News
LIGHTNING CREAMS’ DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON HEALTH
LIGHTNING CREAMS’ DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON HEALTH
By: Omirin Joshua
Previously, skin bleaching and toning was considered a fashionable attribute of the wealthy, particularly among those who had lived abroad for an extended period of time. With the passage of time, the fashion trend became a fad for individuals of various and varying socioeconomic statuses, and local and foreign corporations began to compete to manufacture various skin care products and soaps with appealing fragrances and colours in order to keep the fad alive.
While this practice may seem harmless, it can actually have serious consequences for one’s health. In addition to these treatments, some people self-mix a range of substances, such as mixtures of numerous commercial skin-bleaching solutions with hydrogen peroxide, to create their own homemade products.
Some people bleach or whiten their skin for a variety of reasons, including desiring to have a beautiful and enticing face and removing unsightly body markings, among others, which some experts believe may be psychological. Some parents who have succumbed to the psychological pull have even extended the preoccupation to their children, including toddlers.
Not only are the chemicals in these creams harmful to the skin, but they can also cause long-term damage to the liver, kidneys, and other organs. In addition, the use of skin lightening creams can have a negative impact on self-esteem and body image.
The hazards linked with skin-bleaching cremes and creams are genuine and worrisome, since powerful chemicals wreak havoc on the user’s skin. In this article, we break through the hype to get to the bottom of the issue, exposing the indisputable health hazards and horrifying side effects of skin-lightening cremes and showing methods to live a better and happier life.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that a study done by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that 77 percent of Nigerian women use skin bleaching creams, the highest in Africa, compared to 59 percent in Togo, 35 percent in South Africa, and 27 percent in Senegal.
The active ingredients in skin lightening creams can cause a variety of physical side effects, including, Skin irritation, dryness, and redness, Scarring, hyperpigmentation, Premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. These side effects are caused by the chemicals used in skin lightening creams, such as hydroquinone, mercury, and steroids. These chemicals can cause damage to the skin cells and lead to serious health problems. Hydroquinone, one of the main ingredients in skin lightening creams, can cause dryness, itching, and redness of the skin. If used over a long period of time, it can lead to a condition called ochronosis, in which the skin becomes thick, hard, and leathery. Another common ingredient, steroids, can cause thinning of the skin and an increased risk of infection. Mercury, another common ingredient, can cause a condition called mercury poisoning.
Mercury poisoning can cause a number of serious health problems, including damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Other health risks associated with skin lightening creams include premature aging of the skin and an increased risk of skin cancer. These health risks are often overlooked by those who use skin lightening creams, but they are very real and should not be ignored. If you are considering using a skin lightening cream, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks involved. It is also important to consult with a dermatologist or other healthcare professional before starting any skin lightening regimen.
In conclusion, it’s critical to realize that using skin-lightening creams can have detrimental effects on one’s physical and mental health. Using these creams can result in negative body image and low self-esteem in addition to the physical side effects mentioned above. Many users of skin-lightening creams do so as a result of pressure to meet unattainable beauty standards. Cosmetics enriched with harmful chemicals have an indirect impact on nature, as the waste and residues of these products pollute the environment. The residue from these products contaminates the water as soon as the user showers or cleans their face. After using the product, there is a high probability that the residues in the product container containing harmful chemicals will end up in nature. Yet the global skin lightening market is highly unregulated and is estimated to be worth billions of dollars. However, these products can have serious health risks, and the best way to achieve a healthy and happy life is to embrace your natural skin tone. You are beautiful just the way you are!
Godiya Sardauna Molyini.
Department of Mas Communication.
University of Maiduguri.
LIGHTNING CREAMS’ DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON HEALTH
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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