The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a medical doctor transporting drugs from Sokoto to kidnappers operating in parts of Kwara State.

Security sources disclosed that the doctor was intercepted in the Jebba area of Moro Local Government of the state, following intelligence reports about the activities of the kidnappers and their couriers.

The secret service revealed that the criminal gangs appear desperate for medical care following gunshot wounds sustained in encounters with security forces in recent times.

Recall that troops deployed to Kwara State had launched devastating onslaughts to flush out bandits who infiltrated the state from neighboring states sharing common boundaries with Kwara.

“So, we are advising improved security measures in health facilities located in thickly forested areas which the kidnappers may target,” a security official stated.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, yesterday participated in the inauguration, first capping, and matriculation ceremony of the Mother of Mercy College of Nursing Sciences, Mbutu-Okohia, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, where he personally capped the institution’s pioneer nursing students.

In her address, Provost of the college, Rev. Sr. Tochukwu Martha Ike, described the event as the realisation of a long-held vision by the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy (DMMM) to widen access to quality nursing education.

According to her, the college was established in response to the country’s urgent demand for well-trained and compassionate nurses, especially in underserved areas.

Sr. Ike noted that the institution had already recorded notable milestones, including full accreditation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and commencement of a Basic Nursing Programme supported by a qualified academic and administrative workforce.

She reaffirmed the college’s dedication to evidence-based and community-centred nursing practice.

Acknowledging the challenges confronting the young institution — particularly in infrastructure development, facilities upgrade, and funding, she expressed optimism that continued support from government and donors would help position the college as a leading centre for healthcare training.

Addressing the students, Obi congratulated the pioneer set and urged them to uphold the values of discipline, compassion, and integrity that define the nursing profession.

He described nurses as the “heartbeat of functional healthcare systems,” and encouraged the students to pursue excellence and lifelong learning in service to humanity.

He also commended the DMMM Congregation for its significant contributions to education and healthcare, noting that faith-based institutions continue to play a crucial role in reinforcing Nigeria’s social foundations.

The ceremony concluded with expressions of appreciation to community leaders, government officials, benefactors, and stakeholders for their support towards establishing the college, which is expected to contribute significantly to healthcare development in Imo State and beyond.

Serenity Royale Hospital has refuted claims that it conducted any drug-related tests on actress Regina Daniels.

The hospital said this in a public statement released on Thursday evening, following the trending medical report allegedly from the hospital confirming Regina Daniels’ drug addiction.

Recall that Regina Daniels’ estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko had accused her of drug addiction and insisted that the actress must submit herself for rehabilitation.

The accusation came after Regina called out the Senator for domestic abuse amid their ongoing messy breakup.

However, laboratory tests purportedly conducted by the hospital surfaced on the social media on Wednesday, showing toxic levels of marijuana, cocaine, morphine, opiates, and alcohol in her system.

Denying conducting any test on the actress, the hospital stated that the alleged medical report was fabricated.

Speaking in a statement signed by its management, the hospital said “Our attention has been drawn to a post (on an alleged MID TERM HOME DETOX REPORT) being circulated online in the name of Serenity Royale Hospital with respect to Mrs Nwoko Regina.

“We wish to state clearly that the publication and circulation of the said post containing classified information did not emanate from us and respectfully request the public to disregard same.”