The Kwara State Government has provided clarification on the viral video showing armed men, initially believed to be bandits, being interrogated by soldiers, a development that had sparked widespread public anger and calls for a state of emergency.

The state official confirmed that the men apprehended were part of a security operation coordinated by the Federal Government, raising fresh controversy over the use of armed non-state actors in counter-insurgency efforts.

Speaking on Informant247, Ibrahim Abdulateef, Senior Special Assistant on Communication to the Governor, confirmed the arrested individuals were members of Miyetti Allah who were incorporated into a Joint Task Force following the deadly September 29 attacks in Ifelodun LGA.

“Under their security setup, they use both recognized officers and a JTF which includes members of Miyetti Allah and local vigilante networks,” Abdulateef said.

The controversy deepened as the state confirmed that a patrol vehicle was provided through the local government chairman “in a bid to empower security forces.”

The government denied the men were arrested as bandits in Kwara. Instead, Abdulateef alleged that after the men completed their assignment, they “absconded with the patrol van” and were subsequently arrested by soldiers “in Auchi, Edo State, not anywhere in Kwara.”

According to Sahara Reporters, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, further clarified the identity of an official named in the suspects’ confession: “Victor is a police sergeant attached to the NSA Office,” and not a DSS or Air Force officer as speculated.

Ajakaye disclosed that Victor and the vigilante operatives had since left Kwara State in line with the position of affected local communities, a decision the government said it respected.

He cautioned against sensational reporting of sensitive security matters, describing the situation as a “secrecy dilemma” that requires balance to ensure accountability without undermining national security efforts.

“We are going through a difficult phase in national security emergency. The pain of losing our brothers and sisters and of losing our peace of mind cannot be quantified. Losing a soul is a tragedy — much less many souls,” he said in a WhatsApp post.

He called for calm, urging political elites and community leaders to act with tact and responsibility amid rising tensions.

“But statesmen and patriots aren’t known in time of peace and ease. The elite (who shoulder the burden of guiding the masses) need to handle these whole things with a lot of tact and patriotism,” he said.

“May God guide us, restore peace in our land, expose the evil doers and their collaborators, and make our country stronger, more peaceful, and more prosperous,” the CPS added. “This is a time for careful leadership, not reckless accusations.”

The state’s confirmation of the use of Miyetti Allah members in armed operations comes after previous reports highlighted strong opposition from Kwara residents and local Fulani leaders to an alleged plan by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to deploy and arm Fulani herders (Bororos) with AK-47 rifles to fight banditry.

Local Fulani stakeholders had warned that arming non-state actors could worsen insecurity, citing the failure of similar previous attempts and the volatility of migrant herders.

Both the Kwara State Government and Miyetti Allah initially denied any arrangement involving the arming of herders or collaboration with bandits.

By Dan Opara

A light aircraft, Cessna 172, operated by Skypower Express, crash landed on Tuesday night, December 16, 2025, at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, resulting in the hospitalization of four persons.

Eyewitnesses said the aircraft encountered difficulties during landing, lost stability on the runway, and subsequently somersaulted before coming to a halt within the airport premises.

The incident triggered panic among airport personnel and onlookers, although no lives were lost.

Emergency response teams were swiftly deployed to the scene, where the injured occupants were rescued and immediately transported to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.

Airport officials confirmed that the four victims are currently receiving medical care, and their condition was described as stable as of the time of filing this report.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has commenced a formal investigation into the incident to ascertain both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash landing.

The investigation is expected to focus on the aircraft’s technical condition, prevailing weather conditions, pilot actions, and other operational factors surrounding the occurrence.

Following the accident, airport operations were temporarily disrupted, but normal activities were later restored after safety officials secured the affected area.

Authorities at the airport assured the public that all necessary safety measures are being strengthened to prevent a recurrence.

Meanwhile, stakeholders within the aviation sector have expressed concern over the incident and called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation to further enhance aviation safety standards in the country.

Ekwutosblog gathered the report through monitored information circulating on social media, as prayers and goodwill messages continue to pour in for the quick recovery of those hospitalized, while the public awaits the outcome of the NSIB investigation.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, following a viral video that showed him driving recklessly and crashing his vehicle during a live stream.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday, December 16, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi. According to the police, the incident occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, and sparked widespread public outrage.

The command said the influencer’s conduct posed a serious threat to public safety and required immediate intervention.

“The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained, for further investigation, Habeeb Hamzat aka ‘PELLER’, subsequent to the viral video that surfaced online on Sunday 14th December, 2025, in which he was seen driving recklessly, leading to a dangerous road crash and serious motor accident, while the incident was being live streamed, thereby endangering his life and that of other road users,” the statement said.

The police described the act as extremely dangerous, warning that it could have resulted in fatal consequences for both the suspect and other road users.

“His action constitutes a deliberate attempt to commit suicide and endangers the lives of other innocent people,” the statement added.

The command disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation.

“The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department. The outcome of the investigation will be made public, and the suspect will be charged to the court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with the law,” the police said.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, issued a strong warning to social media influencers and the general public against using online platforms to promote unlawful behavior.