Bomb Explosion Kills Eight Soldiers Escorting Military Supplies in Borno

Maiduguri — At least eight Nigerian soldiers were killed when a military convoy escorting logistics supplies hit an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in Borno State.

The deadly explosion reportedly occurred on Thursday along the Maiduguri–Dikwa road as troops attached to the 24 Task Force Brigade were returning to their base in Dikwa after successfully escorting military supplies from Maiduguri.

According to security sources, one of the vehicles in the convoy struck the buried explosive, triggering a powerful blast that destroyed the vehicle and killed about eight soldiers on the spot. Several other personnel were also reportedly injured and evacuated for medical treatment.

Although the Nigerian Army has yet to officially confirm the casualty figure, military sources described the attack as one of the latest in a series of insurgent assaults targeting security forces operating in the North-East.

The attackers are believed to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an extremist group that has intensified the use of roadside bombs and ambushes against military convoys despite sustained counter-insurgency operations by Nigerian troops.

The Maiduguri–Dikwa axis remains one of the most vulnerable routes in Borno State, with insurgents frequently planting improvised explosive devices to disrupt military movements and logistics operations.

Following the explosion, additional troops were reportedly deployed to the area to secure the route, evacuate casualties and recover the damaged military vehicle. Security patrols were also intensified to prevent further attacks.

The latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges confronting the Nigerian military in the North-East, where troops continue to battle insurgent groups seeking to regain operational strength despite years of sustained offensives by government forces.

As of the time of filing this report, military authorities had not released an official statement on the incident or confirmed the number of casualties. However, security operations were said to be ongoing in the area as efforts continued to track down those responsible for the attack.

Bomb Explosion Kills Eight Soldiers Escorting Military Supplies in Borno

Phyna Files N500 Million Defamation Suit Against Carter Efe Over Sex Claim

• Reality TV star gives content creator seven days to retract claim or face legal proceedings after explosive social media dispute.

Former Big Brother Naija winner Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has initiated legal action against content creator and streamer Carter Efe, demanding ₦500 million in damages over allegations that he falsely claimed they had a sexual relationship. The legal move follows days of escalating online drama that has dominated Nigerian social media conversations and drawn widespread public attention, with fans and observers closely following the unfolding dispute between the two prominent figures in Nigeria’s entertainment space.

In a pre-action letter dated July 30, 2026, signed by Segun Ojienoh of Eko Solicitors & Advocates, Phyna accused Carter Efe, whose real name is Joseph Oderhohwo Efe, of making defamatory remarks during a livestream broadcast on Twitch and X on July 25. The letter detailed how Carter Efe repeatedly claimed, “You slept with me,” during the broadcast, a statement that Phyna’s legal team argued falsely portrayed her as someone who engages in sexual relationships to gain opportunities to appear on livestreams. The lawyers further contended that the statement exposed Phyna to public ridicule and caused significant harm to her reputation, which she has built over years as a public figure and brand influencer.

“As you coldly calculated, the sinister statement has since been rebroadcast on numerous platforms and by handles which are legion, thereby escalating the untoward damage already visited on Phyna,” the letter reads in part. “The above defamatory words which you uttered were packed with innuendos suggesting that Phyna will sleep with anyone with a significant online following in order to get featured on livestreams, especially when the statement is rationalised alongside the sentences uttered in the sequence following the defamatory words.” The legal team emphasized that the defamatory nature of the statement was compounded by the viral nature of social media, where content can spread rapidly and reach millions of viewers within hours.

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Phyna’s lawyers demanded that Carter Efe take specific actions to remedy the harm caused. First, they demanded that he retract the statement within seven days of receiving the letter, doing so in a contrite manner. Second, they required that he publish an undertaking not to make similar comments in the future, effectively committing to refrain from further character assassination. Third, they insisted that the retraction be issued via the same livestream platforms where the statement was made, ensuring that the correction reaches the same audience that witnessed the original allegation. At this stage, Phyna is not seeking monetary compensation, with the letter stating she has set the value of damages demanded at “₦0.00 (Zero Naira, Zero Kobo)” , a gesture her lawyers described as gracious and focused on clearing her name rather than financial gain.

However, the letter warns that failure to comply with the demands will result in legal proceedings, with Phyna seeking not less than ₦500 million in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages for the alleged harm to her reputation. “If you do not meet any – or all – of the above demands, TAKE NOTICE THAT, without prejudice to other rights, reliefs and remedies available to her, Phyna will be seeking legal redress against you by claiming a sum not less than a sum of N500,000,000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira) only as general, exemplary and aggravated damages, for the malicious damage you did to Phyna’s character,” the letter added, leaving no doubt about the seriousness of the legal threat.

The controversy that led to this legal action began when Davrel, a streamer associated with singer Davido, alleged that Carter Efe had described Phyna as being “of no benefit.” Phyna responded by calling out Davrel over an alleged unpaid debt, triggering a public exchange between the parties that quickly escalated on social media. The situation intensified when Davrel accused Phyna of making sexual advances toward him and claimed she had asked him to introduce her to his father, further inflaming tensions and drawing more attention to the dispute. During a subsequent confrontation between Phyna and Carter Efe in a viral video shared on social media, Carter Efe claimed they had been sexually involved, a statement that became the basis for the current legal action. In the viral exchange, Phyna asked, “Me and you fck?”* and Carter Efe responded, “Yes. I will bring the whole evidence come outside.” Phyna then replied, “Thank you very much. You and Davrel will hear from my lawyer,” foreshadowing the legal action that would follow.

During an Instagram Live session on Thursday night, an emotional Phyna apologised to her fans and confirmed that legal action had been taken against both Carter Efe and Davrel. She reflected on the toll the ordeal had taken on her, saying, “I know a lot of people say I’ve lost my self-respect. I have put myself down so much, and I think I finally realised that. Yes, you are saying the truth.” Phyna continued, “I have stood different kinds of drags, but there are two types of drags that I can’t stand. One is what everybody knows, and the other one is a sexual and man issue. I do not move that way,” emphasizing the particular pain caused by allegations of a sexual nature. She stated that the events of the past few days had forced her to adopt a new approach, one that prioritizes legal recourse over emotional reactions. “Since I started streaming, I tried to stream the way everybody streams, but it has brought a lot of disrespect to me, and this one that happened recently has to be the last time I will be disrespected like that. It has to be the last time my playful self or that Phyna that’s always there for everybody, laughing with everybody, or that Phyna that would always rant online when someone offended her,” she said. “This is the end of that Phyna because, at last, I’m finally learning how to use legal means because, at the end of the day, if I check it, I don’t really look for trouble. Most times, it’s my own reactions that overshadow what was done to me, and it makes the whole thing seem like I am the one wrong. So, Carter Efe and Davrel, check your emails and WhatsApp. You’ve been served. Thank you,” she concluded, signaling a new chapter in how she handles public disputes.

Shortly after Phyna’s announcement, Carter Efe confirmed in a video shared online that he had been sued for ₦500 million. As of the time of this report, he had not publicly indicated whether he would comply with the demands in the pre-action letter, leaving his next move uncertain. The coming days will determine whether the matter is resolved out of court or proceeds to litigation, a development that would likely draw even more attention to the already high-profile dispute.

Phyna Files N500 Million Defamation Suit Against Carter Efe Over Sex Claim

Kuje Chairman Appoints Special Assistant on Dance, Clarifies Role Amid Public Debate

• Hon. Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo says the position is actually for entertainment, not dance specifically, as Nigerians question the necessity of the appointment.

The Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, has appointed Ibrahim Danladi as his Special Assistant on Dance, a move that has drawn public attention and sparked debate about political appointments in Nigeria.

According to an appointment letter dated July 13, 2026, and signed by Shekwolo, the appointment takes immediate effect. The letter, referenced KAC/CHM/30/VOL.1, stated that the appointment was in recognition of Danladi’s “selflessness, hard work, dedication, and contribution to the development of Kuje Area Council”.

“With pleasure, I wish to inform you that you have been appointed as Special Assistant (Dance) with immediate effect,” the letter reads.

The appointee, Ibrahim Danladi, is popularly known within the community as “Alanta”. His selection has been welcomed by many in Kuje’s entertainment circles, with stakeholders describing it as a positive step toward recognizing the role of dancers and other creative professionals in community development. Observers believe the creation of the position could provide greater opportunities for local entertainers, promote youth engagement, and strengthen support for the creative industry within the Area Council.

However, the appointment has also attracted broader public scrutiny, coming at a time when many Nigerians have raised concerns over the growing number of political appointments at different levels of government amid the country’s economic challenges. Some have questioned the necessity of creating such a position, while others have defended it as a legitimate effort to support the creative sector.

Speaking to TheCable on Friday, Shekwolo moved to clarify the nature of the position, seeking to address what he described as a misunderstanding.

“Yes, I made an appointment. But it is the wrong perception that they gave. It is an appointment for a special assistant on entertainment not dance,” he said.

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The clarification suggests the role is intended to support the broader entertainment sector in Kuje Area Council, rather than focusing exclusively on dance. However, critics have noted that the official appointment letter specifically refers to the position as “Special Assistant (Dance),” raising questions about the discrepancy.

The appointment represents one of Shekwolo’s early administrative decisions since taking office. In February 2026, Shekwolo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won the Kuje Area Council chairmanship election, polling 17,269 votes to defeat Zakwoyi Danlami of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 15,824 votes. The candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Abdullahi Galadima, scored 4,305 votes.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Nkiruka Odoh of the University of Abuja, declared Shekwolo duly elected after he fulfilled all legal requirements. Shekwolo’s victory was part of a broader APC performance in the FCT area council elections, which saw the party secure three of the six chairmanship seats.

The appointment letter, signed by Shekwolo in his capacity as Executive Chairman of the Kuje Area Council, expressed hope that Danladi would justify the confidence reposed in him by diligently carrying out the responsibilities of the office.

“Your appointment is in recognition of your selflessness, hard work, dedication, and contribution to the development of Kuje Area Council. It is hoped that you will live up to expectation in the discharge of your responsibility,” the letter added.

As of the time of this report, the specific responsibilities, remuneration, and scope of Danladi’s role remain unclear. It is also unknown whether the position comes with a salary or other entitlements, as is customary with political appointments in Nigeria. The Kuje Area Council administration has not released further details about the appointee’s duties or the rationale behind creating the position.

The appointment has generated mixed reactions across social media platforms. Supporters have argued that recognizing creative professionals is a progressive step that could help channel youth energy into productive endeavors. Others have dismissed the move as an unnecessary expenditure at a time when governments at all levels are being urged to cut costs and prioritize essential services.

Political analysts have suggested that the appointment could be part of a broader strategy by Shekwolo to engage with young people and build a grassroots support base in Kuje. The creative industry has grown significantly in Nigeria in recent years, with many young Nigerians finding employment and opportunities in entertainment, music, dance, and content creation.

However, critics have pointed out that the Area Council faces more pressing challenges, including infrastructure deficits, education, healthcare, and youth unemployment. They argue that appointing a Special Assistant for entertainment, while well-intentioned, may not address the immediate needs of Kuje residents.

Shekwolo, who assumed office following his election victory, has not publicly responded to the criticisms beyond his clarification that the role is for entertainment, not dance. The Kuje Area Council has also not issued any official statement regarding the scope of Danladi’s duties or whether the appointment will be reviewed in light of the public reaction.

This is not the first time political appointments in Nigeria have attracted public scrutiny. In recent years, various state and local governments have faced criticism over the creation of numerous special assistant positions, with many Nigerians questioning the financial implications and the effectiveness of such roles in delivering tangible development.

The Kuje Area Council serves as one of the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory, alongside Abuja Municipal Area Council, Gwagwalada, Kwali, Bwari, and Abaji. The area councils are responsible for providing local government services to residents, including primary education, healthcare, roads, and waste management.

The controversy over the appointment highlights the broader national conversation about governance, fiscal responsibility, and the role of political appointments in Nigeria’s public administration. As the country continues to grapple with economic challenges and calls for leaner government, such appointments are likely to remain under close public scrutiny.

For now, the attention remains on Kuje as residents await more details about the appointment and its implications for the area council’s development agenda. Whether the role of Special Assistant on Entertainment will translate into tangible benefits for Kuje’s creative community remains to be seen.

Kuje Chairman Appoints Special Assistant on Dance, Clarifies Role Amid Public Debate