security sources familiar with the development.

    IED Explosion Hits Bomb-Making Cell

    According to the sources, the group was led by a suspected bomb expert identified as Abu Umar, who also died in the explosion alongside five other militants.

    Three additional members of the group reportedly sustained serious injuries in the blast.

    The affected cell was said to be part of ISWAP’s IED-making network operating within the Marte–Kerenoa–Wulgo axis, a known corridor for insurgent movement in the Lake Chad Basin.

    Operational Impact On Insurgents

    The explosion reportedly destroyed the site and left several casualties, disrupting ongoing bomb-making activities in the area.

    Security analysts quoted in the report said the deaths of Abu Umar and other operatives could deal a setback to ISWAP’s improvised explosive device operations in the region.

    The affected hub, located between Arinna Maimasallaci and Arinna Ciki, was described as a key manufacturing point for explosive devices used in attacks across parts of Borno State.

    Possible Follow-Up Military Action

    Military sources also suggested that the incident may trigger further air and ground operations aimed at exploiting the disruption and targeting remaining insurgent cells in the Marte axis.

    Authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the Lake Chad region, where security forces continue to pressure ISWAP and other extremist groups.

  • FG Unveils New Education Policy For Out-Of-School Children, Adults

    The Federal Government has unveiled a new National Policy on Alternative Learning Pathways aimed at expanding access to education for out-of-school children, youths and adults across Nigeria.

    The development was disclosed in Abuja by John Edeh, Director of Literacy and Development at the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC).

    FG Targets Out-Of-School Crisis

    According to Edeh, the policy was recently unveiled by Tunji Alausa as part of efforts to address long-standing gaps within Nigeria’s non-formal education system.

    He explained that the initiative is designed to improve certification processes and create flexible learning pathways that would allow beneficiaries to transition into higher education or vocational opportunities.

    “The whole vision is to address the large number of out-of-school youth and children significantly,” he said.

    Faster Learning Structure Introduced

    Edeh noted that the policy would compress learning duration for beneficiaries who missed formal education.

    According to him, individuals can now complete equivalent educational programmes within three to four years instead of spending more than a decade in the conventional school system.

    He added that the programme is expected to help mainstream learners into formal educational structures more easily.

    FG Links Education To Security

    The NMEC official further stated that the policy would not only provide access to education but also help tackle unemployment, insecurity, banditry and other social problems linked to illiteracy.

    “It will also ensure that the people are not only provided with education, but also empower them to reduce unemployment, insecurity, banditry and all forms of vices in the country,” he said.

    Edeh disclosed that the policy is already operational and urged stakeholders in the literacy and non-formal education sector to ensure strict compliance with its provisions.