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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

Week 3

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Amaechi Assures Muslims, Northerners in Rivers State of Safety

Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has called on Muslims and Hausa residents in the state to go about their businesses, assuring that the government would ensure that no harm befell them. The governor, who spoke, last weekend, said the government was committed to the promotion of peace and safety of lives of its citizens and residents in the state at all times. According to him, the state was safe for all, promising that the government would continue to sustain the atmosphere of peace. Reports said Hausa were moving out of the state for fear of reprisal attacks following the increasing attacks on southerners in the north by the violent Boko Haram sect.  But some of them said that they had no intention of relocating from the state as they called for peace in the country.

FG Orders Security Agencies to Check Illegal Bunkering

To check the menace of oil theft in Nigeria, the Federal Government has ordered the Defense Headquarters to adopt a new operational strategy in the Niger Delta region with the expansion of security forces, area of coverage and adoption of a new code name to be known as Operation Pulo Shield. The new operation brief, which began on January 9, will be expanded to include the National Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Prisons Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Presidential Committee on Maritime Safety and Security (PICOMSS) among others. Media coordinator of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), Lt. Col. Timothy Antigha, said that the new operational order covers the nine states of the region.

Niger Delta Militants Surround Oil Platforms

Following threats by Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to shut down production in the oil and gas sector on Monday, some militants in the Niger Delta region surrounded platforms in Delta and Rivers States, daring threatening to pump the crude oil themselves.

Igbos Will Retaliate Unprovoked Killings

Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has described the violence in the North has been directed at Igbo. He urged southerners living in the North, especially the Igbo to seek external assistance to defend themselves. Orji, in on Tuesday, regretted the seeming helplessness of the Federal Government to protect its citizens. He said his reaction to the killings of Igbo was necessitated by the silence of Igbo political class, saying it is unacceptable that whenever there is any disagreement or crisis of any sort in this country, the Igbo are targeted, whether the issue at stake concerns them or not.

Northerners Flee from South

Panic gripped northerners residing in the southern part of Nigeria, as they moved in their hundreds to their various states. Articulated Lorries conveyed the northerners and their property from the South to the North, as a result of the Boko Haram and fuel subsidy removal crises rocking the nation. Some of them said they decided to leave for their states to avoid any problem as a result of the crises. According to them, the Boko Haram issue was one of the main factors that placed their lives in danger in some parts of the South. They said that despite the fact that governors of most of these states assured them of safety, they had decided on their own not to take any risk.

Ebonyi, South/East Shuns Protests

Public servants in Ebonyi State, on Monday, defied the directive of the organised labour for an indefinite strike and street protest against the fuel price increase by the Federal Government. Government ministries and agencies, including the state secretariat, were opened as workers were seen in their offices attending to their normal governmental duties. Efforts by officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state to compel public servants to participate in the protest were rebuffed by the workers. Addressing the workers, the state chairman of the NLC, Comrade Boniface Igweonwu, enjoined public servants to participate in the strike geared towards compelling the FG to reverse the fuel price to N65 per litre. Most states in the south/south and south/east did not partake in the protest.

DPR Seals 2 Filling Stations in Yenagoa

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has shut two petrol filling stations in Yenagoa for arbitrarily increasing the pump price of petrol, an official said. The Operations Controller of DPR in Bayelsa, Dr. Duncan Eradiri, said that the stations were shut for selling petrol above N141 per litre. Eradiri said that the increase was an exploitation and abuse of the situation arising from the removal of subsidy on petrol. Eradiri warned that DPR officials would not hesitate to punish exploiters.

Man Arrested for Impregnating Daughter

A 45-year-old man was on Friday, arrested by the police in Cross River State for impregnating his 17-year-old daughter. According to police sources, the man was attempting an escape when he was apprehended. While he denied impregnating the girl, he admitted that he had had sex with her severally, but that he took measures to ensure that she did not get pregnant by using condoms. The girl explained that her father started having sex with her some months back when her mother travelled, but that she initially resisted him but he threatened to kill her, until she began enjoying the affair.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

5 Dead after Clashes in Benin City

Clashes that broke out after Muslims were violently targeted in Benin have left five people dead and more than 10,000 displaced on Monday, a Red Cross official said Tuesday. Three suspected hoodlums were reportedly shot by the police while attempting to loot during the protest staged by labour. A group of youths tried to attack a Hausa community leader’s house but it was defended by Hausa youths and the police then intervened. An Islamic school operated by the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) was also attacked and a school bus burnt down. Chief Imam of Benin central mosque Abdulfatah Enabulele confirmed the attack but did not confirm any deaths. Edo State Police commissioner David Omojola also confirmed the attack.

10 Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Delta

Ten suspected kidnappers were arrested at Amai in Ukwani LGA of Delta state where they held a woman hostage, and were negotiating to collect a ransom of five million naira from her family. During the operation by anti-kidnapping squad in collaboration with local vigilante group, one of the suspects was shot dead. Among those arrested included a popular electrician and a motor mechanic in Kwale. Reports had it that the woman, mother of the managing director of Austeen water was abducted at Kwale, and was taken to Amai where she was held for several days. The man’s child had earlier been kidnapped in Enugu, Enugu State, but was released after the payment of huge ransom. The Police had reportedly dislodged the hide-outs of the kidnappers located at Umusadeli-Kwali, New Heaven, Aboh-Okpai road and Emu-Iyasele village.

Oshiomhole Vows to Deal with Criminals in Edo

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has vowed that the state government will deal with politicians and criminals who hide under the guise of the removal of fuel subsidy to cause trouble in the state. Oshiomhole stated this on Wednesday, when he addressed the Arewa community at Aduwawa, Eyean and Esigie in Benin City. Reacting to the violent protests and attacks on some innocent people in the state, Oshiomhole warned that anybody planning to foment trouble will be dealt with. Assuring the people of protection, Oshiomhole said the Army and the Police have been briefed to take adequate measures to protect lives and properties. The governor urged people of the state to be wary of the rumour mongers, who spread mischief to cause trouble and confusion.

Two Arrested for Attempting to Disrupt Public Peace

The Delta State Police Command has arrested two persons for attempting to instigate unrest in a Muslim Community in Sapele. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Charles Muka, disclosed that the timely intervention of an officer and other security personnel, the situation would have degenerated. Muka said that the suspects went into the Muslim Community in Sapele to cause confusion and stir the people up with the intention of igniting crisis in the community, penultimate. He called on people in the state to go about their legitimate duties, adding that the police had put necessary machinery in place to ensure peace.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Catholic Bishop Leads Protest in Ekiti

The protest against removal of fuel subsidy in Ekiti State took another dimension as Catholic Bishop of Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, Monday, led labour leaders, students and others in Ado Ekiti to condemn the removal of oil subsidy. Condemning President Goodluck Jonathan’s action on the oil subsidy removal, he chastised the president for not acting swiftly on the state of insecurity in the nation. He further berated the FG for the non-implementation ofN18000 minimum wage to workers as agreed, lamenting that the FG instead created another way to make the low income earners to face more hardship. The protesters made bonfires in Odo-Ado and Adebayo areas of the state capital and blocked major roads, despite the order of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim that such acts would not be tolerated.

DPO Arrested for Killing Youth in Lagos

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Pen Cinema Police Station, Agege, Lagos State, Segun Olubunmi, shot and killed one Ademola Aderinde. The DPO has been arrested and disarmed and will be charged for murder after preliminary investigations on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Yakubu Alkali. Olubunmi was immediately handed over to the Homicide Division of the State’s Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos. According to reports, the DPO had stormed the area in a patrol pick-up van and allegedly opened fire on innocent persons. His reasons were that they had blocked the road with tyres to play football on the empty street following the total adherence to the strike called by labour leaders. Residents said the youths were not even protesters.

Osun Governor Warns against Military Takeover

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, last weekend, reiterated his earlier warning against military take-over of governance in Nigeria just as he advocated the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) to curb the crises facing Nigeria. Aregbesola sternly warned ambitious power seekers who might attempt to hide under the fuel subsidy protest to subvert democratic rule to have a rethink and note that the political class will not allow any military rule a foothold in Nigeria. Aregbesola also decried the lack of transparency in the handling and management of Nigeria’s petroleum resources.

Police Deploy over 23,000 in Lagos for strike

The police in Lagos State deployed over 23,000 policemen in parts of the state to check the protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). They were directed to ensure that the planned protest is peaceful and free of breakdown of law and order. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Yakubu Alkali, also directed Area Commanders to ensure a strict monitoring of the protest. Divisional police officers were also directed to ensure that they are on 24-hour duty so as to effectively monitor the protest and prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation to unleash mayhem. But there was trouble as a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was reported to have shot dead a teenager, without any provocation. The case is being investigated. Police spokesman, Samuel Jinadu, confirmed this.

Protesters Block Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Angry youths have taken over portions of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, demanding the restoration of the fuel subsidy. Wielding cudgels and clubs, the youths blocked the busy road as early as 8am, preventing people from travelling beyond the blocked points. The youths set up barricades at Magboro, Asese, Arepo, Ibafo and Warewa, creating a logjam. At noon, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christopher Ola, led a detachment of policemen to clear the Warewa and Arepo barricades. This provided a brief respite for stranded travellers at Amo Oil filling Station at Warewa, as they returned to the expressway on their journey on the outward Lagos lane.

Residents Arrest 61 Hausa Youths Hiding in Van

Residents of Ibadan, Oyo state, Tuesday night, discovered 61 Hausa men concealed in a van and raised the alarm, suspecting that they are members of Boko Haram. The suspects were arrested by some protesters during the nationwide strike. An eyewitness disclosed that the suspects were led by some people inside a Black Jeep, who opened fire to scare protesters at the Olusanya ring road. But the protesters were adamant as they blocked the vehicle which conveyed the suspects. When the protesters forced the door of the van open, they discovered 61 young men. One of them, Shehu Maida, claimed they were coming from Benin, Edo state and they were on their way to Gombe State. According to him, the suspects were coming from Benin but suspects did not know the road to Gombe.  The Oyo State Police spokesman, Femi Okanlawon, said that those arrested were not Boko Haram members and were only trying to escape from the troubled Benin City.

Mystery Worship Centre Torched In Osun

Unidentified arsonists, Thursday, set a worship centre on fire at Alekuwodo area of Osogbo, Osun. It was gathered that the building was a worship centre where some important personalities were said to meet and worship at odd times. A resident said the anxiety of members of the public about the worship centre may have led to the burning of the structure. Mr Olatunji Oladele, the state’s Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), dissociated legitimate protesters from the incident. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Olusegun Solomon, said men of his command were doing their best to control the situation.

Ships Trapped in Lagos Ports

The Lagos ports remained closed as the nationwide strike by labour unions and civil rights groups persisted, trapping about 29 ships. The shipping position made available by the Nigerian Ports Authority for Monday showed that about 29 ships were waiting to berth and discharge their consignments at the ports and other oil terminals. Fifteen of the ships are laden with petroleum products such as kerosene, petrol, aviation fuel and ethanol, while 14 others waiting to berth have bulk cargoes. The Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area 1 Command, Mr. Timi Bomodi, said that officers were at their duty posts but that agents were not coming forward to process their documents.

GENERAL

Truckload of Nigerian Bound Arms Seized in Ghana

Ghanaian security agents seized a truckload of arms and ammunition believed to be on its way to Nigeria and arrested five people, a senior police officer in Accra said on Wednesday. “The vehicle, with Coca Cola inscription and Nigerian registration number, was loaded with the consignment which included pump action guns, double-barrel guns and a large quantity of cartridges,” Accra Regional Police Commander, Rose Bio Atinga, disclosed. Police, acting on a tipoff, arrested two Nigerians and three Ghanaians. Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed that the consignment was on its way to Nigeria, she added. The ammunition included action guns, double barrel guns and several cartridges.  Investigation has begun into its mission to Nigeria. The Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro has deplored the action of the armed smugglers, and commended the gallantry of the Ghana police for thwarting the criminal movement.

FG Reduces Fuel Price to N97

President Goodluck in a nationwide broadcast, on Monday morning, reduced the pump price of fuel from the N141, which was set on the first of January to N97. This reduction follows mass protest and a shutdown of economic activities after the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) called for an indefinite strike action to protest the removal of subsidy on PMS.  Nigeria lost several billions of naira during the 5-day protest. Mr Muda Yusuf, the Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), says the country lost over N100 billion daily due to the strike. The labour unions and civil liberty organisations started a national strike on Monday in protest against the removal of subsidy on petrol.

NLC, TUC Suspends Rallies, Protest

…Strike Continues
After 5 days of mass protests and rallies which began on Monday January 9, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) called for the suspension of rallies and the strike action to allow for further negotiations with the government. The unions, in a joint press conference, suspended the strike action after President Goodluck Jonathan, in an early morning nationwide broadcast, reduced the price of fuel to N97 per litre from the January 1 increment of N141. Labour insists on the reversal of pump price to N65 as it was before the January 1 increment. All civil society groups that supported the protest also agreed to suspend the strike action and workers were directed to go back to work. The unions thanked Nigeria workers for their support.

Boko Haram Sponsor Nabbed in Kaduna

A former chairman of Tanker Drivers union has been arrested in Kaduna on suspicion of being the biggest financier of violent Boko Haram Islamist sect. He was arrested after soldiers, acting on a tip-off, stormed his residence in the early of hours of Sunday. Youths loyal to him allegedly engaged the soldiers in a shootout before they bowed to the superior fire power of the military. The suspect was caught arming youths in Chikun LGA of the state. He is reportedly being detained at an army barracks. Recovered from his residence were rocket launchers, military uniforms, AK47 rifles, cartridges, explosive devices, amongst others.

Boko Haram Has Infiltrated Government -Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan, last weekend, alleged that membership and activities of the deadly Islamic sect, Boko Haram, have infiltrated the three arms of government at the federal level as well as the armed forces, adding that the situation had made it more difficult to combat the nation’s security challenges headlong. Speaking at an inter-denominational church service to mark the 2012 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the National Christian Centre, Jonathan decried the membership spread of the group within the North, but vowed to stem the menace in no distant time.

Plot to Bomb Church in Kaduna Foiled

Security men stationed at the Living Faith Church in Barnawa, Kaduna, reportedly foiled an attempt by an unidentified man to havoc at the Church with about 30,000 worshippers in attendance. The suspected bomber was said to have rigged a car with explosives on the premises of the church and had earlier, passed the security checks into the church before another team of security officials spotted him. According to an eye-witness, a Peugeot 406 beat the security checks, entered premises and went straight to the central location of the church, when some of the church security men accosted the driver who was alone in the car. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kaduna State police command, DSP Aminu Lawan, confirmed the incident.

Police Kill Protesters in Kano

At least 7 protesters were reportedly killed in Kano state during the nationwide protest called by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) against the removal of fuel subsidy on January 1. Gunshots were allegedly fired on protesters by riot policemen manning the Kano Government House. Police and soldiers took over the road leading to the Kano Government House in an effort to disperse demonstrators who were heading to the government house and were making bonfire. The protesters pulled down the fence before the police fired canisters of tear gas to disperse them and prevent them from gaining access into the seat of power. Spokesman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Kano, Dr. Kabiru Abdulsalam, disclosed that 31 persons were wounded in the shootings and the stampede that followed the protest.

Protests Affects Crude Oil Lifting

Oil workers, under the umbrellas of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Employees (NUPENG) in the employment of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and other government affiliates participated in the nationwide strike last week. The development stalled activities at the export terminals as all the inspection officials attached to the various terminals, who are union members, shunned their duty posts. Chairman, DPR branch of PENGASSAN, Alhaji Isa Ibrahim, said that PENGASSAN complied fully with the directive by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to stay off the export terminals. Ibrahim said given the rate of compliance, crude lifting at the various terminals must have been adversely impacted.

Boko Haram Defends Attacks on Churches

The leader of the Boko Haram Islamist sect, Abubakar Shekau, has defended recent attacks on Christians, saying they are revenge for killings of Muslims. Shekau referred to attacks on Muslims in recent years in several parts of northern Nigeria. Shekau warned President Jonathan that Nigeria's security forces would not be able to defeat the group. Mr Jonathan, a Christian, has declared a state of emergency in some northern states but the attacks have continued. On Tuesday night, gunmen opened fire on a bar in the northern state of Yobe, killing eight people, including several police officers.

Kaduna Police Warns Against Disruption of Public Peace

The police in Kaduna State are determined to checkmate those, who attempt to disrupt the peace or cause mischief under any pretext, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ballah Nasarawa, said. Nasarawa said that the police were determined to carry out their responsibility of ensuring law and order. Consequently, any person or group of persons, who attempt to disrupt the peace or cause mischief under whatever pretext, will be arrested and prosecuted. He said the command in liaison with other security agencies would continue to provide the proper environment for members of the public to go about their lawful pursuits.

Protest Shut Down Ports

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday shut down the nation’s capital in protest against the removal of fuel subsidy. Workers stayed away from offices; all filling stations, markets, shops and other businesses were closed and all Airports in the country remained shut, leaving air travellers stranded. Despite the presence of about 15,000 policemen, workers, led by the National President of the NLC, Abdulwaheed Omar and the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, converged on Julius Berger Roundabout in the Federal Capital Territory at about 8am for the mass protest. The rally was supported by some past and present members of the House of Representatives, women in purdah, and physically challenged persons.

Amnesty Urges FG to Probe Police Killings at Rallies

Amnesty International has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to set up an independent commission of inquiry to investigate all reports of killing of protesters by the police against the removal of fuel subsidy. The organisation said that international standards require that any use of force or firearms resulting in death or injury be investigated to ensure that the use of force was not arbitrary or abusive. The rights group called on the FG to reform Nigeria’s police regulations in line with international standards, to prevent additional loss of life and ensure that the police only use firearms when it is strictly necessary to protect life.

Senate Summons Service Chiefs over Increasing Insecurity

Nigerian Senators on Wednesday expressed anger over the raging terror attacks in Northern Nigeria. Senate President David Mark, spoke on the dangers the lawmakers had been exposed to in their efforts to curb terrorism and the security challenges in Nigeria. Some senators wanted the current service chiefs to be removed but others preferred another round of consultation with them. Thus the Senate immediately summoned the security chiefs to appear before it. The Upper House also endorsed the state of emergency imposed on some LGAs by President Goodluck Jonathan. Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the scene of Boko Haram killings in Adamawa State, where Boko Haram members killed 11 Christians. A gang of 9 men invaded the church during a service and killed the victims, penultimate Friday night.

Rioters Burn INEC Office in Minna

…Govt Declares Curfew
The third day of the nationwide strike and protests against the withdrawal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government turned violent as rioters burnt down the Minna, Niger State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and properties of some politicians in the state. The rioters also stoned a policeman to death as he appealed to them to maintain the law. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Richard Oguche, confirmed the development. Following this massive destruction, the state government imposed a 24-hour curfew in all the 25 local government areas. The situation in Minna forced the state government to call for armed soldiers to take over some strategic areas of the state capital.

Govt to Fix, Build Refineries

In a fresh attempt to fix the nation’s refineries, the government signed formal contract for Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of the facilities as demanded by protesters over the removal of fuel subsidy. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke disclosed that contract for the TAM was signed by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPC and the original builders, adding that other Chinese investors have indicated interest to build more refineries in the country. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, funding for the projects would come from government’s stream of income in addition to funds that would be raised from borrowings. Part of the benefits that will accrue to Nigerians from the withdrawal of fuel subsidy will be the building of three new refineries in Lagos, Bayelsa and Kogi states, the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, has said.

Unidentified Gunmen Shoot Dead 4 Travellers in Yobe

Gunmen on motorbike in Potiskum on Wednesday allegedly killed four men, travelling from Maiduguri. According to a source, the men stopped at a filling station to refuel their car when the gunmen opened fire on them killing the four occupants in the vehicle. The source said a ban had been placed on movement of motorcycles, while the news of the incident sent people off the streets in Potiskum. The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police ‘B’ Department Operations, Alhaji Audu Abubakar Karasuwa confirmed some of the killings that were carried out on Tuesday in Potiskum and Damaturu on Wednesday. Eight persons were reported killed at Doruwa, a popular drinking joint in Potiskum on Tuesday and another at his shop in Damaturu. He said the police were putting in their best to put the insecurity situation of the state and the entire country to rest once and for all.

3 Killed in Bauchi

At least three people were killed by gunmen in Pyakman village near Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State. The Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Ikechukwu Aduba, who confirmed the incident, said the police were investigating the incident. Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen carried out the killing. Secretary of Sayawa Elders Council, Mr. Bukata Zhadi said the victims, who went to see their lands had their eyes plucked and had gunshots and machete cuts on their bodies.

Pope Deplores Killings in Nigeria

Pope Benedict XVI on Monday said peace and reconciliation in Africa remained a “distant” goal, pointing to anti-Christian attacks in Northern Nigeria that have killed dozens of people in recent days. In the same vein, Archbishop of Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, said that the violent attacks on Nigeria’s Christians are not part of a “religious war” but an attempt to break up the country in a bid for power and economic gain.” While the cardinal said he “has no proof” that the Islamist sect, Boko Haram’s targeting of Christians “is receiving support from abroad,” it was clear that “their threat is bigger compared to the past.”

Over 500 Nigerians in Indian Prisons

The Nigerian High Commissioner in India, Mr Oyebola Kuku, has expressed concern over the increasing number of Nigerians in jails in India. Kuku told visiting members of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, led by Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in New Delhi on Tuesday that more than 500 known Nigerians were in various jails across India. He said the Nigerians were being held for offences, such as drug trafficking, fraud, Internet scam, identity fraud, cyber-crimes, job scams and forgery of travel documents, such as passports and visas. Kuku explained that one of the greatest challenges of the mission is Nigerians, who are lured into drug business by Indian drug barons.

IGP Confirms Death of Protesters

The Federal Government has commended the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their maturity so far in their street protests against fuel subsidy removal subsidy. Government has also confirmed three persons have dead as a result of the ongoing protests. The Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, has said that the two incidents that led to the death of rioters were not supervised by the NLC/TUC. Those were not part of the NLC people. The NLC while in Kano went to the Race Course. Some miscreants went to the Government House. Ringim said he has ordered an investigation into the death of a youth felled by police bullet in Lagos. After the investigation, I have made a promise that the result will be made public and whoever is found culpable would be charged to court.

Group Alleges Plot to Assassinate Jonathan

Niger Delta Nations Leaders, NDNL, has cried out over an alleged plot to assassinate President Goodluck Jonathan by some politicians working in collaboration with serving and retired military officers with the aim of disintegrating the nation. Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the group said: “The promoters of this plot seek to achieve their aims by assassinating the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and also eliminate very senior military and security officers from the South and Middle Belt of Nigeria, particularly Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Ihejirika, Senate President, David Mark and the National Security Adviser Gen. Owoye Azazi (rtd).

Muslims Visit Churches in Kano, Urge Peace

Muslim leaders in Kano state visited churches and worshipped with Christians as a way to demonstrate religious harmony in the state. The Muslims, under the platform of Kano Covenant Group, led by Bashir Ishaq Bashir, said they went to the churches to show tolerance and religious harmony. He urged Christians in the state not to panic in spite of the Boko Haram threat pervading the north. In reaction the chairman of the state Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Ransom Bello emphasized the need for all to join hands and work together to foster peaceful co-existence.

INTERNATIONAL

Israel to Treat Cyber Attack as Terrorism

Israel has said it will respond to cyber-attacks in the same way it responds to violent "terrorist" acts after the credit card details of thousands of its citizens were published online. A hacker named OxOmar claiming to be Saudi said he had leaked the private information. Credit card companies say at least 6,000 valid cards have been exposed. Reports say OxOmar may be a 19-year-old living in Mexico. Deputy Foreign Minister, Danny Ayalon, said such cyber-attacks are a breach of sovereignty and comparable to a terrorist operation. An aide to Ayalon said Israel was aware of the report OxOmar may be in Mexico, but had not yet requested help from the Mexican authorities.

Bodies of Beheaded Pakistani Soldiers Found

The beheaded bodies of 10 Pakistani soldiers were found in a tribal region bordering Afghanistan on Monday, a senior government official said. Militants kidnapped the soldiers after attacking an army check post in Orakzai on December 21, according to Khushhal Khan, a government official. No group has claimed responsibility, Khan said. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for killing 15 Pakistani security personnel. Ihsanullah Ihsan, a spokesman for the militant group, said those killings were in response to a search operation for militants conducted in the country's Landi Kotal tribal area, where a number of women were arrested by Pakistani security forces.

Alleged 'CIA Spy' Amir Mirzai Hekmati Gets Death Sentence in Iran

An American man of Iranian descent has been sentenced to death by a court in Tehran for spying for the CIA, local media report. Amir Mirzai Hekmati was "sentenced to death for co-operating with a hostile nation, membership of the CIA and trying to implicate Iran in terrorism," semi-official Fars news agency said. The 28-year-old's trial last month heard he had confessed to the charges. But Hekmati's US-based family says he was in Iran visiting his grandmothers. The US has said he has been falsely accused and has called for his release.  Hekmati was accused by Iran of receiving training at US bases in Afghanistan and Iraq before being sent to Iran. He has 20 days to appeal the sentence, according to Iranian law. Hekmati's family has hired a high-profile lawyer, Pierre Prosper, with success in negotiating with Tehran to seek his release.

Bomb Kills Iran Nuclear Scientist

An Iranian nuclear scientist was killed by a bomb placed on his car on Wednesday in an attack Iran's deputy governor. Iran blames Israel for the attack, raising the diplomatic tensions. The bombing, which a city official said was similar to attacks a year ago on nuclear scientists in Iran, came as the United States sought to persuade China to help efforts to toughen sanctions against Iran. The victim was a reportedly nuclear scientist, who supervised a department at Natanz Uranium Enrichment Facility. New U.S. sanctions against Iran have started to bite as Iran has threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz, through which 40 percent of trade oil passes. Iran insists the nuclear programme is purely for civilian use but Western powers suspect it has military goals.

Pakistan Army Warns Prime Minister over Criticisms

Pakistan's military has publicly rebuked Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani over an escalating row. The army warned of "serious ramifications with potentially grievous consequences" after the PM criticized military leaders in a media interview. Meanwhile, Gilani has sacked his Defense Secretary, who is seen as having close ties to the military.  Tensions have been rising in recent months between Pakistan's civilian government and military leaders. Gilani was quoted as saying that Pakistan's army chief and head of intelligence acted unconstitutionally by making submissions to a Supreme Court inquiry which has been rocking the government. The military has a history of seizing power - but for the first time it is engaged in a media war instead.

Ex-Arab League Monitor Slams Syria Mission

An ex-member of the Arab League monitoring team in Syria said he resigned from the mission because it is "providing the regime cover for more killing and shameful brutality”. According to Anwar Malek, an Algerian, he quit because he “found himself serving the regime and not part of an independent monitoring body". The Arab League embarked on a fact-finding mission in Syria, part of an initiative to end the bloody 10-month-long crackdown by the Bashar al-Assad government against peaceful protesters. It wants the government to stop violence against civilians, free political detainees, remove tanks and weapons from cities and allow outsiders to travel freely around Syria. Malek's comments reflect the position of opposition activists, who report government brutality.

US Launches Drone Strike after Deadly November Attack

The United States has launched its first drone attack in Pakistan after more than a month-long lull, killing at least four suspected militants. The drone fired two missiles on Tuesday at a suspected militant compound near Miranshah in the North Waziristan region. It represents an apparent end to the pause in U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan, halted last year after a set of controversial American strikes left two dozen Pakistani soldiers dead at two mountainous border posts and further strained relations between the two nations. Pakistan's military has repeatedly insisted that airstrikes that killed 24 of its soldiers on November 26 near the Afghan border were deliberate. A U.S. investigation into the attacks blamed poor communication and "inadequate coordination" between both nations that prompted the deadly incident.

Taliban Back Peace Talks

Afghanistan's Taliban insurgents warned Thursday that their support for peace talks did not mean they had surrendered in the 10-year war against US-led coalition forces. The comment came as the United States announced that it would send a senior official to meet Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, to see whether he agrees to a resumption of preliminary talks with the Taliban. A US official said the talks could open within weeks if Karzai was agreeable. The Taliban, who have announced their readiness to open a political office in Qatar, said they had increased their "political efforts to come to mutual understanding with the world" to bring about peace in Afghanistan. The statement could be seen as a reassurance to rank and file Taliban members that the leadership is not selling out the jihad as it enters negotiations.

Kenyan Police Shot Dead Near Somali Border

Gunmen killed three Kenyan police and wounded two others in the latest of a string of attacks in the north-eastern border region with war-torn Somalia, police said Thursday. A senior police officer in the region said that the attackers had used firearms and thrown an explosive device. The strike took place some close to Kenya's border with Somalia, an area hit by a series of blasts in the three months since Nairobi sent troops into Somalia to fight Islamist Shebab insurgents there. Police spokesman, Eric Kiraithe, confirmed the attack. No group claimed responsibility, but Kenyan officials have repeatedly blamed Somalia's Al-Shebab or their sympathisers for previous attacks. However, Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned Thursday that Kenyan security forces are abusing civilians and Somali refugees in north-eastern regions following the spate of attacks since October.

Israel Maintains Ban on Citizenship for Palestinian Spouses

Israel's Supreme Court has upheld a law banning Palestinians who marry Israelis from gaining Israeli citizenship. Civil rights groups had petitioned the court to overturn the law, saying it was unconstitutional. The law was introduced in 2003, with its backers citing security concerns and the need to ensure Israel remains a Jewish-majority state. Human rights activists and Arab politicians condemned the court's decision. "The ruling proves how much the situation regarding the civil rights of the Arab minority in Israel is declining into a highly dangerous and unprecedented situation", Arab-Israeli civil rights group Adalah, said in a statement. The Citizenship and Entry Law was passed in 2003, during the second Palestinian intifada (uprising), as waves of suicide bombings targeted Israel.

Drug Violence Kills About 13,000 in Mexico

Almost 13,000 people were killed in Mexico by suspected drug violence in the first three quarters of 2011, the country's federal attorney general's office said on Wednesday. The figure was the first official tally given by the government for 2011. The figure covers January to September of last year. The attorney general's office portrayed the numbers as a sign that the growth rate of the killings that have plagued the country has decreased. The growth rate of killings between September 2010 and September 2011 was 11%, compared with 70% between 2009 and 2010 and were also clearly concentrated in certain parts of the country.