Popular Nigerian content creator English Alhaji has sparked widespread concern after revealing that he received direct video calls from bandits via WhatsApp. In a video shared on his Instagram page, the influencer disclosed that the armed men openly showed their faces and displayed ammunition during the call.
Bandits Accuse English Alhaji of Inciting Violence
According to English Alhaji, the callers accused him of encouraging Nigerians to kill bandits instead of handing them over to the military. This comes just a week after he praised youths from Achepe community in Nasarawa State for repelling a bandit attack but criticized them for turning captives over to authorities, arguing that such actions risk reintegrating terrorists into society.
He had said: “Only mistake wey this people do, this youth of Achepe catch this people finish and handed them over to the military. Why? Do you want the army to reintegrate them? Abi the ones they integrate never do una? You want them to integrate more of the terrorists? … Youth of Achepe, una no do well for that one oo.”
English Alhaji Expresses Fear for His Life
In his latest video, English Alhaji expressed fear for his safety, noting that the bandits threatened to treat him the same way he advised Nigerians to deal with them. He said: “Nigerians, so yesterday in the afternoon, bandits called me on a video call. You can see the confidence; you guys are no longer hiding. They no longer cover their face; they’re everywhere. They got my WhatsApp number on my Facebook page. They turned their camera to show me ammunition. Na now I know the kind danger wey I dey.”
Public Reactions to the Revelation
The video has elicited mixed reactions online. Some users expressed support and concern, while others speculated about the bandits' motives. Comments included:
- terkumah: “May God continue to protect and enable you brother. You will live long to fulfill purpose!”
- jp_black_x: “Fire, you need to remove your number from your page, and again, be careful of the people around you. The almighty God will continue to protect and guide your steps through Christ our Lord.”
- dotun_mokleain: “I think most of this guys are aboki wey dey use bike carry people… Just thinking out loud ooo.”
- everything_groceries_2nd: “@hqnigerianarmy can you see? Yet a man is held down for speaking on a better warfare for the soldiers.”
- engr_ogediamond: “You will see some people change the narrative against this guy cos of this call… They would start saying he’s linked with them… I know how Nigeria works.”
Background: NAF Strikes in Sambisa
In related news, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified aerial operations in the North-East, conducting precision strikes against insurgent positions in Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuns area. Acting on credible intelligence, NAF aircraft targeted identified terrorist enclaves as part of Operation HADIN KAI.
