N’central Groans Under ISWAP, B’Haram Attacks - Newstrends
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N’central Groans Under ISWAP, B’Haram Attacks

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5 years ago

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-Over 500 communities in 8 wards in Shiroro LGA taken over
-B’Haram now rules in many communities, recruiting residents –Shiroro LG chairman
-Current security challenges affecting us, we’re at ISWAP’s mercy –Emir of Borgu

The insecurity situation in the country appeared to have spread wider as members of the dreaded Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have made huge incursion into the North Central with states like Niger and Kogi affected. Kwara State is also reported to be experiencing influx of bandits, with the situation unsettling residents in the region.

In a recent parley with journalists, Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG), Ibrahim Ahmed Matane, said members of ISWAP and Boko-Haram, who he said already have strongholds in Zamfara State forests and in Chukun area of Kaduna State, have been making efforts to establish sanctuary in the state. Matane said: “some villages and local government areas will take you as much as seven to ten hours from Minna before you get there.

How do you engage a group of people who use sophisticated equipment, satellite phones and gun trucks with the type of equipment we have? He said the terrorist groups were planning to establish a Caliphate at Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) situated in Borgu Local Government Area and Shiroro LGA. Kogi state, hitherto known to be the most peaceful state in Nigeria, is said to be reeling from the activities of bandits who reports said have since found a safe haven in the Confluence state.

Many of these bandits, who were reportedly chased away from Zamfara and other states in the North, were said to have moved into the forests in Kogi State, terrorising and kidnapping unsuspecting travellers. The same scenario is said to be playing out in Kawra State as the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, recently raised the alarm that bandits and kidnappers have relocated to Kwara and Kogi States, noting that the spate of insecurity in the two states is becoming disheartening and alarming. Speaking at the 202 edition of Oya Festival in Ira, Kwara State, Adams decried the increasing rate of kidnapping in the state, adding that reports at his disposal indicated that some criminal elements have relocated to the state. But the Kwara State government denied the report saying that bandits and terrorists were not relocating to the state.

ISWAP indoctrinating residents in Borgu

It was gathered that after a notice of evacuation sent to officials early this year by the terrorists group, Kainji Lake National Park workers evacuated the park for more than nine (9) months now leaving ISWAP to establish their ‘caliphate’ there. This was also confirmed by the secretary of the SSG when he said “the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, and the dreaded Boko Haram are planning to set camps in some parts of the state.”

It was gathered that, in some parts of Borgu Local Government, particularly Babana and the KLNP, the group has already established their camp and have started recruiting locals. In an earlier audio recording that the terror group released, they revealed that they were the abductors of the district head of Wawa, Dr. Mahmud Ahmed Aliyu. The Emir of Borgu in Niger State, Alhaji Muhammed Haliru Dantoro, bemoaned the setbacks affecting his Emirate, tracing it to the current security challenges.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to order the deployment of troops to Borgu, so as to check the activities of kidnappers and criminal elements. Speaking to Saturday Telegraph on the presence of ISWAP, the Emir said: “The issue of ISWAP, I heard that they are telling residents that they are neither bandits nor kidnappers, the current security challenges are affecting us “I am calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to order the deployment of troops to Borgu, so as to check the activities of kidnappers and criminal elements.”

The royal father, whose domain hosts the Kainji National Park, said the security situation hinders business activities and discourages local and foreign investors. It should be recalled that due to the security threat, the Emir suspended some of his councilors for allegedly harbouring some Fulani men in the emirate.

In a letter suspending the councilors and signed by the Secretary of the Emirate Council, Alhaji Abubakar Jibril, the Emirate also set up a committee to investigate the suspended councilors for allowing the Fulanis entry into Borgu emirate without his (emir’s) knowledge for proper documentation. A top traditional leader in Borgu Emirate who pleaded anonymity said the activities of the ISWAP are gaining grounds by the day. He said: “The thing has gone far from what we think it is. They (ISWAP) already have people from here (Borgu). As I am talking with you, there are Borgu people among them already. That is what the district head of Wawa told us after gaining freedom from them.”

“I have a sister who is married in Babanna. She told me that the terrorists come to town anytime they want. They talk with people and go to the market too. She told us that those who know them said they are good people. It is bad ‘wallahi,’ because these people are indoctrinating our people,” he lamened. Recently, it was gathered that over 500 communities in eight wards of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State had been taken over by Boko Haram and other insurgent groups. It should be recalled that this year, Governor Abubakar Bello raised the alarm that Boko Haram had hoisted their flag in some communities in Shiroro LGA. The Chairman of Shiroro Council, Suleiman Chukumba, said that Boko Haram now rules in most of the communities, saying the group is trying to equip the people to fight against the government. Speaking with one of our correspondents in Minna on the situation of Shiroro LGA, Chukumba said: “As the Chairman of Shiroro, I can tell you that Shiroro is not only dealing with the issue of banditry, it has a lot of Boko Haram members.

I have proof of this as the chairman.” He said that Boko Haram has proclaimed that they do not want conventional primary and secondary schools, and that their only preference is the Islamic school. “They have told the people that they do not want primary or secondary school in the communities and that they only want to see Islamic schools.

“They have been trying to recruit residents of the communities to become their members, telling them that they will give the recruits arms and assist them in fighting the government,” Chukumba stated. The District head of Beni in Munya LGA that shares boundary with Shiroro LGA, Alhaji Jafaru Umar Sarki, in a telephone chat with one of our correspondents, disclosed that he and other relations of victims had always been contacted by the bandits to pay ransom. According to him, “they told me to bring N17million but I told them that I do not have that type of money but I managed and struggled to raise N1.3million for the release of my daughters one of whom was kidnapped two days to her wedding in July. “They told me that it was not their group that collected that money, and that the first ransom was for another group.

“They later said that I should offer something but I told them that I don’t have anything to offer because I have not finished paying the debt from where I borrowed money to secure the release of my daughters.” The co-Convener of the Shiroro Youths Association, Yusuf Abubakar Kokki, called for urgent and concerted efforts by the government and individuals to address the insecurity challenges, adding that “our people have been chased out of over 100 communities.” The Niger state Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Kuryas, however, said that his men were on ground to tackle insurgency while appealing for support and cooperation from members of the public by way of providing intelligence.

Etsu Nupe wants FG to address insecurity squarely

In his remarks after a state security meeting, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, urged the federal and state governments to address the issue of insecurity squarely. The Traditional ruler had said: “Governments at all level must protect the people and make security the topmost priority. We (royal fathers) are ready to support the Government”.

Insecurity in Kogi State

Lokoja the capital of Kogi State and environs are experiencing attacks as gunmen reportedly kidnap their victims in their houses with impunity. The bandits in recent time have engaged in kidnapping several travellers along Ikoyi/ Iyara road in Kogi State. The Kogi State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Victor Adewale Omofaye, who would have been among the kidnapped victims, escaped even though he was shot by the bandits. The incident, it was learnt, happened between Ikoyi and Iyara on Sunday evening, and the gunmen were said to be over 20, when they took over the road for several minutes. Hon. Omofaye and two others in his car, it was gathered, sped away from the kidnapping scene, even when his car was shot at several times. Other victims of the kid-nappers were said to have been marched into the bush by the suspected bandits. A source confirmed that the Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area who doubles as ALGON chairman in Kogi State, Isah Taufiq, has mobilised the vigilantes and hunters in search of those that were kidnapped. The Ikoyi-Ijumu Development Association (IDA) leadership has said that they are on top of the matter and they were highly impressed with the very swift response of the security personnel, especially, the DPO at Iyara and vigilantes including local hunters under the direct supervision of Ijumu LG Chair. Former Kogi state Commissioner of Police and currently Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr Ayuba Ede, told Saturday Telegraph through a phone conversation that the state commissioner of police is already putting a strategy in place to smoke out the kidnappers.

Invasion of Kwara State

On the invasion of Kwara State by bandits, Gani Adams urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasak to create a state security outfit that can help combat the growing influx of bandits and kidnappers. He said: “Governor AbdulRasak needs to provide adequate security for the people of the state as well as the visitors. The report that some of the bad elements, including bandits and kidnappers, have relocated to Kwara and Kogi states is alarming; the Kwara State government needs to improve on the security situation in the state by using the Amotekun structure to combat the growing spate of insecurity in the state. “The success recorded in securing the South West through Amotekun is encouraging and the security initiative is yielding positive outcome.” Debunking the claim of Gani Adams that bandits and kidnappers had relocated to Kwara and Kogi, the Kwara State Government said that there was no conducive environment for any criminal elements to relocate to in the state, talk less of operating there. In a chat with one of our correspondents, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, averred that the issue of security is such that requires tact and cooperation of all, adding that “Kwara State remains the safest in the country, notwithstanding some unfortunate one-off breaches which we work very hard to curtail.” He said: “The state government, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities are always working together to prevent any criminal elements from having a toehold in any part of the state. This is why there have always been constant discreet and or joint security operations to keep the people safe at all times. For example, the army had recently conducted a rigorous sweeping of the areas bordering Niger State and adjoining communities. This is so that no criminal elements are allowed to hibernate there.”

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Peller, Jarvis’ Glamorous Lagos Wedding: N400m Mansion, $20,000 Gift, Over 50,000 Virtual Guests

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3 hours ago

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August 2, 2026

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Peller, Jarvis' Glamorous Lagos Wedding: N400m Mansion, $20,000 Gift, Over 50,000 Virtual Guests

Peller, Jarvis’ Glamorous Lagos Wedding: N400m Mansion, $20,000 Gift, Over 50,000 Virtual Guests

  • Nigeria’s favourite TikTok couple, Habeeb “Peller” Hamzat and Elizabeth “Jarvis” Amadou, have officially tied the knot in a spectacular Lagos ceremony that blended celebrity glamour, jaw-dropping generosity, and digital-age storytelling. The #JP2026 wedding has become one of the most talked-about entertainment events of the year.

Peller and Jarvis have built their relationship in the public eye, sharing their journey through livestreams, collaborative content, and regular appearances that endeared them to millions of followers. Their wedding was the culmination of a series of pre-wedding celebrations that began with a romantic proposal at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Ghana in June 2026. The couple then honoured their cultural roots with a traditional marriage ceremony in Benin City, followed by a civil wedding in Lagos on July 29. Saturday’s grand white wedding brought together family, friends, and fans to witness the union of two of Nigeria’s most influential digital creators. The bride and groom dazzled in their wedding attire, with Peller donning an elaborate Edo-inspired outfit that paid homage to his heritage, while Jarvis complemented him in a breathtaking bridal ensemble that quickly became the talk of social media.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the #JP2026 celebration was the extraordinary generosity shown by well-wishers, with gifts arriving even before the wedding day. Ahead of the ceremony, businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, donated N10 million in support of the wedding. His contribution set the tone for the lavish celebrations to come. American entrepreneur and renowned TikTok benefactor Gregory Pizarro Jr. made the journey to Lagos specifically for the occasion. During a meeting with Peller at his hotel, he presented the groom with a cash gift of $20,000, demonstrating the global reach of the couple’s influence. Chief Executive Officer of Promiseland Estate, Lawrence Emmanuel, gifted the couple a plot of land in Abuja valued at N150 million, providing them with a valuable asset in the nation’s capital.

However, the biggest surprise of the day came during the wedding reception when real estate entrepreneur King Ochacho, speaking on behalf of his family, announced the gift of a fully furnished luxury mansion in the upscale Life Camp district of Abuja. The property is reportedly valued at an astonishing N400 million. Presenting the gift, King Ochacho explained his motivation: “I and my family left everything we are doing in Abuja just to come through for Peller because he is an inspiration to this generation.” He added that after consultations with his sons, they decided, “We want Peller to be staying close to Palace Seven,” noting that houses in that area are worth no less than N400 million.

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The ceremony attracted a who’s who of Nigeria’s entertainment and social media scene. The extensive guest list read like a roll call of the nation’s most influential personalities. The film industry was well represented by Iyabo Ojo, Eniola Badmus, Moyo Lawal, Jigan Baba Oja, and Foluke Daramola, adding their star power to the celebration. The music industry showed up in full force with Zinoleesky, Seun Kuti, Femi Kuti, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, and Fuji musician Sule Alao Malaika, who kept guests entertained with electrifying performances. The digital space was represented by Nons Miraj, Papaya Ex, Cute Abiola, Isbae U, Aunty Ramota, Geh Geh, and countless others who have built their careers alongside Peller and Jarvis. Cubana Chief Priest, Daddy Freeze, Pretty Mike, and Soso Soberekon were among the distinguished guests, along with Gregory Pizarro Jr., who made the trip from the United States specifically for the wedding.

Staying true to their reputation as digital content creators, Peller and Jarvis made history by streaming the wedding live across YouTube and Twitch. The livestream attracted over 50,000 virtual guests, who flooded the comment sections with well wishes from every corner of the globe. The decision to broadcast such an intimate moment demonstrated the couple’s commitment to their fans and their understanding of modern celebrity culture. Viewers from North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia tuned in to witness the event in real-time.

The wedding venue was nothing short of spectacular, featuring luxury automobiles on display that showcased the couple’s taste for fine things, coordinated aso-ebi attire that created a visually stunning sea of colours, a competition with a reported N5 million prize for the best-dressed attendee, and live Fuji music performances by Sule Alao Malaika that kept the energy high throughout the celebration.

One of the most talked-about moments of the wedding was the appearance of content creator Emmanuel Obruste, better known as GehGeh, as one of Peller’s groomsmen. GehGeh made a grand entrance in a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, and videos of him dancing with the other groomsmen quickly went viral across social media platforms. His enthusiastic participation surprised many because he had previously been a vocal critic of Peller’s decision to marry. In a past interview, GehGeh argued that financial success was not the sole basis for marriage, stressing that Peller was “still growing as a child” and needed to be ready “mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” The irony of his role at the ceremony sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising him for supporting his friend despite their differences, while others questioned his previous stance. Regardless, his presence added another layer of intrigue to the high-profile event.

The Peller and Jarvis wedding represents more than just a celebrity union; it signals the mainstream acceptance of digital creators as cultural icons. A generation ago, social media influencers were dismissed as passing fads, but the #JP2026 celebration demonstrates that content creators now command the same respect, influence, and wealth as traditional celebrities. The sheer value of the gifts received—totalling hundreds of millions of naira—reflects the economic power of the creator economy and the willingness of business leaders to align themselves with digital influencers.

The wedding generated massive engagement across digital platforms, with the hashtag #JP2026 trending on multiple social media networks. Fans expressed their joy, congratulations, and even envy at the couple’s good fortune. Many commentators noted that Peller and Jarvis have achieved in a short time what takes others decades, while others praised them for staying grounded despite their success. The couple has promised to continue sharing their journey with fans, hinting at future content that will document their married life.

As Nigeria’s most talked-about celebrity couple begins their new chapter, fans are eager to see what comes next. Will they expand their content empire? Will they venture into other business pursuits? One thing is certain: Peller and Jarvis have proven that with talent, dedication, and the right connections, the digital world can open doors to unimaginable success. The #JP2026 wedding has set a new standard for celebrity weddings in Nigeria, blending traditional values, modern influence, and extraordinary generosity into an event that will be remembered for years to come.

 

Peller, Jarvis’ Glamorous Lagos Wedding: N400m Mansion, $20,000 Gift, Over 50,000 Virtual Guests

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Troops arrest three suspects over killing of soldier in Imo ambush, recover stolen rifles

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16 hours ago

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August 1, 2026

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Troops arrest three suspects over killing of soldier in Imo ambush, recover stolen rifles

Troops arrest three suspects over killing of soldier in Imo ambush, recover stolen rifles

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the killing of a soldier during a deadly ambush in Imo State and recovered several weapons, including military rifles believed to have been stolen during the attack.

The arrests followed months of intelligence-led investigations and coordinated operations conducted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA (OPUK) across Rivers, Delta and Imo states.

The operation was launched after an ambush on May 4, 2026, in which one soldier was killed, another sustained injuries and service weapons were reportedly taken away by the attackers.

Security sources said sustained intelligence gathering, targeted raids and the interrogation of previously arrested suspects provided information that helped investigators identify three men believed to be key suspects in the attack.

The suspects were identified as Albert Tony, popularly known as “Chiboy”; Temple Eburua, also known as “Marathon”; and Vitalis Eburua, alias “Onowu.”

Investigators reportedly established that the suspects fled to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after the attack before relocating to Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State with the assistance of an associate identified as Mr Abire.

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Troops reportedly arrested Abire in Port Harcourt on July 30. During questioning, he allegedly provided intelligence that led security operatives to the suspected hideout of the three men in Delta State.

Acting on the information, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade moved into Delta State in the early hours of July 31 and worked with personnel of the 181 Battalion to conduct a coordinated raid at Opaebe in Oleh.

The operation led to the arrest of the three suspects, who were taken into military custody for further investigation.

Following their arrest, the suspects allegedly led troops to a hideout in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, where weapons believed to have been stolen during the May ambush were concealed.

Further intelligence-led operations reportedly led security personnel to another suspected camp at Umudike Plantation, where additional weapons, ammunition and other materials were recovered.

Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, one FN rifle and two FN rifle magazines believed to have been taken from the soldiers during the ambush.

Troops also recovered three additional AK-47 rifles, nine AK-47 magazines, one pistol with its magazine, 194 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and a fragmentation jacket.

Other materials suspected to be connected to the activities of the criminal network were also seized during the operation.

The three suspects are currently being held by the 34 Artillery Brigade for further interrogation as investigators work to identify other individuals who may be connected to the attack and determine the full scope of the group’s activities.

Military sources described the arrests and recovery of the weapons as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle criminal networks responsible for attacks on security personnel.

The recovery of the suspected stolen service weapons is expected to support ongoing investigations into the May ambush and help security agencies trace other individuals who may have played a role in the attack.

The operation also reflects the continued use of intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations to disrupt armed groups, recover illegal weapons and improve security across Imo State and neighbouring areas.

Troops arrest three suspects over killing of soldier in Imo ambush, recover stolen rifles

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Kidnapped Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, civilian rescued after 10-day military operation in Enugu

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16 hours ago

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August 1, 2026

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Kidnapped Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, civilian rescued after 10-day military operation in Enugu

Kidnapped Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, civilian rescued after 10-day military operation in Enugu

A joint military task force has rescued a senior Nigerian Army officer, Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, and a civilian, Mr Ikechukwu Onwuanra, following a 10-day intelligence-led search-and-rescue operation across forests and neighbouring communities in Enugu State.

The rescue operation was conducted by troops under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, involving personnel from the 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion (Reinforced), the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service and the 197 Special Forces Battalion.

The joint operation was led by the Commander of the 82 Division Garrison, with support from the Air Component, which provided surveillance and helped sustain pressure on suspected criminal hideouts.

Security sources said the troops carried out extensive search operations across the Inyi, Awlaw and Akpugo-Eze forests, as well as nearby communities in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The operation reportedly intensified between the evening of July 31 and the early hours of August 1 after security personnel received actionable intelligence concerning the possible location of the abducted victims.

At about 2:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer of the Inyi Division alerted the troops to information pointing to the suspected location of Lt. Col. Amobi and Onwuanra.

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The troops immediately mobilised and launched a fighting patrol into the area, where the two victims were found abandoned at the edge of a forest in Inyi.

Reports indicated that both victims sustained gunshot wounds during their captivity. They were safely evacuated from the area and taken to Inyi before being transferred to the 82 Division Medical Hospital for treatment and comprehensive medical evaluation.

During preliminary debriefing, the victims reportedly told security personnel that they were blindfolded shortly after their abduction and taken to an unknown location.

They were later abandoned in a forest around the Enugu–Anambra border as sustained military operations restricted the movement of their captors and placed them under increasing operational pressure.

Military sources attributed the successful rescue to the persistent intelligence-led offensive mounted by the joint force, supported by aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations.

The sustained pressure reportedly disrupted the kidnappers’ activities, limited their freedom of movement and forced them to abandon the victims before fleeing the area.

The rescue highlights the continued use of coordinated intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and joint security operations in efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities across parts of the South-East.

The military is expected to provide further information as follow-up operations and security assessments continue.

Kidnapped Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, civilian rescued after 10-day military operation in Enugu

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