The Nigerian Army has taken two serving personnel into custody over their involvement in an unauthorised security deployment during the star-studded wedding ceremony of social media personalities Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, and Amadou Elizabeth Aminata, popularly known as Jarvis.
Military sources disclosed that the arrests were executed on Tuesday morning, August 4, 2026, following intelligence reports and viral social media videos depicting the officers performing VIP escort duties at the private event held in Lekki, Lagos State.
The suspects were identified as Private Onasanya Ifeoluwa (Service No: 23NA/85/10007) and Private Ukpai Onyinyechi (Service No: 23NA/85/7885). Both personnel are attached to the 81 Division Medical Services and Hospital (81DMSH) in Obalende, Lagos.
Viral footage sparks public outrage
The arrests followed widespread public backlash triggered by video clips circulating on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
The footage showed the soldiers, fully clad in military camouflage, acting as personal bodyguards and bouncers for high-profile guests. One of the widely shared videos allegedly captured one of the operatives aggressively escorting social media personality Ivanna through a dense crowd at the venue.
Nigerians online criticised the scene, describing the misuse of military personnel for private celebrity security as a compromise of the armed forces’ dignity and a breach of established military protocols.
Military opens probe into breach of protocol
A senior military source confirmed that a preliminary investigation has commenced under the 81 Division to determine the full circumstances surrounding the illegal duty.
“Following credible intelligence on the involvement of Nigerian Army personnel in an illegal deployment during the popular social influencer’s wedding in Lekki, Lagos, the Group arrested both personnel at Obalende,” the source stated. “Preliminary investigation is ongoing to establish the extent of their involvement and identify other personnel connected with the incident.”
The Nigerian Army maintains strict regulations prohibiting personnel from engaging in unauthorised private security details or commercial guarding without official clearance from high command. The arrested soldiers are expected to face orderly room trials and potential military sanctions upon conclusion of the investigation.
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