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Police Arrest Boko Haram, Lakurawa Terror Suspects, Rescue Kidnap Victim

Published

4 days ago

June 18, 2026

Police Arrest Boko Haram, Lakurawa Terror Suspects, Rescue Kidnap Victim

The Kebbi State Police Command has recorded significant security breakthroughs, arresting three suspected members of the Mamudawa Boko Haram sect, four suspected Lakurawa bandits, and several logistics suppliers across the state. The command also successfully rescued a kidnapped victim during the coordinated operations, according to a press briefing by the Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, in Birnin Kebbi. CP Hadejia attributed the successes to intelligence-led policing and robust collaboration with other security agencies, vigilante groups, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF). The arrests are part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across Kebbi State, which has faced increasing threats from non-state armed groups operating in the North-West region.

On June 5, 2026, operatives of the Police Mobile Force attached to Illo Division in Bagudo Local Government Area, acting on credible intelligence while on patrol along the Illo-Lolo Road, intercepted and arrested three suspected members of the Mamudawa Boko Haram group. The suspects were identified as Muhammadu Bandi, Aliyu Abubakar, and Muhammadu Abubakar. According to the police commissioner, the trio was arrested while riding a motorcycle to Lolo town, allegedly to procure food supplies for other members of the group. Preliminary investigation linked the suspects to movements around Illo during the attack that claimed the lives of three Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel on June 4, 2026. The motorcycle recovered from the suspects bore a foreign registration number, raising concerns about cross-border criminal networks operating in the area. The suspects and the recovered motorcycle will be prosecuted accordingly.

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In a separate operation on June 7, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m., Police Mobile Force personnel deployed on special duty along the Ka’oje-Bakin Ruwa Road in Bagudo Local Government Area arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa group. The suspects were identified as Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu, and Yahaya Shehu. CP Hadejia stated that the suspects are being investigated over their alleged involvement in armed banditry activities within the SODA Forest in Bagudo, a known hideout for criminal elements. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Birnin Kebbi, for further investigation and potential prosecution.

The command also arrested a suspected logistics supplier to the Lakurawa terrorists in Zazzagawa Village, Argungu Local Government Area. The suspect, Murtala Sani, was apprehended on June 9, 2026, following intelligence reports that he supplied food items and beverages to members of the terrorist group. He was also alleged to have transported a suspected Lakurawa member to criminal hideouts on several occasions, providing critical support that enabled the group’s operations. The suspect is currently in custody and assisting the police in ongoing investigations aimed at apprehending other suspects still at large.

In a related development, the command arrested Ayuba Ibrahim, a resident of Bakin Ruwa in Bagudo Local Government Area, on June 11 for allegedly providing support to criminal elements operating in the area. During investigation, operatives recovered a pump-action rifle, three live cartridges, and a bag containing items suspected to be linked to criminal activities from his possession. The suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue. The police also arrested Aliyu Jibrin, 42, of Kwakware Village in Arewa Local Government Area, after recovering a locally made pistol from his possession during a patrol operation at Makera Market. These arrests demonstrate the command’s commitment to mopping up illegal weapons and disrupting the logistics networks that sustain criminal operations.

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On June 10, 2026, police operatives, supported by vigilantes and the Civilian JTF, rescued a kidnapped housewife, Asmau Isah, following an attack on her residence in the Bayan Forestry area of Birnin Kebbi. According to the commissioner, seven armed men invaded the residence, stole N220,000 and mobile phones before whisking the victim away to an unknown destination. Following a swift response by the joint security team, the victim was rescued unharmed and one suspect, Abubakar Siddi, was arrested. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang, and Siddi will be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.

In a related development, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma successfully repelled an attack by suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The operation was carried out around the Dogon Daji community, where troops encountered the terrorists during an offensive mission aimed at clearing criminal elements from the area. Military authorities said the terrorists engaged the advancing troops in a fierce gun battle but were eventually overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the Nigerian military, forcing them to abandon their positions and retreat. Items recovered during the operation included rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launch tubes, rocket-propelled grenades, several improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two motorcycles, and other personal belongings abandoned by the fleeing terrorists. No casualties were recorded among the troops during the operation, which dealt a significant blow to terrorist capabilities in the area.

The arrests and military operations come amid a broader push by the Federal Government to combat insecurity across the country. The Nigerian Government recently arraigned over 600 individuals suspected of terrorist acts before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, declared that the government would “fight with every inch of our blood” to eliminate terrorism. “Let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated. We will fight with everything we have to make Nigeria a haven for everybody,” Fagbemi stated. He disclosed that 10 judges have been assigned exclusively to handle terrorism-related cases and have temporarily suspended all other judicial responsibilities to focus on the proceedings, signaling the government’s determination to prosecute terror cases to conclusion.

In another achievement, the Kebbi Police Command recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz C200 through inter-command collaboration. The vehicle, which was stolen in Sokoto State, was recovered in Birnin Kebbi, leading to the arrest of one suspect, Ahmed Sa’adu, popularly known as Baga. The suspect and the recovered vehicle have been handed over to the Sokoto State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

CP Hadejia commended the cooperation of security agencies, vigilante groups, and the Civilian JTF, describing their collaboration as vital to the ongoing fight against insurgency and banditry in the state. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive patrols and tactical operations across identified flashpoints to ensure the safety of residents. The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with security agencies, assuring them that all reports would be treated confidentially. He reiterated the command’s dedication to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace throughout Kebbi State, calling on all stakeholders to support the security agencies in their collective efforts to restore lasting peace to the region.

Police Arrest Boko Haram, Lakurawa Terror Suspects, Rescue Kidnap Victim

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“You’re still growing as a child” – GehGeh Slams Peller’s Marriage to Jarvis

Published

3 hours ago

June 22, 2026

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Ojaigho Prosper, popularly known as GehGeh, TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller and Content Creator Elizabeth Aminata, popularly called Jarvis

“You’re still growing as a child” – GehGeh Slams Peller’s Marriage to Jarvis

Influencer questions whether financial success alone qualifies young content creator for marriage, igniting fresh debate on maturity and timing.

Social media commentator Ojaigho Prosper, popularly known as GehGeh, has publicly criticised TikTok star Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, over his decision to marry fellow content creator Elizabeth Aminata, popularly called Jarvis. The criticism has reignited debates about age, maturity and readiness for marriage in the social media era, with GehGeh arguing that financial success alone should not be the basis for marriage.

The criticism followed Peller’s announcement on Sunday that he had completed traditional marriage rites by paying Jarvis’s bride price during a family introduction ceremony in Benin City, Edo State. Sharing clips from the event on Instagram, Peller wrote: “Today, I proudly paid the bride price of the woman I love.” He described the occasion as the beginning of a beautiful journey and expressed gratitude to both families for their blessings, declaring himself “officially off the market.” Following the ceremony, Peller shared an emotional video of Jarvis nearly crying as they prepared to leave her hometown for Lagos. He also recently revealed that Jarvis is pregnant, adding another layer to the public discourse around the timing of their union. The couple’s relationship has been highly publicised since 2024, featuring viral collaborations, multiple engagements, emotional breakups, and reconciliations.

Reacting on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, GehGeh questioned the growing argument that financial strength alone justifies marriage, insisting that other key factors must be considered before making such a life decision. “Y’all are justifying his act with ‘he has the money allow him’. But y’all failed to ask yourself if he’s ready mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually,” he wrote. He further stated: “Everything isn’t all about the money.” GehGeh expressed disappointment that Peller went ahead with the marriage plans despite his earlier advice, arguing that the content creator was still young and had more personal development ahead of him. “You still growing as a child why get married now eehn.. I tried my possible best to help you but you failed to listen to me.. Peller don go marry Jarvis.. upon all my advice this boy still pour spit for my face,” he said. The influencer also challenged those supporting Peller’s decision on the basis of his financial standing, asking whether they would encourage a younger sibling or family member to marry at a similar age. According to GehGeh, those backing the decision on grounds of Peller’s financial stability should reflect on whether they would advise a younger relative to take such a step.

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The family introduction ceremony comes weeks after Peller proposed to Jarvis at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana, where she accepted his proposal. The couple first met in 2023 through TikTok live streams, and their chemistry quickly captured public attention. In October 2024, their relationship became public when Jarvis kissed Peller on stage at the Pulse Influencer Awards. Their journey has been marked by public arguments, with Jarvis previously expressing concerns about Peller airing their private disagreements online and admitting she had “compromised her values” to support him. In July 2025, Jarvis confirmed they were engaged but stressed that marriage would happen at the right time, citing the need for caution and readiness. The couple has also weathered controversy beyond their personal conduct. In March 2026, Jarvis publicly appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for forgiveness after backlash over an unauthorised visit to the Benin Royal Palace, which the Benin Traditional Council described as a violation of palace customs. That episode unfolded in the same Edo State setting where the bride price has now been paid, adding an ironic layer to their recent traditional ceremony.

The development has sparked mixed reactions across social media, with some users defending Peller’s decision on the grounds that he is financially stable and capable of providing, while others agreed with GehGeh that maturity goes beyond wealth and readiness equally matters. The exchange underscores how the private milestones of Nigeria’s young digital stars increasingly play out as public referendums on age, money, and readiness for marriage. What follows remains uncertain. Neither Peller nor Jarvis has fixed a date for a white wedding, and GehGeh has not indicated whether he intends to press the matter further. For now, the debate continues to generate significant online engagement, with fans and critics alike weighing in on whether the young content creators made the right decision.

“You’re still growing as a child” – GehGeh Slams Peller’s Marriage to Jarvis

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18 Farmers Killed, Several Injured in Fresh Attack on Plateau Communities

Published

4 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Trends Admin

18 Farmers Killed, Several Injured in Fresh Attack on Plateau Communities

Gunmen storm Kawel and Kopkon villages in Bokkos LGA, less than a week after traditional ruler was killed in same area.

No fewer than 18 farmers have been killed and several others injured after gunmen launched coordinated attacks on Kawel and Kopkon villages in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. The assault occurred late Sunday night, heightening concerns over escalating violence in the region and coming less than five days after the District Head of Gwande was killed in an ambush.

The attackers reportedly stormed the communities at about 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, opening fire indiscriminately on sleeping residents before fleeing the area as security operatives mobilised to the scene. Some accounts place the time of the attack as late as 1:20 a.m. on Monday. According to a security report cited by counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, troops of Sector 5 under Operation Enduring Peace responded to distress calls following the attacks. Upon arrival at the affected communities, security operatives recovered 12 bodies from Kawel village and six from Kopkon village, bringing the total number of fatalities to 18. Other reports, however, put the death toll as high as 19 or 21. Military sources said troops have since launched search operations across surrounding communities to track down and apprehend fleeing suspects.

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Confirming the incident, Christopher Luka, Bokkos Youth Leader, said he received information about the attack from a member of the youth council shortly after midnight. “A youth leader called around 12 a.m. that gunmen attacked the community and shot over 20 people, so 18 were confirmed dead,” Luka told journalists. He explained that he immediately alerted security personnel stationed in Bokkos. “I called the security and they confirmed to me that they had been alerted and were on their way to the attacked community,” he added. Luka described the attack as unprovoked and urged security agencies to take decisive steps to prevent further escalation of violence in the area. He called on security forces to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities in the local government area.

The latest incident comes less than five days after the District Head of Gwande in Bokkos LGA, Saf Samuel Alaket, was killed in an ambush along the Sha District axis bordering Daffo community. The traditional ruler was reportedly returning home from a traditional council meeting when he encountered the attackers. The renewed violence has deepened concerns over security in Bokkos and surrounding communities, which have witnessed recurring deadly attacks in recent months. In May, no fewer than 12 persons were killed in separate attacks on communities in Riyom and Bassa Local Government Areas, and in March, gunmen reportedly killed 27 residents in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack. Efforts to obtain comments from the spokespersons of the Plateau State Police Command and Operation Enduring Peace, SP Alabo Alfred and Captain Polycarp Auta, were unsuccessful as they had not responded to inquiries. Operation Enduring Peace has since intensified patrols and reinforced security presence in vulnerable parts of the state in response to the recurring incidents. The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges confronting communities in Plateau State, where residents continue to call for a stronger security presence and decisive action to end the cycle of violence.

18 Farmers Killed, Several Injured in Fresh Attack on Plateau Communities

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BREAKING: Court Sends Sowore to Kuje Correctional Centre After Revoking Bail

Published

4 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Omoyele Sowore

BREAKING: Court Sends Sowore to Kuje Correctional Centre After Revoking Bail

Activist, SaharaReporters publisher and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre following the revocation of his bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore’s detention on Monday after the activist appeared before the court for the continuation of his trial. The development comes days after the court revoked the bail earlier granted to him and issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his failure to appear at a previous hearing.

Sowore arrived at the court premises carrying a packed travel bag and told journalists that he anticipated the court would order his detention. He was accompanied by supporters and members of his movement, many of whom gathered outside the courtroom with placards expressing solidarity and demanding what they described as justice and respect for free speech.

The court had, on June 16, granted an oral application by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), seeking the revocation of Sowore’s bail. The prosecution argued that the activist deliberately failed to attend court despite being aware of the hearing date and urged the judge to compel his appearance through a bench warrant.

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Although Sowore had sent a letter requesting an adjournment, Justice Umar ruled that the explanation provided was inadequate and insufficient to justify his absence. The court subsequently revoked his bail and directed that he be arrested and produced before the court.

The DSS prosecution of Sowore stems from allegations that he made defamatory statements against President Bola Tinubu, including describing the Nigerian leader as “a criminal” in posts published on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.

According to the DSS, the statements were false, injurious and capable of damaging the reputation of the President. The agency insists that the matter falls within the ambit of applicable laws governing criminal defamation and cyber-related offences.

Sowore has, however, consistently rejected the allegations, maintaining that his comments were political opinions protected by the constitutional right to freedom of expression. His legal team has argued that the charges amount to an attempt to criminalise criticism of public office holders and suppress dissenting views.

The case has attracted widespread attention across Nigeria, drawing reactions from civil society organisations, human rights advocates, political activists and legal practitioners. Many observers view the proceedings as a significant test of the balance between freedom of expression and the enforcement of laws governing online communication.

Monday’s proceedings were marked by heightened security around the Federal High Court complex as supporters and observers closely monitored developments. Following the ruling, court officials processed the remand order, paving the way for Sowore’s transfer to the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further hearings.

The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the court also expected to consider pending applications from the defence. Legal analysts say the outcome of the case could have broader implications for political speech, digital rights and the boundaries of public criticism in Nigeria’s democracy.

For now, Omoyele Sowore remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he will stay pending the next stage of proceedings in the closely watched case.