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 DELTA STATE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE ARREST OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, GUN RUNNERS AND; RECOVERY OF TWO (2) AK-47 RIFLES, AND THIRTY-SIX (36) ROUNDS OF LIVE AMMUNITION The Delta State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in an intelligence-led operations targeting suspected kidnappers and illegal arms trafficking syndicate within and beyond the State. 1. ARREST OF FIVE SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS/ RECOVERY OF ONE AK-47 RIFLE AND THIRTY-SIX (36) ROUNDS OF 7.62MM LIVE AMMUNITION: On 24 April 2026 at about 1830hrs, operatives of the command's tactical team based in Ughelli, acting on credible intelligence arrested one Ahmadu Usman (m), 22, a native of Lafiya, Nasarawa State, at Ekuigbo area of Ughelli in connection with a kidnapping syndicate terrorising commuters along Ughelli–Warri Road. Further interrogation led to the arrest of Haruna Abdullahi (m), 37, at Trailer Park along Warri–Sapele Road and one AK-47 rifle loaded with thirty-six (36) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition w...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE CRIME: MANHUNT LAUNCHED FOLLOWING ASSAULT ON STUDENT; VICTIM RESPONDING TO TREATMENT   ...As CP Sani-Omolori Assures Adequate Security in Students’ Off-Campus Areas, Warns Students to Avoid Isolated Places The Bauchi State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of its efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of the unfortunate incident that occurred on 23rd April, 2026, in Gadau, Itas/Gadau LGA, involving a female student of Sa’adu Zungur University residing off-campus. At about 1930hrs, a report was received at the Gadau Police Outstation indicating that an unidentified suspect, armed with machete and knife, attacked Maryam Yakini, a 22-year-old female student, near Villa Lodge. The victim, a student of Gadau Campus of the University, sustained serious injuries during the attack, including the severing of her left thumb and ear. She is currently responding to medical treatment at the Teaching Hospital, Azare. The assail...

 PRESS RELEASE RANSOM PLOT FOILED: EDO POLICE RESCUE ABDUCTED SEPTUAGENARIAN  The Edo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has successfully rescued a kidnapped victim following a swift and coordinated search and rescue operation. On 21st April, 2026, at about 0710hrs, the Command received a report from the wife of one Pa Jonah Owobu of Uwalo Oke, Uromi, that her husband aged 70years had failed to return from his farm on 20th April, 2026. She further reported that at about 2130hrs on the same day, unknown individuals contacted the family demanding a ransom of Thirty Million Naira (₦30,000,000) for his release. Upon receipt of the report, the Amedokhian Divisional Police Officer, promptly mobilized a joint team comprising Police operatives, military personnel, local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps for an immediate search and rescue operation within the forest. During the operation, the victim’s ab...

 Mexico says two US federal agents killed in crash were not authorized for operations inside country  Mexico’s government says two U.S. federal agents killed in a northern border-region crash were not authorized to take part in any operations on Mexican soil, raising new questions about their role in a cross-border drug lab mission. Authorities say the agents were returning from an operation targeting a clandestine drug facility in Chihuahua when their vehicle, traveling as part of a convoy, went off a ravine and exploded last weekend. Two Mexican officers also died in the incident. U.S. officials have confirmed the two Americans were CIA personnel, though their agency has declined to comment on the circumstances. Mexican officials say one of the agents entered the country as a visitor while the other used a diplomatic passport, and insist the government had no knowledge of foreign operatives conducting or planning any enforcement activity inside Mexico. The Security Ministry ...

 Maduro, Celia Flores allowed to use Venezuelan government funds for attorneys, ending legal standoff Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Celia Flores will be allowed to use funds from the Venezuelan government to pay their attorneys, resolving a monthlong dispute over legal financing under U.S. sanctions. In a joint filing submitted Friday night, federal prosecutors and defense attorneys informed the court that the Department of the Treasury would amend a sanctions license to permit payments to the couple’s lawyers without violating existing restrictions. The arrangement includes strict conditions, including that any funds used must have become available after March 5, 2026, and cannot come from restricted foreign government deposit accounts. Prosecutors said the updated authorization resolves the funding dispute that had prompted the defense to seek dismissal of the case, and the defense has since withdrawn those motions without prejudice. The legal battle ste...

 Egyptian family of six rearrested after ICE release, lawyer warns of fast-track deportation despite court-ordered pause and ongoing asylum case An Egyptian family of six who had recently been released from immigration custody was rearrested Saturday, with their attorney warning they could face rapid deportation despite a court order temporarily pausing their removal. The family—Hayam El Gamal and her five children—had spent roughly ten months in the Dilley detention center outside San Antonio, Texas, where conditions have drawn criticism over access to food and medical care. A federal magistrate judge had ruled earlier this week that the family should be released while their asylum case proceeds after they entered the United States in 2022 on a tourist visa. Following Saturday’s rearrest, their attorney said they were placed on a flight to Michigan and could then be transferred for deportation to Egypt. He argued in a court filing and public statement that the move violated judici...

 Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe breaks 2-hour marathon barrier in London, shatters world record by 65 seconds in historic race victory    Sabastian Sawe of Kenya made marathon history on Sunday by becoming the first athlete to officially break the two-hour barrier, winning the London Marathon in a record-shattering 1:59:30. The 29-year-old not only defended his title but also crushed the previous world record by 65 seconds, delivering a performance that redefined expectations in elite distance running. Sawe ran a negative split, accelerating in the second half to cover it in 59:01, before breaking away from the field after 30 kilometers and powering solo to the finish along The Mall. “What comes today is not for me alone, but for all of us today in London,” Sawe said after the race, thanking the crowds lining the course for their support. “With them calling, you feel so happy and strong.” Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha also dipped under the two-hour mark in his marathon debut, finishi...

Florida surgeon accused of fatal surgical error arrested while driving Lyft passengers during traffic stop A Florida surgeon accused of causing a patient’s death during surgery after allegedly removing the liver instead of the spleen was arrested in a dramatic roadside takedown while working as a Lyft driver, according to body camera video. The footage shows deputies with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office surrounding a vehicle with guns drawn on April 13 in Miramar Beach, Florida, before pulling Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, 44, from the driver’s seat and handcuffing him at a busy intersection. Shaknovsky appeared confused during the arrest and told officers there were passengers in the back seat before being informed he was being taken into custody on a manslaughter charge. Deputies then removed two passengers from the back of the vehicle, both of whom said they were on vacation and had been picked up from a hotel. One said the armed arrest made them fear they were being robbed. Authorities...

 Suspect in White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting in custody, expected to appear in court Monday     A man accused of opening fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner is in custody and expected to appear in federal court on Monday. Authorities allege 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, breached security near the Washington, D.C., event Saturday night while carrying a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives. Gunfire erupted outside the venue shortly before the dinner began, triggering a rapid evacuation that included President Donald Trump and other senior political figures. Officials said a Secret Service officer was struck during the incident but has since been released from the hospital. No other injuries have been reported. Investigators believe Allen acted alone, and no motive has been determined. Allen is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in federal court on at least two charges: using a firearm during a crime of viole...

 Massive wildfires in south Georgia burn over 40,000 acres, destroy more than 120 homes amid extreme drought and high winds Two massive wildfires in south Georgia have burned more than 40,000 acres and destroyed over 120 homes, as extreme drought and strong winds continue to drive dangerous fire conditions across the region. Officials said the dry landscape has become highly flammable, allowing flames to spread rapidly and forcing new evacuations as additional fires ignited overnight in rural areas. At a Saturday news conference, Brantley County Manager Joey Cason described the situation as rapidly evolving and urged residents in affected areas to leave immediately when ordered, warning that officials have limited control over the fires’ direction. “Leave the scene. This fire is moving at a fast pace, and we do not have much control over where it’s currently moving. Please leave,” Cason said, as evacuation orders expanded. Residents have described devastating losses. One woman said...

 A family dog was put down by first responders after it took the life of a 7-month-old infant. A family in Portland, Tennessee, is in shock and mourning after their English Mastiff fatally attacked their baby daughter.  The incident took place on April 20th at an undisclosed address in Portland, Tennessee.  Portland Police were called to the residence at approximately 7 a.m. when the homeowners called in to report the tragic incident. The caller told authorities that their dog had entered the home through the back door and attacked their baby. When officers arrived on the scene, they were met by the dog who was still exhibiting aggressive behavior. The officers ultimately were forced to put the dog down. The baby's mother was injured while trying to save her daughter during the attack. She is expected to fully recover. The family reported they had the English Mastiff for years, and it had never been aggressive prior to that morning. This heartbreaking passing has left the...

 A Tennessee grandmother left her grandson inside of her car for 8 hours while she went to work, resulting in his death.  69-year-old, Linda Stevens, is being charged with the negligent homicide of her 7-month-old grandson. Authorities report Linda was on her way to work at the Monterey Library on the morning of April 15th. Linda had her grandson with her and was supposed to drop him off at daycare prior to starting her workday. However, Linda failed to drop the young boy off and went to work at the library at 8 a.m., leaving her grandson strapped into his car seat.  At 4 p.m., family members contacted Linda, concerned about the child's whereabouts. This led to the heartbreaking discovery of the young boy deceased inside of the vehicle. Linda Stevens is being held on a $50,000 bond. Our thoughts are with the family, and everyone involved.

 A Massachusetts mother who was fighting for custody took the lives of her two young children. This absolutely heartbreaking incident occurred on the night of Friday, April 24th, in Wellesley, Massachusetts.  Authorities in Wellesley received a call from a Vermont State Police Department requesting a welfare check in the Wellesley home. It is not known at this time who made the initial request.  Officers with Wellesley Police Department arrived at the home on Edgemoor Ave at around 9:30 p.m. Upon entering the home, officers were shocked and appalled by what they discovered.  7-year-old Kai MacAusland and 6-year-old Ella MacAusland were both found deceased in the home. Their mother, 49-year-old Janette MacAusland, was taken into custody in Vermont and charged with two counts of m*rder.  Janette is currently being held in Vermont. She is due in court in Bennington Superior Court on Monday, April 27th, on a fugitive from Justice charge. Both children were students ...

 MOB BURNS 3 ALIVE OVER KILLING OF PLATEAU MONARCH  Tension gripped Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State after three suspected killers of a traditional ruler were set ablaze by an angry mob. The suspects were reportedly lynched after confessing to the crime. Three individuals suspected to be behind the killing of a traditional ruler in Plateau State were on Friday night burnt to death by an enraged mob in Langtang North Local Government Area. The victims were allegedly linked to the murder of Ponzhi Kwallak, a traditional ruler in the Kwallak community, who was attacked and killed in his residence on Thursday night. According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants broke into the monarch’s home, killed him, and fled with his motorcycle, mobile phone, and other valuables. The incident threw the community into mourning and sparked outrage, leading to a manhunt for those responsible. Sources said the suspects were later apprehended while attempting to sell the sto...

 TRAGIC LOSS OF NYSC CORPS MEMBER DURING ARMED ROBBERY INCIDENT IN DEI-DEI Headquarters Guards Brigade regrets the tragic loss of Mr. Abdulsamad Jamiu, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member  during a security incident in the early hours of 25 April 2026 at Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei, Abuja. The unfortunate incident occurred when troops of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group, on routine night patrol, responded to a distress call following an armed robbery attack in the area. Upon arrival, the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing armed robbers, resulting in a brief but intense exchange. In the course of the engagement, Mr. Jamiu was caught in the crossfire. Despite efforts by troops to secure the area and preserve lives, he sadly succumbed to his injuries. This heartbreaking loss has cast a deep shadow over all personnel of the Guards Brigade. Preliminary information indicates that the situation was fluid and highly volatile, as troops worked to repel the a...

 The vest did the job - Donald Trump confirms agent injured in D.C. shooting scare Donald Trump has confirmed that a Secret Service agent was injured during a shooting scare at a major press event in Washington, D.C. Speaking after the incident, Trump said the officer was hit at close range but avoided serious harm thanks to protective gear.  “One officer was shot but saved by the fact that he was wearing a very good bulletproof vest,” he said, adding that the agent is now recovering and in good spirits. The situation unfolded during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where attendees were settling in for the evening when gunfire was heard. Witnesses described a sudden shift from calm to panic, with people quickly moving for cover under tables as security responded. Video from the scene shows Secret Service personnel acting fast, escorting key figures away from the area, including Trump and other officials present at the event. According to his account, the suspect approac...

Israeli president holds off on Netanyahu pardon, pushes for possible plea deal in corruption cases Israeli President Isaac Herzog has decided not to grant an immediate pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his long-running corruption case, instead signaling support for efforts to pursue a potential plea agreement. Netanyahu has been on trial for six years, facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three separate cases. He has denied any wrongdoing and has described the proceedings as a “witch hunt.” Herzog has faced pressure from Netanyahu, his political allies, and U.S. President Donald Trump to issue a pardon, but has instead opted to encourage negotiations. His office said he believes a negotiated resolution may be a more appropriate path at this stage. “President Isaac Herzog sees reaching an agreement between the parties in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s case as a proper and correct solution,” the president’s office said in a statement. It added that Herzog...

 Alex Cora fired as Red Sox manager amid last-place AL East slump, Chad Tracy named interim replacement     Alex Cora has been fired as manager of the Boston Red Sox as the team sits in last place in the American League East, ending a turbulent second tenure that followed both historic success and years of roster turnover. Cora, who played on Boston’s 2007 World Series championship team and later guided the club to a franchise-record 108 wins and a title in 2018, will be replaced on an interim basis by Chad Tracy, who had been managing the team’s Triple-A affiliate in Worcester. The organization also announced several changes to the major league coaching staff, including departures of multiple assistants and coordinators, as part of a broader shakeup. In a statement, team ownership acknowledged Cora’s impact on the franchise, crediting him with one of the most successful seasons in team history and noting his contributions both on and off the field. The move comes af...

 Sierra Leone businessman marries two women same day  A businessman popularly known as “Spaceman" married two women on the same day in Sierra Leone. The wedding ceremony was held in Lunsar town, the northern part of Sierra Leone on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The ceremony has since drawn widespread attention, as many residents described it as a rare and record-setting moment in the community. More photos below.

 JAMB dismisses viral 394 UTME result of Cross River candidate as fake The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has dismissed as fake a widely circulated result slip purporting to show a candidate from Cross River State scored 394 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. The result, shared by social media user @Onsogbu on X, claimed the female candidate, Okon Winniefred Sampson, scored 394 out of 400. “Okon Winnifred Sampson, a young girl from Cross River State, delivered a remarkable performance in her UTME examinations, scoring an outstanding 394 out of 400. “Her results were as follows: 96 in Use of English; 99 in Biology; 98 in Chemistry and 99 in Physics… a truly exceptional academic achievement. I love this,” Onsogbu wrote. Reacting in a statement issued on Sunday, the Board’s spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin, described the result as fake and urged the public to disregard it. “A purported result slip currently being circulated, claiming that a candidate sco...

 Uzodimma unveils Tinubu’s digital platform to counter misinformation, track gains  The Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, on Sunday in Abuja, unveiled a dedicated digital platform for the pro-Tinubu civic organisation. Uzodimma promised that the website would serve as a verified information hub to deepen public understanding of the administration’s reform programme and actively counter the spread of misinformation. He made the pledge when he formally launched the RHA’s website and an integrated suite of digital assets at the organisation’s headquarters in Abuja. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, who also doubles as the RHA’s Director of Media and Publicity,  revealed this in a statement he signed on Sunday titled ‘Renewed Hope Digital Platform ‘ll enrich communication of governance strides, says Gov. Uzodinma’. At the launch, Uzodinma said the RHA’s centrepiece is the ...

 Sowore: I declined opposition summit invitation — Nigeria deserves break from recycled failure  Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 poll, says he turned down an invitation to attend the National Opposition Summit in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. He described the event as an attempt by entrenched political figures to rebrand themselves without accountability for past governance failures.

 PRESS STATEMENT  INCITING VIOLENCE - GOVERNOR MAKINDE, YOU ARE UNWORTHY  OF THE OFFICE YOU OCCUPY While addressing a summit of opposition political parties in Ibadan, yesterday, Saturday, April 25, 2026, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state invoked the bloody history of “Operation Wetie” to incite Nigerians to violence over his baseless and senseless allegation of the country’s descent into a one party state.  The All Progressives Congress (APC) categorically condemns Governor Makinde’s incitement as reckless, and a clear and present threat to peace and national security. It is particularly disturbing for a sitting Governor who bears constitutional responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of his state to conjure up one of the darkest episodes of political violence in Nigeria’s history to threaten violence against the people and government of Nigeria.  By his incitement to violence, Makinde has showed himself to be unworthy of the high office of Governor that ...

 Hailey Bieber reacts to claims she deserves an apology for years of hate Hailey Bieber recently addressed online chatter after fans suggested she deserves an apology for the years of criticism she’s endured.  On April 22, she posted on Instagram, dismissing the idea of apologies by saying therapy had already helped her move forward.  Her response came after viral comments praised her as a “girls’ girl,” a stark contrast to the “mean girl” label she’s often faced from internet trolls. The renewed conversation followed her appearance at Coachella, where she was spotted helping Billie Eilish on stage during Justin Bieber’s performance.  Fans flooded social media with positive reactions, calling Hailey supportive and kind. This shift in perception is notable given the backlash she first faced in 2015 when she briefly dated Justin during his break from Selena Gomez.  Although Justin and Selena reunited before splitting for good in 2018, Hailey and Justin married lat...

 Christie Brinkley shares health update on ex Billy Joel after 'scary' brain disorder Christie Brinkley has given a positive update on her ex-husband Billy Joel, nearly a year after he revealed his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a rare brain disorder caused by fluid buildup in the skull.  Brinkley told Hello! Magazine that Joel is “doing very well,” crediting the support of his family, including their daughter Alexa, as well as his wife Alexis Roderick and their two young daughters.  The condition, which affects balance, vision, and cognition, forced Joel to cancel tour dates in 2025, but he has since focused on recovery. Joel’s daughter Alexa has also spoken about his progress, sharing that he has been committed to physical therapy, dieting, and staying proactive about his health.  She praised his resilience, calling him a “fighter” who has always approached life with determination.  Alexa even honored her father at Carnegie Hall’s tribute co...

 Allegations against Michael Jackson: Why his "second family" remained silent Earlier this year, new allegations surfaced against Michael Jackson, years after his death in 2009.  Four members of the Cascio family, once close to the singer and calling themselves his “second family,” filed a lawsuit accusing him of inappropriate conduct.  In an interview with The New York Times, they explained that they were groomed to defend Jackson publicly and felt pressured to deny any wrongdoing, even to their parents.  Some only recognized troubling patterns after watching the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, which featured similar accusations. One sibling, Eddie, described feeling “brainwashed” and taught to protect Jackson at all costs. The lawsuit also references financial dealings between the siblings and Jackson’s estate. In 2020, they reportedly reached a settlement worth about $16 million over five years, but payments stopped in 2025.  After demanding further compe...

 Cybill Shepherd, 76, hits the red carpet after sharing she patched things up with Bruce Willis Cybill Shepherd made a rare red‑carpet appearance at the 26th Annual Beverly Hills Film Festival Closing Night Gala, reminding fans of her enduring star power.  The 76‑year‑old actress, best known for her role as Madelyn Hayes opposite Bruce Willis in Moonlighting and later in the sitcom Cybill with Christine Baranski, looked radiant at the event.  Though she has largely stepped back from public appearances, Shepherd continues to act and remains a beloved figure in Hollywood. Her relationship with Bruce Willis was famously turbulent during their Moonlighting years, but Shepherd revealed last year that the two reconciled before Willis announced his aphasia diagnosis.  She expressed gratitude for having made peace, even after previously calling him a “jerk” in tabloids. Following his health struggles, Shepherd emphasized her affection for Willis, telling Extra that she would...

 SANWO-OLU HAILS LAGOSIANS ON SANITATION DAY The return of the monthly Sanitation Day on Saturday was successful- thanks to Lagosians who trooped out to clean their environment.  From Ikorodu to Badagry, Lagos Island and Lagos Mainland ; Alimoso to Ikeja and Agege, the turnout was impressive.  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would like to put on record the enthusiasm of residents who woke up early to obey the call for a return to a culture that made our state a healthy and clean place for all.  “I thank Lagosians who joined the call to clean up our environment as a sure step to good health,”Mr Sanwo-Olu said.   “That is patriotic; it is the Spirit of Lagos that we often speak about. We should continue to walk that path,” he added. The governor urged residents to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse, especially now that the rains are coming.  The government has embarked on a massive cleanup of gutters and drainage systems around the state to prevent floodi...

 TRAGEDY IN BENUE AS YOUNG LADY ALLEGEDLY ABUSED BY CATHOLIC PRIEST DIES IN HER SLEEP AFTER SPEAKING OUT  Benue State is in turmoil following allegations that a Catholic priest based in Lagos allegedly abused a young woman identified as Rita Nguemo, who later died in her sleep under controversial circumstances. Family sources claim she recorded evidence and reported the incident before her sudden death. Gboko, Benue State has been thrown into shock following the death of a young woman, Rita Nguemo, amid serious allegations involving a Catholic priest serving in Lagos State. Family members allege she suffered abuse, recorded evidence, and later died suddenly in her sleep. Gboko, Benue State — A wave of grief and controversy has engulfed a family in Benue State following allegations surrounding the death of a young woman identified as Rita Nguemo, with claims pointing to a Catholic priest allegedly linked to the incident. Family sources allege that Reverend Father Linus Terhide ...

 TROOPS DOMINATE OPERATIONAL LANDSCAPE, RECORD SIGNIFICANT SUCCESS AGAINST ECONOMIC SABOTEURS Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, working closely with other security agencies, have continued to dominate the Niger Delta Region (NDR) operational landscape, recording significant operational successes. The operations, conducted from 1–26 April 2026 across the region, led to the arrest of nine suspected oil thieves, the deactivation of ten illegal refining sites, and the confiscation of over 130,000 litres of stolen crude oil, as well as over 26,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Several equipment used for oil theft were also destroyed. The confiscated products are worth over Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦250,000,000.00). In Rivers State, several operations were conducted in the creeks, rivulets, and hinterland. Accordingly, in a swift response to credible intelligence, troops intercepted an abandoned truck with registration number KMC 310 ZV Kano at Ukpeye Community, alon...