Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 7

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

MEND Threatens More Attacks after Attack on Agip Facility

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has served notice of bigger attacks on oil installations. MEND had, last weekend, blown up Agip truck line in Brass, Bayelsa State, resulting in a loss of 4,000 barrels of oil per day. MEND threatened to carry out major attacks on oil installations and South African interests in Nigeria. The Joint Task Force (JIF) said that it had identified seven suspects in the Agip facility attack and declared them wanted. The JTF said it has identified seven suspects it believed were the brains behind the attack. According to Lt. Col Timothy Antigha, the suspects are advised to turn themselves in for interaction with authorities. No life was lost in the incident. The South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation has reacted to the threats of MEND, promising to investigate such threats.

Dickson Wins Bayelsa Governorship Poll

Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson of the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was on Sunday Declared winner in last Saturday’s governorship poll in Bayelsa State. The Chief Returning Officer and Vice- Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Joseph Ajienka, said Dickson polled 417,500 votes to beat his rival, Dr. Imoro Kubor of the Change Advocacy Party (CAP), to a distant second with 22,534 votes, while Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Kemela Okara, polled 9,627. Ajienka said Dickson, having scored the highest votes and having satisfied the various sections of the law, is hereby declared the governor-elect of Bayelsa.

Policeman Kills Driver in Onitsha

Residents of Onitsha, Anambra State, on Thursday took to the streets to protest the killing of a bus driver by policemen. The driver, said to be a member of the Movement of the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), reportedly refused to part with money at the checkpoint. This angered the policeman, who then chased the vehicle with a bike and shot the driver in the neck. He died instantly. The conductor of the bus, Samuel Ekwueme, said the driver, gave the policemen N20 which they refused and insisted that he should give them N50. The mob attacked the police team sent by the Commissioner of Police to plead with them.  Meanwhile, the trigger happy cop, Samuel Ojana, was arrested and arraigned before an Onitsha Magistrate Court. He was remanded him in prison custody as the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case.

Chevron Rig Fire: Damage Hits Shores

The damage caused by the January 16th fire on a drilling rig operated by FODE Drilling Nigeria Limited for Chevron Nigeria Limited in Bayelsa State has hit the coastal communities. Two persons were feared killed in the incident that occurred when about 152 workers were working on it. The company’s General Manager in charge of Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Femi Odumabo, said that the company shut down the nearby North Apoi field, halting production of 2,000barrels per day of crude oil. The company said it has deployed foreign drilling experts and well control specialists to assist with well control efforts.

Policeman Goes on Rampage, Kills Colleague, Self in Uyo

A mobile policeman guarding the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state ran amok killing his colleague and himself while injuring several others. It was alleged that the mobile policeman, who was drunk, demanded for his rifle, which was denied him due to his drunken state, but he forced his way into the armoury, seized a rifle and started firing at random. It was gathered that the policeman killed his colleague, who tried to prevent him from gaining access into the armoury before firing at two other policemen. Unconfirmed report has it that the drunken policeman might not have killed himself as the police authorities claim, rather he might have been shot dead by some of his colleagues when he became uncontrollable and was considered a serious security risk.

Ex-Militants Warn MEND against Attacks in the Niger Delta

The Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) has been warned by repentant militants against resuming attacks on oil facilities in the region. They gave the warning at a forum organized for them by the Association for Non-Violence in the Niger Delta (ANND) and the Niger Delta Ex-agitators Forum (NDEF) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The facilitator and founder of ANND, Kennedy West, cautioned MEND that the era of violence was over. Meanwhile, the Brigade Commander, 2 Amphibious Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brigadier-General Tukur Buratai, has advised former militants to utilize the Federal Government amnesty programme and shun every form of criminality. Buratai told them to use the opportunity offered to usher in development in the region.

Police Rescue Abducted Armourer

The Imo State Police Command has rescued a police armourer, who was abducted last Friday as he was going home. It was revealed that the armourer was traced to ObudiAgwa, Oguta local council area of the state, where he was incarcerated by his abductors. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Samuel Oodee, confirmed that the police officer had been rescued.

PENGASSAN Embarks on Warning Strike in Rivers

Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has issued a seven days strike notice to Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi and the manager of VAM Onne, Mr. Eugene Fogli, over a lingering dispute with VAM Onne, Rivers State. In a petition to the governor, PENGASSAN threatened to shut oil and gas operations in Rivers and the neighboring states, if the governor did not intervene in the crisis, which it claimed led to the brutalization of more than 27 of its members during a peaceful protest. In the petition, PENGASSAN alleged that Fogli, in collaboration with some politicians, used thugs armed with dangerous weapons to harass, assault, and manhandle its members, in order to disrupt the peaceful protest organized by Port Harcourt Zone against the management of VAM Onne Nigeria Ltd.

Soldiers Raid MASSOB Office, Kill Two

Apparently on the pursuit of hoodlums after the crisis that rocked the commercial city of Onitsha yesterday, a combined team of soldiers and mobile policemen stormed the office of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) after killing one of the members of the group at a checkpoint. According to an eyewitness, the victim was shot dead because he was wearing a MASSOB identity tag. A MASSOB chieftain, Chief Arinze Igbani, said that another of their member was stabbed to death by the same group of soldiers around the Central Mosque at Bida road for the same reason. He maintained that despite the role played by MASSOB members in quelling the crisis, the soldiers who he said were mainly Hausas stormed their office at Oba, Idemilli South LGA and burnt over ten motorcycles belonging to the members.

19-Year-Old Strangles Daughter to Death

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Thursday, paraded a 19-year-old woman, Nsidibe Effiong, who allegedly strangled her three-week-old baby to death. Effiong was said to have strangled her daughter to death and dumped her into a latrine at Ikot Abasi Idem village in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA of the state. The State Commissioner of Police, Solomon Arase, said the arrest of Effiong was made possible through the active working relationship between police and community. Effiong said that she was forced to commit the dastardly act because of pressure from the mother after the man who impregnated her ran away.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Police Arrest Kidnappers in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has announced that it had arrested four suspected criminals in the state. The suspects were arrested with the help of men of the anti-kidnap squad of the state police command. The suspects had abducted one Philip Okocha on February 1, 2012 in Asaba. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Charles Muka, listed the items recovered from them to include, one AK 47 riffle with four magazines, and 65 rounds of ammunition. He added that the anti-kidnap section of the command has since swung into action on how to arrest the fleeing members.

Robbers Lay Siege to Warri

Dare devil armed robbers laid siege to the city of Warri in Delta state, killing, maiming and stealing with reckless abandon. The State Police Command, penultimate Sunday, said it killed two suspected armed robbers terrorizing the city of Warri. Armed robbers recently attacked motorists at the Effurun roundabout, killing five persons while the mobile policemen nearby ran for cover at the sound of the sophisticated gun fire used by the bandits rented the air. The police said they killed two of the suspects and recovered an AK 47 Riffle allegedly snatched from a Police Corporal who was killed by armed bandits in January. The State’s Commissioner of Police, Mamman Tsafe, said that the police are on the trail of the fleeing bandit who managed to escape from the gun duel.

Igbo, Hausa Clash in Asaba

A violent clash between Hausa traders and some Igbo youths left many wounded in Asaba, Delta State on Thursday. Over 200 northerners took refuge at the B Division of the Delta State Police Command, Asaba, as a result of the violence. It was learnt that some Igbo youths were provoked by the burial in Onitsha of the easterners who lost their lives in the North due to Boko Haram attacks. The Igbo youths were said to have been angered by the thinking that while they were still mourning and burying their dead, the northerners in the area were going about their trading. The Divisional Police Officer, Usman Yusuf, said the violence emanated from Onitsha, adding that the division was only trying to save the lives and property of the fleeing northerners.

Edo Police Parade 13 Robbery Suspects

Edo State Police Command, Wednesday, paraded 13 suspected robbers allegedly involved in various robbery operations in different parts of the country. The new Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr Umar Manko, who vowed to make life unbearable for criminals and cultists in the state, also disclosed that the two police officers who were on duty when nine suspects escaped from the cells of the command will face disciplinary action in accordance with laws of the force. Manko explained that the robbers had, on the 10th of last month, attacked a house at Ugbor where they robbed the occupants and kidnapped a two-year-old baby. He said the little girl was later rescued unhurt from the captors in an uncompleted building along Dumez road in the state capital. Also arrested by the command is 42-year-old Goodluck Ibobo, a father of seven children who confessed to participating actively in the Ijaw/Itsekiri ethnic war. Ibobo also confessed to armed robbery.

One Killed, Several Injured in Edo Communal Clash

One person was reportedly killed and several others injured in a communal clash at Ogheghe community in Uhunmwode LGA of Edo State on Friday. Several buildings, including a hotel and cars, were torched. Sources said the clash arose over leadership tussle in the community. Other sources said the crisis was over money realised from the sale of land. The commissioner of police has ordered his men to comb the bush and look for any casualty. The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, confirmed the incident.

JTF Parades 13 Suspects in Delta State

The Joint Military Taskforce (JTF), last weekend, paraded 13 suspected oil bunkerers, pipeline vandals and two suspected kidnappers at the Army barracks, Effurun, Delta State. The JTF also confiscated nine wooden boats carrying one big steel tank, 101 tanks of various sizes, eight steel drums, 12 hoses and 11 jerry-cans suspected to be used for oil bunkering on the River Niger. Spokesman of the JTF, Col. Timothy Antigha, said the seized items were kept at the Asemuku jetty and Sterling Global company’s jetty in the community for safe keeping, but would be destroyed on a later date.

Police Nab Pirates in Military Uniform

Three suspected pirates have run into troubled waters, as they have been apprehended by detectives attached to the Delta State police command. The suspects were arrested in Warri by the Marine Police, as they were allegedly unleashing terror on innocent persons in the creek area. The Marine Policemen, on patrol along the creek, were said to have intercepted their boat as they were heading towards Burutu from Warri. When a search was conducted on them, two cutlasses and dangerous weapons were found on them. According to Police Commissioner, Mamam Tsafe, when the suspects sighted the policemen, they flung a bag containing the arms and ammunition into the river. Tsafe explained that efforts were being intensified by marine police divers to recover the bag.

Hoodlums Bomb Hotel in Delta

Ex-militants under the Federal Government Amnesty Programme, Monday, bombed a hotel in Osubi, Delta State. They have been lodged in the hotel since last year. The ex-militants alleged that the consultant was colluding with the management of the hotel to deprive them of their entitlements and shelled the hotel with dynamites. The hotel management and a source close to the consultant, Generic College, however, described the allegation as unfounded. Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Mamman Tsafe, Director of SSS in the state, Area Commanders of Police in Ughelli and Warri visited the scene of the incident on Monday. At least six of the ex-militants lodging in the hotel before the blast have been picked up by security operatives. The incident occurred hours after some of the ex-militants protested alleged shabby treatment.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Woman Shot Dead in Lagos

A female banker with the United Bank for Africa, Damilola Sowemimo, was penultimate Sunday, killed by two gunmen operating on a motorcycle. It was learnt that Sowemimo, 25, was killed in front of her parent’s house at Ajao Estate. A friend of the deceased, Tosin Adeboye, disclosed that she was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but died after losing much blood. The Police spokesman, Joseph Jaiyeoba, confirmed the incident, adding that the police had started investigating the case.

Varsity Shut over Violence

The authorities of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, on Monday, ordered the immediate closure of the institution, following the violent protest by students. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the institution, Mr Wale Ademowo, said the school had been shut down indefinitely. The aggrieved students reportedly went on rampage, to protest the death of a 300-level student, Elvis Abu Paul. The deceased was said to have died while receiving treatment at the school’s health centre on Sunday. The protesting students accused the health workers of failing to attend to the deceased on time. The school authorities claim that the deceased was brought into the health centre late and in critical condition.

Killer Policeman Arrested In Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a policeman, who allegedly shot dead a commercial motorcyclist in Lagos. The policeman, Corporal Bankole Peter, was said to have shot at a commercial bus along Ikorodu Road in Mile 12 area because it violated the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) law by driving through the lane. But the bullet missed its target and hit a motorcyclist. The victim, who was rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, was said to have died having lost much blood. Lagos State Police Spokesman, Joseph Jaiyeoba, confirmed the arrested of the policeman.

One Killed in Lagos NURTW Clash

A member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) reportedly lost his life on Tuesday during a clash at Ona la on Lagos Island. It was learnt that the fight was a supremacy battle between two factions of the NURTW over the collection of money at a park in Oyebanji area. A resident said one of the warring parties was angry because it felt the police had taken sides with the other faction. The immediate past treasurer for the state chapter of the NURTW, Mr. Musiliu Akinsanya a.k.a. MC Oluomo, has cautioned the warring members of the union in the state to bury their hatchets or face the full wrath of the law. Akinsanya said there was need for members of the union to embrace peace and resolve their differences through dialogue.

Police Arrest Robbers, Recover Arms in Lagos

Men of the Lagos State Police Command, on Thursday, smashed a robbery syndicate that specialised in robbing bank customers. The police engaged the robbers in a fierce gun battle around the Charley Boy Bus-Stop, off Oworonsoki Expressway, and arrested some of them and killed another. The incident occurred after the robbers attacked one Kolawole Bakare after he had left a Bank in the area. It was gathered that on sighting the robbers, the policemen along with some bike riders chased after the suspects. Two of the six suspects managed to escape. Two of those arrested admitted that they robbed Bakare. But the third, Seyi Nasara, denied participating in the robbery, but admitted being friends with the others.

Police Nab Suspected Kidnappers in Ogun State

Six members of a kidnapping gang have been arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly kidnapping an Indian in Abeokuta. A sum of N2, 072,000, one locally-made pistol, one live ammunition, two laptops and cell-phones, as well as the victim’s car were recovered from the suspects. The state Commissioner of Police, Nicholas Nkemdeme, who paraded the suspects, also paraded 19 other suspects for various criminal offence. It was learnt that the Indian, Bibhas Bhanjdes, who was the General Manager of a company in Abeokuta, was released after a ransom of N3m was collected by the suspects. The police commissioner stated that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday during a raid of the hideout of armed robbers and kidnappers within Abeokuta metropolis.

GENERAL

Boko Haram Faction Seeks Dialogue with FG

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, received a message from the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, asking for dialogue. The sect indicated its readiness for talks via a video tape brought to the station of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) by two masked men. The speaker gave the names of the negotiators appointed by the group to talk on its behalf. “These persons are Sheik Abubakar Gemuno, Dr Shettima Mongunu, Alhaji Bukar Ibrahim, Alhaji Junadu Idris and a peace broker who is also our mother Barrister Aisha Al Wakil”. It was gathered that a breakaway faction of the sect that denounced the main group for the increasing number of Muslim deaths in the sect’s attacks might be behind the move.

Escaped Bomb Suspect Re-arrested

Escaped prime suspect in the Christmas Day bombing at Madalla, Niger State, Kabir Abubakar Dikko alias Kabiru Sokoto, was re-arrested on Friday. Sokoto was picked up again at Mutum-Biyu in Taraba State by a combined team of operatives from the State Security Service (SSS) following a tip-off. The suspect was first arrested on January 14 at the Borno State Government Lodge in Abuja, but he escaped while he was being taken to his residence for a search. He was later paraded by the State Security Service (SSS) in Abuja. Meanwhile, detained Assistant Commissioner of Police, Zakari Biu, and five others who are facing trial over the escape of Kabiru Sokoto have been returned to police custody.

Explosions Rock Kaduna

Three bombs exploded in Kaduna on Tuesday at different location. One exploded at the Kawo overhead bridge, the second one at the gate of the Air force Base along Mando road, while the third was an attempt by a suicide bomber who attempted to drive into the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, but was not allowed entry by soldiers. A Boko Haram, spokesman, said the group launched the attacks on where their members were being held. The Nigerian Army on Tuesday declared that attempt to bomb the Division might not be unconnected with recent arrest of some Boko Haram key leaders. The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Raphael Isa, disclosed this. The army spokesman reassured members of the public that the attack would not deter its efforts at ensuring that life and property were secure and safeguarded by members the forces as required of them by the Nigerian constitution.

IGP Warns Officer against Illegal Detention of Suspects

Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has warned Deputy Commissioners of Police in charge of zonal formations and state commands against detaining suspects beyond 24 hours. He said any senior officer that flouted the directive would be sanctioned. He said he had set up a monitoring team to ensure compliance at all state and zonal commands of the police force and to track policemen who abandoned their duties. Abubakar took the DCPs to task over their poor policing styles and conduct.

Boko Haram Attacks More Police Stations in Kano

Kano State police command has confirmed that suspected members of the Boko Haram Islamic group, on Monday, launched a bomb and gun attack on Sharada Police station. Reports indicated that another police station, Mariri, was also attacked. The Police station, which is situated on the outskirts of Kano metropolis, was attacked the evening when people were rushing home to beat the 7pm curfew. State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Idris, said that security agents have been drafted to the area to take care of the situation. There were reports of several gunshots during the Mariri Police Station attack; however, details were scanty as the time of filling this report. A combined team of soldiers and policemen have been deployed in the two police stations who are trying to control the situation.

Boko Haram Kills Ex-Council Boss in Borno

Two persons, including a former council boss, were shot dead by suspected Boko Haram members in Borno State. It was gathered that the former council boss of Damboa LGA, Lawan Kagu, who buried his father, penultimate Friday, was gunned down by the suspected fundamentalists. Witnesses disclosed that the gunmen who pretended to be sympathisers and even sat on the mat with him for some minutes before drawing out their guns. Immediately they drew the gun out everyone took to their heels leaving the council boss at their mercy. The other victim was shot dead to make way for their escape as they shot sporadically to scare the people of the area. Another victim was shot dead by gunmen penultimate Sunday night. It was gathered that the assailants headed straight for the apartment of their target and shot him.

NDLEA Arrests Suspected Hemp Dealers in Kogi

No fewer than 38 suspected Indian hemp dealers have been arrested by the Kogi State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with 73 bags of Indian hemp. The suspects, including six women, were arrested in a raid carried out by a combined team of 70 officers from the NDLEA, Army and State Security Service (SSS) at the Trailers’ Park in Obajana.  The state Commander of the NDLEA, Alhaji Idris Bello, said the command received information on the activities of the drug dealers and users in the area, adding that when they went on surveillance, it was discovered that it was a big racket which required the collaboration of some other agencies to carry out the operation.

5 Drug Suspects Escape from Custody

Five high-profile drug suspects have escaped from the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abuja on Saturday afternoon and the escaped suspects were yet to be re-arrested. An eyewitness disclosed that the suspects broke the toilet window of their cell located on the third floor and scaled the fence to escape. While no official of the agency was ready to speak on the escape, the agency, on Monday, used cement blocks to seal off the window through which the suspects escaped.

Rights Commission Petitions IGP, NSA over JTF Excesses

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on Monday asked the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), General Andrew Azazi, to urgently investigate alleged extra judicial killings and other forms of human rights violations allegedly perpetrated by the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno and Kano states. The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, stated that the commission had in its possession various complaints on human rights violations allegedly perpetrated by the JTF. Angwe also called on the public to respect all lawful orders and fully cooperate with security personnel in their efforts to protect the lives and property of all persons residing in Nigeria.

Police Seeks Cooperation with Other Security Agencies

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, Wednesday, stated that if the spate of criminal activities is to be curbed, the security agencies in the country must work together. The IGP spoke yesterday when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defense Staff, Chief Air Marshal Oluseyi Petirin; the Chief Naval Staff and the Chief Air Staff at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja. The Acting IGP appealed for optimal cooperation and collaboration of the military and other security agencies, in order to face the current security challenges in the country. He enjoined the leadership of the Military to continue to support the Police Force in its quest towards ensuring safety of life and property nationwide.

Lassa Fever: 7 Killed in Taraba

An outbreak of Lassa fever has killed seven people in Ardo-Kola LGA of Taraba State. The State Commissioner of Health, Mustapha Hamman Gabdo said the State Government has released drugs to the Federal Medical Centre and Specialist Hospital, Jalingo to treat reported cases, adding that at the moment, seven people have been admitted at the Federal Medical Centre and were responding to treatment. The Commissioner described the symptoms of the disease as fever, body pain, vomiting of blood and passing blood stool and urged members of the public with such symptoms to report to the nearest health facility for immediate medical attention.

Ribadu Heads Petroleum Revenue Task Force

Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, was, on Tuesday, appointed chairman of the newly constituted 21-member Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, said the Task Force was designed to enhance probity, transparency and accountability in the operations of the petroleum industry. She said the body would among other things, work with consultants and experts to determine and verify all petroleum upstream and downstream revenues, which include taxes, royalties, dues and payables to the government.

Reps Order Agencies Back to Ports

Following the October 2011 ministerial expulsion of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), from the nations ports and borders, the House of Representatives on Tuesday, adopted the report of its joint Committees on Health, Commerce, Industries, Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, urging the three agencies to remain at the nations ports and borders and discharge of their statutory duties. The committee that critical stakeholders in the ports and transport sector agree on the time frame for easy clearance of goods and containers at the ports while also stating that apart from commending the affected agencies for jobs well done, they should also be made to go ahead and investigate the present whereabouts of some containers which had entered the ports during the period of the expulsion.

Nigerian Arraigned in Scotland for Trafficking Cocaine

A Nigerian drug courier was, on Monday, arraigned at a Scotland court after he was found to have four bags of cocaine pellets in his jacket and socks. Cletus Okpala was caught with a haul of high purity cocaine worth almost £500,000 on the streets. Okpala had denied knowledge of the Class A drug in his possession and even denied knowing what cocaine was. He was arrested at the M8 motorway in Lanarkshire, as he ferried the consignment from Edinburgh to Glasgow. Okpala later admitted being caught with the drug in November 2011 as he appeared before the court.

Sect Members Killed as JTF Recovers Arms Cache

The Kano State Joint Security Task Force (JTF), Wednesday, confirmed that four Boko Haram members were killed in the enforcement of security operations in Mariri Area, Warara LGA. JTF’s spokesman, Lt. Ikedichi Iweche, said that the sect’s members opened fire on his men even without provocation. He noted that the officers had exercised restraint, but were forced to respond when it became clear that the suspects had Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) and were freely throwing the explosives at them. Iweche disclosed that a search of the premises revealed that the suspects’ facility, which was attacked, was actually a bomb manufacturing facility as well as an operational warehouse. He noted that they recovered several IEDs (unexploded), 10 AK 47 riffles with 27 loaded magazines of ammunition, one pump-action gun , 223 live ammunition in packets, several mobile police uniforms and assorted identity cards to facilitate their operations.

Nigeria, EU Partner against Terrorism, Others

Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have agreed to jointly support both national and regional strategies to combat security challenges. The development is coming as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim expressed deep concern about insecurity in the country, calling on all Nigerians to support government’s efforts at tackling the menace. In a joint statement issued at the end of a two-day Nigeria-EU ministerial meeting in Abuja, both parties also categorised the security challenges in Nigeria and West Africa as “serious”.

Nigeria, Three Others Seal Pact against Boko Haram

Nigeria and three neighbours, Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic, have sealed a security pact that will help to curtail the menace of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram. The pact requires the countries placing suspects in their respective domains under surveillance, and also share intelligence reports, a top security source revealed. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, had noted that the activities of Boko Haram were not limited to Nigeria alone, as some of the suicide bombers, and suspects arrested were nationals of neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has raised alarm over threat to his life by violent Islamist sect, Boko Haram. He disclosed that he is one of the prominent Nigerians on the list of Boko Haram marked for assassination. Soyinka said he had reported this to the security agencies, but expressed disappointment that they had not taken action on the threat.

Reps to Probe Amnesty Programme

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the amnesty programme, which began in 2009. The resolution of the House came against the background of the renewed threats by some ex-militants to attack oil facilities.  The House mandated its standing committees on Niger/Delta Ministry, NDDC, Public Safety and National Security, to investigate the performance of all bodies connected with the management of the programme. The committees are to report back to the House within two weeks. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) had already attacked a facility at Ogbobagbene in Burutu LGA of Delta State, followed by another attack on a crude oil trunk line belonging to AGIP in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State. He said any attack on MTN investments based on Henry Okah’s trial will strain relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

Gunmen Kill Security Official in Yobe Attack

An officer of State Security Service (SSS), was, penultimate Sunday, killed by gunmen in Damaturu, Yobe State. The officer, identified as Mamman Shettima, was reportedly trailed by the two gunmen and shot at close range in front of his house in Ajari Ward. Confirming the killing, Police Commissioner Lawal Tanko said that his men quickly mobilized to the scene, but by the time he was taken to the hospital, he had lost too much blood.

INTERNATIONAL

Earth Quake Kills 43 in Philippines

At least 43 people were killed when a powerful earthquake triggered landslides, collapsed homes and smashed bridges across the central Philippines on Monday. The 6.8-magntiude quake hit a narrow strait between the heavily populated island provinces of Negros and Cebu around lunchtime, with strong aftershocks causing further panic. The worst-hit area appeared to be Guihulngan, a coastal city in Negros close to the quake's epicentre, with 39 people confirmed killed there, according to local military commander Colonel Francisco Patrimonio. Most of the victims had died as landslides buried homes, while others in the city of 100,000 people died as houses collapsed under the pressure of the quake itself.

Unprecedented Violence in Syria as China, Russia Veto UN resolution

Syrian government forces fired artillery in the city of Homs, last week, with a human rights group reporting over 100 civilians killed. The violence escalated after China and Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded President Bashar al-Assad stop the violence and seek a solution to the crisis. Western powers, meanwhile, stepped up their criticism of the President Bashar al-Assad regime and of its supporters in the Security Council. Chinese and Russian representatives said they want the violence to end and to see dialogue among Syria's opposition factions. But the violence continued after Assad promised the Russian foreign minister that he would end violence and start dialogue. Turkey sought international action to protect civilians from former ally President Bashar al-Assad, a move that risks the wrath of Russia and China.

Pakistan Al-Qaeda Chief Killed

US missiles, on Thursday, killed Al-Qaeda’s chief in Pakistan. Badar Mansoor, who reputedly sent fighters to Afghanistan and ran a training camp in North Waziristan, was killed in a drone strike near the Afghan border, Pakistani officials and a member of his group disclosed. His death is a major blow to Al-Qaeda’s abilities to strike in Pakistan,” a senior Pakistani official said. Four militants were reported killed in the pre-dawn drone strike, which targeted a compound in Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan. It was only the second such attack in Pakistan since US President Barack Obama confirmed the secret drone programme late last month.

Violence Spreads in Maldives after Coup

Violence erupted in the Maldives Wednesday as supporters of the ex-president who claims he was forced out by a coup clashed with security forces in Male and stormed police stations on outlying islands. Local officials said that residents overran several police stations and set fire to government buildings. The attacks followed clashes in the capital, where protesters fought army and police in riot gear. It is the worst unrest since clashes in 2003 following the death of an inmate at the hands of security forces, an event which sparked the process of democratic change on the islands in the Indian Ocean. Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first elected president who resigned on Tuesday, told said he suspected new president Mohamed Waheed had known about a plot to overthrow him involving rebel army and police officers.

Bomb Kills Seven in Afghan City

A car bomb in the south Afghan city of Kandahar killed at least seven people and wounded 19, last weekend. Five police officers and two civilians were among the dead, officials said. The explosion took place near a busy shopping area. Suicide attacks carried out by insurgents and roadside mines were the biggest killers of non-combatants, a UN report said.

Over 300 Killed in Europe Cold Snap

The deadly cold snap in Europe has claimed more lives, bringing the death toll to over 300, last weekend. The homeless population has borne the brunt of the deaths, with dozens of transients freezing to death in unheated apartments, fire escapes or in makeshift street shelters. Temperatures plunged as low as minus 40 Celsius across Europe. Some 1,800 people had been hospitalised, and 75,000 people had sought warmth and food in over 3,000 shelters across Ukraine. The bitter cold front has engulfed much of Europe and even crossed the Mediterranean into North Africa, where as many as 16 people were killed on Algeria's snow-slicked roads or in other weather-related accidents.

Nine Killed in Pakistan Factory Collapse

Seven women and two children were killed, with dozens of others trapped under rubble when a factory collapsed in Pakistan's city of Lahore on Monday, officials said. The three-storey building used to manufacture veterinary medicines came crashing down, probably the result of a boiler and a gas cylinder explosion at the premises in the congested Multan Road area, police said. Rescue workers dug through the rubble with bare hands, desperate to answer cries for help from people trapped beneath concrete slabs. Police said the Orient Labs (Private) Limited factory was illegal as it did not have the proper registration, and they were hunting down the three partners in the business.

Iran Threatens to Hit Back if Attacked

Iran has threatened to target any country used as a launch-pad for attacks against it, the deputy Revolutionary Guards commander said. Iran's supreme clerical leader threatened reprisals for the West's new ban on Iranian oil exports. Although broadened and sharpened financial sanctions have begun to inflict serious economic pain in Iran, its oil minister asserted Saturday it would make no nuclear retreat even if its crude oil exports ground to a halt. Iran says its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes. The United States, last weekend froze assets of Iran's government and financial institutions, saying they had engaged in "deceptive practices". Iran is under intense international pressure over its nuclear program, which the International Atomic Energy Agency has said may be designed to develop a nuclear weapon.