Rapper draws on tough upbringing in Enugu’s Abakpa Nike to gain traction with new release ‘Core’

Khamzy, a rapper and songwriter from Abakpa Nike in Enugu State, has released a new trap single titled ‘Core’, positioning himself as one of the emerging voices in Nigeria’s Eastern music landscape. The single, which dropped this June, is already attracting attention among fans of trap and hip-hop within the region.

Khamzy’s music is rooted in his experiences growing up in Abakpa Nike, an underserved community in Enugu East Local Government Area. His lyrics reflect both the challenges and aspirations of life on the streets, blending emotional storytelling with contemporary trap rhythms. Although known to be reserved offstage, Khamzy uses his music as a platform to express his ambitions and the realities faced by many youths in his area.

The release of ‘Core’ comes at a time when more artists from Eastern Nigeria are gaining national recognition. Industry analysts say talents like Khamzy are contributing to a growing movement that puts the region’s unique stories and sounds into the spotlight. Music promoters in Enugu say the rise of homegrown acts is helping to diversify Nigeria’s entertainment industry and offer local youths alternative avenues for self-expression.

While Khamzy has not publicly commented on his future plans, those close to the artist say he remains focused on building his brand beyond Enugu while staying true to his roots. Stakeholders in the Eastern music scene believe that as more artists like Khamzy break through, communities such as Abakpa Nike will continue to gain visibility both within Nigeria and abroad.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/music/khamzy-east-side-trap-voice-rising-from-abakpa-nike/

Military confirms no casualties among own forces as coordinated air and ground response thwarts incursion in Borno State

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the Buratai axis of Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, on Friday morning. The incident occurred at Dusten Kura and Chara road, where insurgents launched multiple assaults targeting military positions in the area.

According to Acting Military Information Officer OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, alert troops—supported by robust intelligence—quickly detected the incursion and responded with superior firepower. The response featured a combined air and ground counter-attack, with the Air Component of OPHK providing Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance as well as precision strikes from Nigerian Air Force platforms.

The military said the integrated air support disrupted the terrorists’ assault and forced them to retreat in disarray. “The precision air support integrated seamlessly with ground forces, disrupted the terrorists’ assault and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, forcing them to flee in confusion,” Captain Goni stated in a written statement issued Friday afternoon. He confirmed that there were no casualties recorded among troops during the engagement, while ISWAP suffered significant losses both in personnel and equipment.

The Buratai axis has witnessed repeated attacks from insurgent groups operating across North-East Nigeria. Security analysts say that such incidents underscore ongoing security challenges facing Borno State despite recent gains recorded by Operation Hadin Kai. The military has intensified patrols and surveillance across flashpoints to prevent further incursions by armed groups.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements within their communities. As at press time, there was no official statement from ISWAP regarding the failed attack. The military assured that further measures would be taken to reinforce security in vulnerable areas within Biu LGA and other affected locations across North-East Nigeria.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/iswap-suffers-significant-losses-as-troops-repel-attack-in-borno/

Presidency moves to tighten protection at Kuru campus following deadly assault; security agencies launch investigation

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to reinforce measures at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, after a fatal attack claimed lives on the institute’s premises. The directive was issued on Friday, 19 June 2026, amid rising concern over safety at Nigeria’s top policy training institution.

According to presidency sources, the order came in response to a recent incident in which armed men breached the NIPSS campus, resulting in casualties among staff and visitors. Security operatives have since been deployed to bolster defences around the institute’s facility, with investigations underway to identify those responsible for the assault.

The attack has heightened anxiety within Plateau State and across Nigeria’s academic community, as NIPSS serves as a key centre for strategic government policy research and leadership development. The incident also raises fresh questions about persistent insecurity in North-Central Nigeria, where attacks by armed groups continue despite ongoing military operations.

A statement from the presidency reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding national institutions and ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice. “Government is treating this incident with utmost seriousness,” the statement read. “All necessary resources have been mobilised to protect lives and restore confidence at NIPSS.” Security agencies in Plateau State have launched an investigation but had yet to release further details as at press time.

While opposition figures are yet to issue a formal response, some policy experts called for broader reforms of campus security nationwide. The presidency said it will review existing protocols at federal institutions. Further updates are expected once preliminary findings from security operatives become available.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/889009-tinubu-orders-improved-security-at-nipss-after-fatal-attack.html