ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

At least two soldiers have been reportedly killed and several others injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly struck a military vehicle in Sokoto State’s Isa Local Government Area during a response operation to a bandit attack on Bargaja community.

The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of Saturday, June 21, 2026, along the Isa–Bargaja road, as troops moved in after residents raised an alarm over an ongoing assault.

Residents told Daily Trust that armed bandits invaded Bargaja community between 12:30am and 3:00am, firing sporadically and forcing locals to seek urgent military intervention.

According to accounts from villagers, the attackers allegedly planted an explosive device along the route before the arrival of security forces.

“They were on their way to rescue us when the vehicle hit the explosive. Many soldiers were affected,” a resident said on condition of anonymity, adding that one injured soldier later stumbled into the village seeking help after the blast.

The resident said the soldier sustained severe leg injuries, while confirming that two bodies believed to be soldiers were seen in the aftermath.

There are, however, differing accounts regarding the total number of casualties.

While some residents confirmed seeing two deceased soldiers, others claimed the death toll may be higher. One source alleged that up to three soldiers, including a driver, may have been killed in the incident, with additional personnel injured.

The remains of the deceased personnel were reportedly evacuated to Sokoto.

Another resident who visited a military base in Isa town said community members travelled to condole with troops following the incident.

“We hired two vehicles from our community and went to Isa to condole with the military over the loss of their personnel,” he said.

A separate source familiar with developments in the area claimed the troops may have been caught in a coordinated ambush while responding to the distress call.

According to the account, attackers allegedly allowed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) to pass before targeting a following Hilux vehicle with gunfire and an explosive device.

“The APC was at the front and was allowed to pass. The attackers then opened fire and detonated an explosive device targeting the Hilux behind it,” the source said.

The source also claimed that one security operative fled into a nearby forest during the chaos, with efforts reportedly underway to locate him.

Residents described a night of sustained gunfire and confusion as security forces and attackers reportedly exchanged fire in the area.

“We never slept yesterday because of the sound of gunfire. I can’t confirm the exact number of the casualties,” another resident said, calling for official clarification.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Imprisoned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu has announced the indefinite expulsion of 10 senior members of the group’s dissolved third Directorate of State, headed by Chika Edoziem, accusing them of abandoning him in detention, undermining his legal battles, and attempting to hijack the separatist organisation for personal political gain.

In a statement attributed to Kanu and posted on X on Sunday by his brother Kanunta Kanu, the IPOB leader declared that the affected individuals no longer hold any authority to represent or speak on behalf of the group.

“The authority to appoint, discipline, suspend, remove, dissolve, or expel any officer or administration of IPOB is vested in the office of the Supreme Leader. The expulsions announced herein are made pursuant to that authority and in accordance with the IPOB Code of Conduct,” he said.

Those expelled are Chika Edoziem, Tony Nzurumike, Austin Agbanyim, Chukwudi Oforma, Isaiah Ubah, Colins Chinedu, Chinasa Nworu, Fidelis Ejiogu, Chidinma Nworu, also known as Juliet Edward Filatro, and Keke Uda.

Kanu said the expulsions followed what he termed repeated violations of the movement’s code of conduct.

According to him, the affected members were part of the third Directorate of State administration he appointed while being held at Kuje Prison in March 2017.

He noted that the administration’s original six-month tenure expired in September 2017 but continued to function at his discretion until it was dissolved.

Kanu stated that while the dissolution of the administration was an administrative measure, the latest expulsions were disciplinary actions stemming from the conduct of the individuals before and after the dissolution.

He accused the expelled members of abandoning him and other detained Biafrans without adequate legal, welfare, or medical support during their incarceration.

The IPOB leader further alleged that they obstructed efforts by groups including AVID, Rising Sun, and Ambassadors for Self-Determination to raise funds for his medical treatment when he was allegedly critically ill in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Kanu also accused the former officials of attacking his lawyers and collaborating with unnamed political actors in the South-East to undermine his court cases.

He claimed that they falsely blamed his brothers for his return to court after the October 13, 2022, judgment of the Court of Appeal and propagated narratives that President Bola Tinubu would only secure his release if he renounced the Biafra agitation.

“Persistent false claim that my brothers returned me to court after the Court of Appeal discharge of 13 October 2022, when in fact it was my then legal team (including Chief Mike Ozekhome and Ifeanyi Ejiofor) that went back to court instead of filing a preliminary objection to the Federal Government’s application for stay,” he said.

Kanu further alleged that the former officials spread stories that two African countries advised them to abandon him in detention and engaged in campaigns aimed at weakening his influence and taking control of the organisation.

He claimed that some of the expelled members altered the IPOB oath of office to demand personal loyalty and removed officers he had appointed, replacing them with individuals loyal to them.

Warning supporters and sympathisers, Kanu declared that any person or group associating with the expelled members would be considered as acting against the interests of IPOB and the Biafra cause.

He directed members and supporters worldwide to support the fourth Directorate of State administration headed by Chris Nwaọgụ, insisting that the movement remained united under his leadership.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of retired Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Ms. Kitan Oyesiku, and her security guard after their bodies were discovered at her residence in Iyana Agodo Village.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the incident was reported to the Owode Egba Divisional Headquarters by a resident who noticed suspicious activities around the property.

According to Babaseyi, detectives were immediately dispatched to the scene, where preliminary findings revealed signs of forced entry and disturbance within the compound.

The police spokesperson said during a search of the premises, officers discovered the corpse of the security guard inside the security post, while Oyesiku’s body was later found in her apartment.

He also noted that the deceased broadcaster’s vehicle was missing from the residence.

Babaseyi said the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, has directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with security operatives intensifying efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.

He noted that surveillance and intelligence-driven operations have been expanded to relevant locations as part of efforts to track down the perpetrators.

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Babaseyi stated.

“An intensive investigation is ongoing to unravel the facts, track down, and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous act, while ensuring that all those involved are brought to justice,” he added.

The police commiserated with the family of the late broadcaster, the Ogun State Television community, members of the media, and others affected by the tragedy.

The command urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and appealed to members of the public with useful information to assist ongoing investigations.