News
Clarification on viral video: soldiers intervened to rescue NYSC corps members held hostage in Awka — findings
Clarification on viral video: soldiers intervened to rescue NYSC corps members held hostage in Awka — findings
By: Zagazola Makama
Fresh findings have clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video showing a confrontation between the Deputy Governor of Anambra State and a military rescue team during the governorship election in Awka.
The video, shared extensively on social media, depicts the Deputy Governor verbally harassing a soldier at an INEC collation point, demanding to know why the military officer was present at the venue.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the soldier, along with a small rescue team, was deployed following a distress call from the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Ojisua.
According to the sources, at about 0820 hours on Nov. 8, the NYSC Coordinator alerted 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), stating that corps members and INEC officials were being held hostage by political thugs at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5, Awka South LGA, after the collation officer absconded from the polling unit. Acting on the distress call, the soldiers were promptly dispatched to the location.
“Troops promptly moved to the location, rescued the corps members and electoral officials, and escorted them safely to INEC office where collation continued without incident,” the sources stated.
However, upon arrival, however, the rescue team met the Deputy Governor, accompanied by political associates, who challenged the presence of the soldiers and attempted to obstruct their intervention.
A viral Video showed the Deputy Governor raising his voice and repeatedly, insisting that the military had no mandate to be in the collation environment, despite the emergency situation and the presence of threatened NYSC personnel. The soldier remained calm, clarifying that he was responding to a distress call.
The Deputy Governor continuously demanded explanations while refusing to listen to the INEC officials who placed the call. The soldier was heard asking: “Madam, what did you tell me when you called?” The video then cuts abruptly before the INEC/NYSC official could respond.
Sources within the security team said that the Deputy Governor’s conduct suggested displeasure with the military intervention, which prevented political thugs from taking advantage of the situation.
Zagazola report that Election security procedures allow military intervention only in life-threatening situations, particularly where corps members serving under NYSC, not political parties are endangered.
Furthermore, INEC collation guidelines bar candidates and their deputies from entering or staying inside collation centres, to avoid interference or intimidation.
Legal experts, Kelvin Martings described the soldier’s action as lawful, necessary and timely, given that the NYSC State Coordinator, a senior Federal Government official, requested immediate protection for corps members.
He also condemned the Deputy Governor’s behaviour, describing it as unruly and obstructionist, especially toward uniformed personnel responding to an emergency involving vulnerable citizens.
Another sources familiar with the matter confirmed: “The military’s swift intervention prevented potential harm to corps members. Any harassment of security personnel performing rescue duties is unacceptable.”
INEC is yet to issue an official statement as at press time.
Clarification on viral video: soldiers intervened to rescue NYSC corps members held hostage in Awka — findings
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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