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  • Top 10 News Updates You Should Know Today

    1. Security Agencies Arrest Seven Suspected Boko Haram Commanders Returning from Hajj

    Security agencies have arrested seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina after they returned from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The suspects were identified through Nigeria’s integrated National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database before being handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.

    Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo described the operation as a major breakthrough made possible by improved identity management and inter-agency collaboration. Security analysts believe intelligence gathered from the suspects could support further operations against terrorist networks in the North-East while reinforcing the role of digital identity systems in national security.

    2. Tinubu Creates National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) to coordinate Nigeria’s digital health initiatives and strengthen data-driven healthcare delivery. Former NIPRD Director-General, Dr Obi Adigwe, has been appointed as the pioneer National Coordinator.

    The office will oversee efforts to integrate health information systems, improve disease surveillance and expand the use of digital technology across the healthcare sector. Stakeholders say the initiative could accelerate electronic health records, telemedicine and artificial intelligence applications while improving coordination within Nigeria’s health system.

    3. Political Violence Raises Fresh Concerns Ahead of Osun Governorship Election

    Concerns over security are growing ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election following reports of election-related violence, attacks and killings in parts of the state. Civil society organisations, journalists and security agencies have called on political actors to embrace peaceful campaigns.

    The rising tension has renewed concerns about voter safety and the credibility of the election. While Governor Ademola Adeleke’s camp has dismissed fears of widespread violence, opposition parties continue to demand stronger security measures as campaigns intensify.

    4. Victor Osimhen Receives Hero’s Welcome During Lagos Homecoming

    Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen attracted large crowds during a visit to his hometown in Olusosun, Lagos, where he met residents, posed for photographs and distributed cash support to local traders and businesses.

    Videos from the visit quickly spread across social media, with many Nigerians praising the footballer’s humility and connection to his roots. The visit has added to conversations around Nigerian football as Osimhen continues to enjoy a successful club career with Galatasaray.

    5. National Assembly Ranked Least Trusted Public Institution

    A new 2026 Social Cohesion Report released by the Africa Polling Institute has ranked the National Assembly as Nigeria’s least trusted public institution. According to the report, 77 per cent of respondents expressed little or no confidence in the legislature.

    The findings reflect growing public concerns over governance, accountability and institutional performance. Analysts say the report could increase pressure on lawmakers as the National Assembly continues work on major legislative reforms ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

    6. Burkina Faso Cuts Diplomatic Ties with France

    Burkina Faso’s military-led government has officially severed diplomatic relations with France, accusing its former colonial ruler of interfering in the country’s internal affairs and undermining its sovereignty.

    The decision marks another shift in political alliances across the Sahel region and could have wider implications for regional security and ECOWAS. Security experts say the development will be closely monitored because of its potential impact on cross-border terrorism and migration across West Africa.

    7. World Cup Knockout Stage Keeps Nigerian Fans Engaged

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered the Round of 32, with players of Nigerian heritage continuing to make headlines despite the Super Eagles’ absence from the tournament.

    Football fans across Nigeria remain actively engaged with the competition while discussions continue about reforms needed to return the national team to future World Cup tournaments. The performances of diaspora players have also generated renewed interest among supporters.

    8. Building Collapses Renew Safety Concerns in Lagos

    Recent building collapses across Lagos have renewed public concern over construction standards and the enforcement of building regulations in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

    Government agencies have continued investigations into the affected structures while residents and safety experts call for stricter compliance with planning approvals. The incidents have intensified demands for stronger oversight to prevent further loss of lives.

    9. Atiku Urges Tinubu to Protect Opposition Politics

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to emulate former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan by protecting opposition parties and preserving Nigeria’s democratic space.

    His comments come amid ongoing debates over political inclusion and electoral reforms. The remarks have generated reactions across the political spectrum as parties continue preparations ahead of the 2027 general election.

    10. Digital Identity Reforms Gain Momentum in National Security

    Nigeria’s expanding digital identity system is gaining renewed attention following recent security successes and fresh government reforms aimed at improving public administration.

    Officials say the NIMC platform is becoming increasingly important in border security, financial inclusion and identity verification. Experts believe wider adoption of the system could improve service delivery while strengthening efforts to combat crime and terrorism.

     

  • NMA Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum Over Abducted Abia Doctor, Threatens Indefinite Strike

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State branch, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to security agencies and the governments of Abia and Imo States to secure the immediate release of abducted orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Bonaventure Aguocha, warning of an indefinite strike if action is not taken.

    The warning was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency general meeting held in Umuahia and made available on Monday.

    Doctors Demand Immediate Action

    The association said Dr. Aguocha, a former chairman of the Abia NMA, was abducted on May 24 while travelling to Umuahia from Imo State.

    It described him as a respected medical professional who has contributed significantly to healthcare delivery in both states.

    The communiqué was signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Ezenwa Ezuruike, and Secretary, Dr. Clement Ifenkoronye.

    Strike Threat Over Abduction

    The association warned that failure to secure his release within 24 hours would lead to a total and indefinite strike in Abia State beginning 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2.

    It said the decision became necessary due to what it described as the continued targeting of medical professionals by criminal groups.

    “Doctors have increasingly become targets of assault, harassment, intimidation and abduction by criminal elements,” the communiqué stated.

    Call for Security Intervention

    The NMA called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, and police commissioners in Abia and Imo States to intensify efforts toward securing the doctor’s release.

    It also urged the governors of both states to mobilise all available resources to ensure his safe return.

    The association warned that failure to act swiftly could undermine confidence among healthcare workers and disrupt medical services across the region.

  • NCDC Warns Nigeria Only 59% Prepared for Possible Ebola Outbreak

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over the country’s preparedness for a possible Ebola outbreak, disclosing that Nigeria currently stands at about 59 per cent readiness. The warning comes amid renewed Ebola cases in parts of Africa, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    NCDC Flags Preparedness Gaps

    The Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, noting that a recent nationwide assessment exposed significant gaps in Nigeria’s emergency response capacity.

    He explained that the evaluation examined critical health systems, including isolation centres, emergency operations units, and available medical stockpiles needed in the event of an outbreak.

    “Our latest assessment puts Nigeria’s preparedness level at about 59 per cent. But preparedness is dynamic; you can never be 100 per cent prepared because situations keep changing,” he said.

    State and National Response Efforts

    Idris said teams were deployed across the country to assess readiness levels in collaboration with state health authorities and provide guidance on urgent areas of improvement.

    He noted that while some progress has been made, Nigeria is still not fully prepared to handle a major Ebola outbreak if it occurs.

    “We sent advisers to work with state commissioners and assess their level of preparedness. We are looking at infrastructure, isolation facilities, emergency operations centres, and available stockpiles,” he said.

    Border Security and Entry Point Concerns

    A key concern raised by the NCDC is the vulnerability of Nigeria’s entry points, particularly airports and land borders, which remain potential routes for disease importation.

    According to Idris, the Federal Ministry of Health has issued new protocols to strengthen screening and monitoring at points of entry.

    “Our primary objective is to prevent the disease from entering Nigeria,” he said.

    He added that states with international airports have been classified as high-risk areas due to increased travel flow.

    Porous Borders Remain Major Challenge

    Idris also warned that Nigeria’s porous land borders continue to pose a major risk, as many travellers enter the country through unofficial routes that are difficult to monitor.

    “The biggest challenge remains our porous borders. Not everyone enters Nigeria by air. Many people travel across borders by road and through informal routes,” he said.

    Health officials say ongoing surveillance and preparedness measures remain critical as the country works to strengthen its response systems against infectious disease threats.

  • Obasanjo Reveals How He Has Managed Diabetes for More Than 40 Years

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up on how he has successfully managed diabetes for more than four decades, stressing that discipline, healthy living and regular medical care remain key to controlling the condition.

    Speaking during a recent public appearance in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo said diabetes is not currently curable but can be effectively managed through proper lifestyle choices and routine health monitoring.

    Obasanjo Shares His Routine

    The former president said he has lived with diabetes for over 40 years and continues to maintain an active lifestyle.

    “I’ve been diagnosed diabetic for more than 40 years. I still manage it. What do I do? I play squash three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday whenever I’m around. I watch what I eat. Diet can be exciting; it can be pleasurable. If you eat badly, the consequence can also be bad on you. And then rest,” he said.

    According to him, consistent exercise, healthy eating habits and adequate rest have played a major role in helping him stay healthy despite the condition.

    Call for Early Detection

    Obasanjo also highlighted the importance of routine medical check-ups and early diagnosis, noting that many people avoid health screenings because of financial constraints.

    He advocated for more affordable and accessible screening centres across the country, saying early detection remains one of the most effective ways to manage chronic illnesses.

    The former president explained that many non-communicable diseases should not automatically be viewed as death sentences if they are detected early and managed properly.

    Lifestyle Remains Key

    Obasanjo outlined what he described as the key pillars of diabetes management, including proper diet, adequate rest, regular exercise and consistent medical care.

    He maintained that individuals living with diabetes can continue to lead productive lives if they remain disciplined and follow medical advice.

    His comments have generated discussions online, with many Nigerians praising his commitment to fitness and healthy living, while others pointed to the challenges many citizens face in accessing affordable healthcare and managing long-term medical conditions.

  • NCDC Lists Lagos, FCT, Rivers Among High-Risk States Over Ebola Outbreak

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Taraba, and Adamawa as states facing high risk of Ebola importation following the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

    The agency said the classification was based on increased international travel, porous borders, regional population movement, and uncertainty surrounding the scale of the outbreak in affected countries.

    NCDC Raises Fresh Ebola Alert

    In a public health advisory issued on Thursday in Abuja, NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed that 1,077 suspected Ebola cases and 247 deaths had already been recorded in the DRC and Uganda.

    According to him, the outbreak currently has a case fatality rate of up to 24.6 per cent, with the most affected age group between 14 and 45 years.

    He added that suspected cases had also been reported in India, while Canada recently suspended travel applications from residents of the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan over the outbreak.

    Uganda has also reportedly announced border closure measures.

    States Categorised By Risk Level

    The NCDC explained that the high-risk states were identified because they serve as major trade and travel hubs with international airports, seaports, porous borders, and active ground crossings.

    The agency also classified Ogun, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Kogi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Abia, and Bayelsa as moderate-risk states.

    It stressed that all states and the FCT must remain prepared for possible Ebola cases, but noted that preparedness levels should reflect each state’s specific risk exposure.

    No Approved Vaccine For Current Ebola Strain

    Idris stated that the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus disease, which currently has no licensed vaccine or approved targeted treatment.

    “The current Bundibugyo virus outbreak has no licensed vaccines or approved targeted therapeutics,” he said.

    He explained that existing Ebola vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments were mainly designed for the Zaire ebolavirus strain and may not be effective against the current outbreak.

    According to the NCDC boss, rapid detection, isolation, contact tracing, safe burials, surveillance, and aggressive supportive care remain the major tools for controlling the outbreak.

    Nigeria Yet To Record Confirmed Case

    Despite the alert, the NCDC confirmed that Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case linked to the current outbreak.

    However, the agency warned that the risk of importation remains high because of regional transmission, international travel, and similarities between Ebola symptoms and other diseases such as malaria and Lassa fever.

    The agency said it had activated its National Emergency Operations Centre in alert mode to coordinate preparedness efforts nationwide.

    States Asked To Activate Emergency Measures

    The NCDC directed state governments and health commissioners to immediately strengthen preparedness across public and private health facilities.

    States were asked to activate public health coordination systems, conduct rapid risk assessments around points of entry and densely populated areas, and ensure healthcare workers can quickly identify and report suspected cases.

    The agency also instructed states to designate at least one functional isolation centre and establish proper referral systems for managing suspected Ebola patients safely.

    The development comes amid growing concerns over regional disease outbreaks and cross-border health threats across West Africa.

     

  • “Fake Malaria Drug Destroyed My Brother’s Kidney” — Family Cries Out Over Alleged Counterfeit Medication

    A Nigerian family has raised alarm over the growing circulation of alleged fake drugs after a young man reportedly developed severe kidney complications following malaria treatment.

    The emotional claim surfaced in a viral social media post accompanied by photos showing the victim receiving treatment in a hospital ward.

    “May God Punish Those Behind Fake Drugs”

    According to the family member who shared the post online, the victim allegedly reacted badly to malaria medication believed to be counterfeit.

    “This is my little brother. The malaria drug he was given led to his kidney issues. May God punish every single person involved in manufacturing fake drugs in Nigeria,” the relative wrote.

    The photos shared online showed the patient lying on a hospital bed connected to medical equipment believed to be used for dialysis and other emergency treatment procedures.

    Family Demands Stronger Regulation

    The family said the incident has left them devastated, calling on authorities to intensify efforts against fake and substandard drugs across the country.

    “This is heartbreaking. Nobody takes malaria drugs expecting to end up with kidney failure. We just want justice and stronger regulation so this doesn’t happen to another family,” the relative added.

    However, the family did not disclose the exact malaria medication involved, the hospital where the victim is receiving treatment, or when the incident occurred.

    Concerns Over Counterfeit Drugs

    The development has reignited concerns over the circulation of fake drugs in Nigeria, particularly medications used for common illnesses such as malaria.

    Health authorities, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), have repeatedly warned Nigerians against buying drugs from unlicensed vendors and unverified pharmacies.

    Experts have also advised members of the public to seek treatment only from registered hospitals and pharmacies to reduce the risks linked to counterfeit medication.

    The viral post has continued to generate reactions online, with many Nigerians lamenting the dangers posed by fake drugs and calling for stricter enforcement against illegal drug manufacturers and distributors.

  • Atiku Falls Ill As ADC Postpones Presidential Screening Amid Consensus Talks

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly fallen ill and was placed on bed rest, a development said to have contributed to the postponement of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential screening exercise.

    Sources within the party disclosed that Atiku became ill over the weekend and has been receiving treatment from his personal physician at home.

    The development comes amid growing internal consultations within the ADC over the party’s presidential screening process ahead of the 2027 election.

    ADC Shifts Screening Exercise

    The ADC had earlier announced the postponement of its presidential screening exercise from Monday to Wednesday.

    Party insiders said the delay was linked to ongoing discussions among leading aspirants and party stakeholders over the possibility of adopting a consensus candidate.

    Key figures reportedly involved in the talks include former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

    A source within the party said officials who visited Atiku over the weekend were informed that he was unwell.

    “We went to see him on Saturday to discuss the manifesto and they said he cannot come down because he was sick,” the source said.

    Another party source added that the former vice president remained indisposed as of Monday.

    “He fell seriously sick on Saturday. He was treated at home by his personal physician and placed on enforced bed rest throughout Sunday,” the source disclosed.

    Party Yet To Confirm Health Status

    According to insiders, ADC leadership was formally informed about Atiku’s condition after attempts to meet with him.

    “The party leadership was informed when they sought to see him. His current condition is still unclear,” another source said.

    The former vice president was last publicly seen during the submission of his nomination forms at the ADC national secretariat in Abuja before reports of his illness emerged.

    However, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed claims suggesting that the former vice president was seriously ill.

    ADC Cites Security Concerns

    Meanwhile, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, had earlier explained that the screening exercise was postponed due to internal adjustments and security concerns affecting some northern states.

    The party also announced that screening for certain federal lawmaker aspirants from affected northern areas would now take place in Abuja.

    As of the time of filing this report, the ADC had not officially confirmed Atiku Abubakar’s health condition.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Alex Ekubo: Doctor Lists 4 Silent Signs Cancer May Already Be Growing In Your Body

    Popular Nigerian medical doctor and health influencer, Aproko Doctor, has reacted to reports surrounding the alleged cancer-related death of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, using the moment to create awareness about early cancer detection.

    In a video shared online, the doctor urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to unusual body changes and persistent health symptoms that may signal serious illness.

    Doctor Shares Emotional Experience

    Speaking in the emotional video, Aproko Doctor recounted the story of a young man he knew during his school days who was later diagnosed with stage 3 cancer.

    According to him, the young man had already been experiencing severe symptoms long before finally seeking medical help.

    He explained that chemotherapy later caused visible physical changes, including hair loss and drastic weight reduction, which led to people mocking the patient without understanding what he was battling privately.

    The doctor said the young man suffered intense pain while quietly undergoing treatment.

    Four Cancer Warning Signs Mentioned

    Using the story as an example, Aproko Doctor highlighted four major warning signs people often ignore until the illness becomes advanced.

    According to him, the signs include persistent tiredness, unexplained weight loss, visible physical changes linked to illness, and pain that refuses to go away.

    “If this guy had known the signs early enough that he was always feeling tired, the unexplained weight loss, the pain that will not go away maybe he would have gone to the hospital sooner,” he said.

    “Cancer Is A Silent Thief”

    In the caption accompanying the video, the health influencer described cancer as a silent disease that often gives subtle warnings before becoming deadly.

    “Cancer is a silent thief, but it leaves clues,” he wrote.

    “It’s hard to wrap our heads around the loss of a light like Alex Ekubo. It’s a reminder that this is a conversation we must continue to have.”

    He added that if the video encouraged even one person to seek medical screening or check unusual symptoms early, then the message had achieved its purpose.

    Nigerians React Online

    The video has since generated emotional reactions online, with many Nigerians thanking the doctor for speaking openly about cancer awareness and early detection.

    Several social media users also shared personal stories of relatives and friends who battled cancer, while others urged people to stop ignoring persistent symptoms and seek medical attention early.