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Osinbajo To Military: Account For Security Expenditure

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Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has underscored the need for transparency in the management of resources meant for the acquisition of hardware for the defence and security agencies.

He spoke late Wednesday during a virtual interaction after receiving a presentation on “Defence Transformation and National Security: Strategic Options for Nigeria of the Future”, by the National Defence College Course 30 participants.

Daily Trust reports that Nigeria is facing a myriad of Foundation opens entry for Oxford scholarships challenges like terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom and agitations for secession, among others.

Security breaches are ripe across all the six geopolitical zones including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as symbol of authority is being desecrated and civilians and security operatives killed.

While the federal government had been budgeting billions of naira on defence and security, experts believed the manner in which the resources are being spent is questionable; hence the call for transparency and in some cases probe.

In his presentation to the participants of the Defence College, the vice president said, “There needs to be more accountability because every time you hear about ‘we not having enough equipment,’ but there must be accountability.

“I will like to see a framework for greater accountability within the Ministry of Defence that ensures that they are able to account for military expenditure,” he said in a statement issued Thursday by his spokesman, Laolu Akande.

He said Nigeria’s current security challenges and emerging threats required the military and other relevant stakeholders to be several steps ahead of perpetrators while also stepping up local production of armaments.

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According to him, “If you look at the challenges that we are facing and the nature of those challenges, it is evident that we need to be many steps ahead of non-state actors in particular who are perpetrators of this asymmetric warfare that we are experiencing.”

Prof. Osinbajo, while commending the course participants for their efforts in proposing innovations in the defence sector, stressed the urgency of the local production of arms.

“If we say the local companies should produce some of the mobile platforms like Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV), if we give them the contracts, they will produce, but if we choose to import rather than produce locally then we will never develop our military-industrial complex.”

Earlier in a presentation on behalf of the Course 30 participants, Col. A. A. Adamu proposed, among other things, the restructuring of the Ministry of Defence to reflect contemporary challenges as well as contain emerging threats to defence and security.

Other officials present at the event included the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Adm. Murtala Bashir, and representative of the Inspector General of Police, among other senior officers from the college.

Research report presentation by course participants to the vice president is a prominent feature in the annual academic calendar of the National Defence College.

Every year since 2016, participants of the college have presented reports of research conducted in key areas to the vice president.

Daily Trust reports that the specifics on the budget and other allocations to the defence sector are rarely made public amid outcry by troops for more equipment to confront the enemy.

There have been controversies about some releases to the security establishments.

For instance, on December 14, 2017, Nigerian governors approved the release of $1bn from the country’s excess oil account to the federal government to buy arms for the effective execution of the Boko Haram war.

The approval reportedly reduced the $2.3bn Excess Crude Account by half, a development that generated heated debate with some analysts saying the money would be stolen.

At the time of the release, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, who briefed the press on the decision after the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), said the money would cover the whole array of needs, which included the purchase of equipment, training for military personnel and logistics.

However, in 2019, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd), said a huge amount of money approved for arms purchase under the ex-service chiefs could not be accounted for.

For instance, Gen Monguno cried out that he did not know the whereabouts of the $1bn approved by the governors.

The NSA office later issued a statement saying Monguno did not say money was missing.

The Presidency also reacted saying the funds allocated for procurement of weapons during the time of the former service chiefs were not missing, adding that procurements had been made but the arms were yet to be delivered.

The service chiefs were Gen Abayomi Olonisakin (Chief of Defence Staff-CDS); Tukur Buratai (Chief of Army Staff-COAS)); Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Chief of Naval Staff-CNS); Sadique Abubakar (Chief of Air Staff-CAS).

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The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said there was no way funds could disappear under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He also said the NSA was misquoted, stressing that Monguno did not accuse the ex-service chiefs of misappropriation of funds.

Shehu said, “About the $1bn taken from the Excess Crude Account with the consent of state governors used for military procurements, I want to assure you that nothing of that money is missing.

“The reference by it in the interview of the BBC Hausa Service by the National Security Adviser has been misconstrued and mistranslated. NSA made two critical points -one is that we don’t have enough weapons, which is a statement of facts, and two procurements made have not been fully delivered.

“At no point did the NSA say that money has been misappropriated and that no arms seen. They have not been delivered, that is correct; these are things you don’t get off the shelves,” Shehu said.

Non-transparent military spending can create war economy – Expert

Speaking on the implication of the vice president’s demand, a financial crimes expert, Umar Yakubu, explained that non-transparency in military spending could cause a war economy.

“There is a need for more transparency in military spending because if we don’t, we are going to create a war economy where we will not be able to continue sustaining the corruption and where the war will not finish. That is one of the reasons insecurity has not gone down,” Yakubu said.

He stressed that Nigerians would have more confidence in the military and the work they do if they halt the current secrecy regarding their spending.

“If you look all over the world, one area where there seems to be lack of transparency and opaqueness is the military sector in relation to their expenditure.

“Most governments hide under the cover of insecurity to tell you that they are not going to disclose how much they are spending on insecurity.

He said for the vice president to call for more transparency, speaks volumes.

“If you look at the trajectory from 2017 to 2021, the military budget has been increasing by a minimum of N500 million every year. If I am correct, it is over N2trn now – just to the military.

“If you crosscheck with what the minister of finance said, their releases are high, it is not just only about their budget. The releases are high, maybe up to 90%.

“Now, if there is so much heavy military expenditure and when you ask them, they will tell you that they lack equipment, so what is the problem? Where does the problem lie?” he asked.

Efforts to reach the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor proved abortive as calls to his mobile phone did not connect before filing this report.

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

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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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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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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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