Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 11

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Massacre of Soldiers, JTF Kills Mastermind
…We won’t tolerate further attacks, military warns MEND

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta has killed Shedrack Itokofuwei (aka Mammy Water), the alleged mastermind in the massacre of an Army officer and three naval ratings and 4 policemen, in a gun battle. The deceased and his gang were fingered in the attack which resulted in the death of JTF troops. The JTF, in a statement by the Media Coordinator, Lt.-Col Timothy Antigha, confirmed the killings and disclosed that they have recovered the remains of the four military personnel and sunk 3 boats. The military has threatened militants in the Niger Delta with a decisive response if its personnel in the region are attacked again. The warning came on the heels of the killing of a lieutenant-colonel and three other naval officers in the creeks of Bayelsa state.

Police Kill Six Suspected Robbers in Port Harcourt

Men of the Rivers state Police Command, Monday, killed six suspected armed robbers in a shoot-out that lasted for about one hour in the Olu-Obasanjo Road and Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Port Harcourt. Police spokesman, Benjamin Ugwuegbulem, said that the suspects attempted to escape after robbing a man of N 2.1 million at the Orogbum area of D-Line. Ugwuegbulem said the hoodlums trailed the man to a bank along Olu Obasanjo Road where he had gone to withdraw the said amount. He said the police acted on a distress call on the incident and swooped into action by blocking all the routes in the GRA and D-Line axis. The hoodlums, he said, opened fire on policemen when it dawned on them that their escape routes had been blocked and in the ensuing cross-fire, six of them were killed.

Soldiers Kill Man in Eleme

Two soldiers, on Thursday, allegedly shot a middle-aged man to death in Alasa-Eleme in Eleme LGA of Rivers State. Natives alleged that the victim was first shot in the leg by one of the soldiers and as he fell, the other soldier walked up to him and shot him in the head, after which they entered their vehicle and sped off. The Chairman of Eleme LGA, Chief Oji Ngofa, has demanded for the immediate withdrawal of soldiers from the community. The alleged killers of the young man were said to be guarding the property of a former member of the House of Representatives in the community. Villagers said they could not tell the offence of the deceased. It was gathered that it took the timely intervention of the some elders and policemen in the area as well as the council Chairman, Chief Ngofa to prevail on the youths to remain calm.

Thugs Invade PPA Congress, Kidnap Members

Hundreds of suspected political thugs stormed the Abia state office of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), kidnapped some party faithful, inflicted injuries on others and destroyed valuable property. The thugs struck minutes policemen securing the venue withdrew. The Publicity Secretary of PPA, Mr. Oliver Eze Obiezu, said that he narrowly escaped being killed as those who came were said to have been asking after him for talking too much. He said his party secured the permit from the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bala Hassan, who gave approval and a team of mobile police officers were sent to the secretariat of the party in the morning. But soon the police security pulled out of the premises. Right after that, the thugs invaded the premises.

Police Corporal Shoots Inspector, Kills Self over Money

A police corporal in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, was confirmed dead after shooting an inspector, then turned the gun on himself. An eyewitness said that the policemen, attached to a company, were engaged in a heated argument over money, during which the corporal threatened to shoot his superior and indeed carried out the threat. He carried out the threat and killed himself afterwards. The Rivers State police command’s spokesman, Ben Ugwuegbulam, confirmed the incident, saying there was no prior grievance between the policemen. He also confirmed that only the corporal lost his life in the incident, as he resisted attempts by medical officials to save him, adding that the attacked Inspector was responding to treatment.

2 Killed in Robbery Attack in Onitsha

Armed robbers, on Monday, killed two persons and shot two policemen attached to a bank and made away with an undisclosed amount of money in Onitsha, Anambra state. It was gathered that the five-man gang of robbers, operating on motorcycles, trailed a girl going to the bank with the money. They finally struck in front of the bank, killing the girl and a motorcycle rider, carrying her. It was further learnt that the policemen, who witnessed the incident, tried to confront them  but the robbers gained the upper hand and shot  them, inflicting severe injuries on them. Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Emeka Chukwuemeka, confirmed the incident.

NEMA Sends Relief to Bayelsa Communities

The Federal Government, last weekend, distributed some relief materials to ameliorate the sufferings of the people of Koluama community in Bayelsa state. The community has reportedly faced hardship since a chevron rig exploded in January. Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mallam Muhammad Sani-Sidi said the fire at a Chevron gas rig in the area has affected the environment and the health of those living nearby. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Gender and Social Development of Bayelsa State Mrs. Vivian Odi Ovien promised that the state government would ensure that the materials meant for the communities were properly handled. She also thanked the Federal Government for the gesture.

29 Suspected Drug Traffickers Nabbed in Akwa Ibom

No fewer than 29 drug suspects have been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom State in the past two months. The state Commander of the agency, Josephine Ruth, who disclosed this yesterday in Uyo, explained that 25 of the suspects were males while four were females. According to her, the total seizure in the period under review stood at 6.195.7kg of cannabis sativa or Indian hemp and six litres of “combined” mixture of alcohol and cannabis sativa. The NDLEA chief she said had also secured three convicts for the period. The NDLEA chief assured that the command would clean the state of illicit drugs. She urged residents to provide useful information to the NDLEA on illicit drug activities in the state.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Ex-Speaker Attacked by Thugs

Former Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Martins Okonta, was, last weekend, hospitalised following an attack on him by political thugs. Okonta, who represents Ika South constituency, was allegedly brutalised in the premises of the state secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Asaba. He revealed that he was attacked after he raised objection to the appointment of Mr Oritsebubemi Nana as the returning officer for Ika South local government congress of the party. According to him, the said Nana was a personal assistant to a former member of the House of Representatives and former presidential aide, Dr Cairo Ojougboh. Okonta accused Ojougboh of attacking him with an object.

Security Man Jailed 6yrs for Attempted Murder

A Delta State High Court, Asaba, has sentenced one Muhammed Adamu to six years imprisonment with hard labour for attempting to kill his boss’s wife. He was convicted and sentenced by the trial judge, the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Z Smith, after he pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of attempted murder against him. Prosecution told the court that the convict,  “Adamu, on or about January 18, 2011, attempted to kill one  Mrs. Uche Nwosa by inflicting machete cuts on her head and parts of her body.” The convict, a gateman, was said to have attacked Mrs. Nwosa, his boss’s wife with machete without any provocation and inflicted deep wounds on her hands, which she had raised to protect her head and other parts of her body.

Civil Servant, Lecturer Commit Suicide in Delta

A senior official of the Delta State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Ike Nwaosa has allegedly committed suicide in Asaba, the state capital. The incident was said to have happened on Sunday at his residence in Asaba. This comes three days after a lecturer at the College of Education, Philip Okechukwu Okafor, allegedly hanged himself with a rope in his room while his family was away to school. The late Nwaosa was said to be about 56 years old. A family source said the deceased committed the act at about 1.30pm after he had returned from church service on the fateful Sunday.

Mason Jailed 3 Years for Attempted Jail Break

A middle-aged mason has been sentenced to three years imprisonment without an option of fine by a Delta State Magistrate court for attempting to escape from police custody, after he was arrested for stealing a GSM handset from a shop. The convict, Amaka Emefine, was jailed after he pleaded guilty to a three-count charge of “maliciously damaging the cell walls of Ubulu Uku police station with intent to escape from police custody.”

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Navy Probes Alleged Killing of Baby by Rating

The Nigerian Navy, NN, said, weekend, that it had begun an in-depth probe of the alleged kidnap and throwing into the Lagos lagoon of a three-week-old baby by one of its Ratings. The incident was allegedly perpetrated by one Moses Joseph, who was alleged to be dating one Glory Yusuf, who eventually became pregnant to his disapproval. The said rating allegedly stormed the lady’s residence after she gave birth, beat her and an aged mother, and forcefully took the baby away. The baby was said to have been put in a carton and thrown into the Lagoon. But the Information Officer of the command, Lieutenant Commander Omodara, said that the navy authorities had set up a committee to investigate the matter. He allayed the fears of the bereaved mother, assuring that at the end of the probe, if the rating was found culpable, he would be disciplined and handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution.

Man Arrested for Raping Pregnant Woman

Detectives in Oyo State are currently investigating the allegation by a 38-year-old pregnant woman, Mrs. Halira Adegoke, that she was raped in a farm, by one of her neighbours, one Francis Etenikang, 32. The incident occurred at Abule Adisa area of the state.  According to the victim, Etenikang had demanded some water from her and after drinking; the suspect wrestled her to the ground, stripped and raped her. Aggrieved members of Abule Adisa community later reported the matter at the Iwerele Police Station, Oke-Ogun. The suspect, who is being interrogated at State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), also admitted being the victim’s neighbour. He, however, denied the allegation. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Femi Okanlawon, said the victim was actually raped and the suspect would appear in court at the conclusion

Female Banker Kidnapped in Lagos

A female banker was, on Wednesday night, kidnapped by gunmen at the Tinubu Estate Road, Isheri North in Lagos. The woman, Jumoke Oyegbola, wife of the business director, Verdant Zeal Marketing Communications Ltd was on her way back from work. Her car, a Mitsubishi Montero 2001 Model was abandoned at the scene by her kidnappers. A family source said nothing was removed from the car by the abductors and that no message had been sent to the family. A senior police officer at the Isheri Police Division said it was too early to speculate the motive of the abductors.

FG Arraigns Chinese for Attempted Export of Ivory

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, arraigned a Chinese, Liang Zuli before a Federal High Court in Lagos for attempting to unlawfully transport worked animal ivory out of Nigeria. The government in a two-count charge, alleged that the Zuli concealed the item in a teddy bear doll in order to beat security check at the airport. The worked animal ivory, according to the government, is a specimen of species prohibited from being exported out of Nigeria. Zuli pleaded not guilty while her lawyer, Obi Okwusogu (SAN) attempted to argue a bail application for her. Presiding judge, Okechukwu Okeke consequently ordered that the accused be remanded in Kirikiri prison, pending the hearing of bail application.

Motorists Killed During Scuffle

Two motorists, last weekend, lost their lives during a scuffle that occurred at the National Bus Stop, along the Oshodi-Apapa expressway, Lagos. It was gathered that the motorists engaged in a fight when one of them brushed the other’s car during rush traffic hour. Eyewitness said that during the scuffle, one of them pulled out a jack knife from a naval officer, who was trying to make peace, and stabbed the other in the abdomen. The victim reportedly slumped and died. A group of onlookers got enraged and clubbed the assailant to death. Police Public Relations Officer in charge of the Tin-Can Island Port, Ihende Goddy, confirmed the incident, and added that the command was investigating the matter.

Lagos Records 42 Murder Cases in 2 Months
…85 Suspects Arrested, 14 Killed

At least 42 murder cases were recorded in Lagos between January and February this year. Summary of the crime statistics and achievements recorded in the months under review showed that Lagos State Police Command arrested 85 suspected armed robbers and also killed 14 purported bandits. The police record showed that only one policeman was killed while 33 arms, 195 ammunition and 107 vehicles were recovered within the period. 163 vehicles were also stolen in the metropolis. 64 vehicles were said to have been snatched, 91 vehicles were removed from where they were parked while eight others were driven away by the drivers employed to drive the vehicles.

20 Burnt to Death in Ife-Akure Road Accident

No fewer than 20 people were burnt to death in a road accident that occurred on Tuesday when two 18-seater buses collided and caught fire at along the Akure-Ife Road in Osun State. According to an eyewitness, the accident occurred when an 18-seater bus swerved from its lane to avoid hitting a motorcyclist, who was allegedly being pursued by officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission, and hit the on-coming bus. The eyewitness added that the two buses caught fire immediately, trapping passengers and drivers. Five passengers were said to have managed to escape the inferno but got seriously injured and had been rushed to hospital. Efforts of passers-by to quench the fire ended in futility, as the inferno claimed the lives of most of the passengers before men of the Osun State Fire Services came to the scene.

Lagos to Sue Police, Killer DPO over Protest Killing

The Lagos State Government is to sue the state Police Command and the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Pen Cinema Police Station, Segun Fabunmi, over the killing of 27-year-old Demola Abiodun and injuring of three others during the January fuel subsidy protest in Lagos. Governor Babatunde Fashola had ordered the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, to take over the case and ensure that justice was done, as he vowed that the matter would not be swept under the carpet. The Director of Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Omotola Rotimi, said the state government is suing the police and the former DPO for N200 million for the killing of Abiodun and N100 million each for three others, who were wounded by police bullets.

GENERAL

Gunmen Kill 4 in Maiduguri

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect, penultimate Sunday killed a trader in a market in Maiduguri, Borno State. In two separate attacks, a woman and her 10 year old child were shot dead by some gunmen who stormed their residence in Zannari, an outskirt of Maiduguri, while another man was said to have been killed by gunmen in the same vicinity. It was further gathered that the gunmen quickly fled the scene and left their victims in the pool of blood. The gunmen were said to have heightened the fear of the traders at the market when they shot sporadically into the air to make way for the escape. The state Police spokesman, Samuel Tizhe, confirmed the killings.

Deportation of Nigerian: FG Hits Back at South Africa
…S.A Apologises to Nigeria

Following the deportation of 125 Nigerians by the South African immigration authorities, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, Tuesday vowed that the Federal Government would take tough action against any country that takes delight “in ill-treating Nigerians”.  84 South Africans were denied entry into Lagos, after South Africa, penultimate Friday, deported 125 Nigerians for allegedly possessing fake yellow fever certificates. The Federal Government frowned at the action.  Also, the minister said the government would protest the indiscriminate arrest of Nigerians on the streets by the South African police. The tough posture came the same day the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs demanded that the Nigerian government should no longer handle the harassment of her citizens by other countries with kid gloves.

Soldiers Hit Boko Haram, Kill Suspected School Arsonists

Three members of Boko Haram were killed on Tuesday while trying to burn another school in Maiduguri, Borno State. The Islamist sect has lately shifted focus on torching schools which the group said is in retaliation for the burning of Quranic Schools in the state. It was gathered that the men drove into the school along Customs Road in the wee hours of the day when the soldiers spotted them and opened fire. JTF spokesman, Lt-Col Hassan Mohammed, confirmed the incident. The sect admitted the slain men were its members and vowed to continue to attack schools in the state. No fewer than seven schools have been burnt by the sect in recent times. In Kano state, two police officers were killed in Dorayi Quarters by suspected Boko Haram members. The Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, confirmed the attack on policemen at the residence of a senior police officer.

MEND Alleges Killings of Suspected Bomber in Kuje Prison
…NPS Denies Death of 2010 bomb suspect

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has alleged that the remains of Francis Osuvwo, alias General Gbokos, arrested in connection with the October 1, 2010 Independence Day bombing, were smuggled out of Kuje Prisons, Abuja, where he died, last weekend. The group alleged that Osuvwo was arrested “for refusing to testify falsely against Henry Okah”. MEND alleged that Osuvwo and all other detainees in connection with the October 2010 attack have been held under the most appalling conditions and exposed to toxic fumes, a condition that allegedly caused his death. Meanwhile, Niger Delta activist, Ankio Briggs, called on the Inspector General of Police, to probe Osuvwo’s death. But the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) has denied reports of the death. A statement by Osuvwo’s lawyer, Festus Keyamo, had claimed the suspect died as a result of the maltreatment meted out to the accused persons in prison.

Girl Beheaded in Niger State

A two-year-old girl was, penultimate Saturday, be-headed by unknown persons in an uncompleted building in Minna, Niger State. The deceased’s mother, Malama Fati Mohammed, 22, said that on the fateful day, she was planning to take the girl along to an adult Islamic school, but left her outside to go pick something inside. But when she came out, she girl nowhere to be found and she started calling her daughter with the hope she would hear her and come around. At this point, a woman dragged her to the uncompleted building where her little daughter’s dismembered body was lying in a pool of blood. The Police Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Richard Oguche, confirmed the incident, saying the police had since swung into action with the aim of apprehending the perpetrators.

30 Killed as Herdsmen Raid Benue Communities

Armed herdsmen struck in 13 communities in Benue State last weekend, killing about 30 people. The raid was linked to suspected armed Fulani militia, who attacked the Tiv communities in Guma and Gwer-West local councils. The state police command, which confirmed the invasion, said the bandits killed 16 of the villagers. Several of the villages and farm settlements were also burnt by the herdsmen. The hostility, according to Tiv leaders, occurred in the early hours of Sunday when the unsuspecting farmers on the borderline of River Benue were attacked by the well-armed herdsmen.

Nigeria, Israel Partner to Combat Terrorism

Nigeria’s efforts to curb terrorism in some parts of the country will be boosted with a collaborative endeavour with Israel. Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Moshe Ram, disclosed that Israel had to battle terror attacks over its land and its people for over 20 years before getting the relevant solutions to the menace. Ram urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to pursue to a logical conclusion its recent policies on agricultural revolution but with a caveat that the youth should be encouraged to take farming as a profession “via incentives from the government”.

Northern Governors Plan Action against Boko Haram

The 19 northern governors, on Thursday, resolved to work together to end the menace of Boko Haram and ensure security of lives and property in the region. They pledged to support the Federal Government’s move for lasting peace and unity of the nation. The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Babangida Aliyu, while tendering the resolutions of the meeting, said the forum decided to “constitute a committee to monitor the implementation of the Federal Government White Paper on Security in the North-East Zone. According to Aliyu, the northern governors resolved to “adopt pragmatic, holistic and integrated regional approach to combating crime through collective effort of all security agencies.

32 Public Servants Arrested for N67bn Pension Fraud

At least 32 public servants and private sector employees have been arrested by the Pension Reform Task Force for allegedly swindling the Federal Government retirees of about N67bn pension funds. The task force comprises of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and State Security Service (SSS). Sources disclosed that four former Permanent Secretaries and a former director in the pension department, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, were also arrested for the alleged fraud. The sources said N12bn was found in the personal account of the former director alone. EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwajaren, confirmed that the agency was working with the task force to investigate pension frauds.

38 Policemen, FRSC Officials Face Trial over Illegal Roadblocks

No fewer than 38 policemen and eight Federal Road Safety Corps officials are facing orderly room trial for defying acting Inspector-General’s directive over the dismantling of roadblocks across the country. The acting IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, had on February 14 ordered that all intra-state checkpoints be removed, regretting that they were being used by many policemen to extort money from motorists. The officers were said to have been apprehended in different parts of the country for defying the order and setting up roadblocks to extort money. A breakdown of the arrests showed that four policemen were arrested on the Warri-Sapele Road; six at Anambra-Nkwule Junction and five at 9th Mile, Enugu and four at Abia State. Also, eight FRSC personnel were arrested in Akwa Ibom State and at East-West Road, Bayelsa State while four policemen were arrested in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa-Ibom State as another four were picked up at Itokim Bridge.

Letter Bomb Intercepted in Niger State

Plans by unknown persons to kill a petrol dealer in Minna through a letter bomb were foiled on Wednesday afternoon, but the bomb later exploded at the Tudun Wada Police Station, Minna. The letter bomb, which was contained in a customised envelope with the logo of a bank, was on Wednesday dropped by unknown persons in the shop of a welder, who was directed through a phone call by an unknown person to deliver the parcel to Mrs. Justina Udeh, the owner of a filling station at Tunga. But Udeh, refused to receive the envelope as she did not have any account with the bank. She took the letter to the bank, and they denied sending any such letter. Disturbed by the development, the woman and her manager took the letter to the police. Sources said as the officers attempted to open the parcel, it exploded. No casualty was recorded. The Police Public Relations Officer Mr. Richard Oguche confirmed the incident.

Gunmen Kill DPO, 4 Others in Gombe

A Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Abbubakar Sadiq, three other policemen and a civilian were on Thursday feared dead, while another Police Inspector was wounded by unknown gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram, during a night attack on a police station and two banks in Ashaka-Bajoga, Funakaye LGA of Gombe State. The Police Area Commander in charge of the zone, Mr. Olumide Kayode, disclosed this. Kayode said the suspected gunmen trailed Sadiq in his official vehicle and shot him dead along with his driver. Similarly, one of the policemen was shot dead at a road block leading to Ashaka Cement Company, while another policeman was killed while on guard at one of the banks.

European Hostages Killed in Birnin Kebbi

Two Europeans, A Briton and an Italian, who were kidnapped last May by kidnappers suspected to be members of Boko Haram sect, were confirmed killed in Birnin Kebbi by the group. The incident occurred during an attempt by Nigerian and British security operatives to free them. The Nigerian and British governments condemned the killing of the two engineers, who were working with a construction firm in Birnin Kebbi and condoled with their families. British Prime Minister, David Cameron, explained that the two men were killed by gunmen in Birnin Kebbi during a failed attempt by Nigerian and British forces to rescue them.

US Express Fear over Insecurity of Nigerian Ports

The United States Department of Homeland has threatened to put Nigeria on the list of unsecured ports in the world, following the incessant pirate attacks on vessels in the Nigerian maritime industry. The USA Coastguard expressed fear over the security lapses in the nation’s port and wondered what the government of Nigeria was doing to curtail criminal activities in the ports. It was gathered that the officials of the US Coastguard, are currently in Nigeria to examine the implementation of the International Shipping and Port Facility Security, ISPS, Code. The Coast guard officials, who are currently in the country to carry out International Port Security (IPS), training programme noted that none of the facility visited can boast of adequate security arrangement.

Robbers, Police in Gun Duel in Adamawa
•Corporal Kills Inspector, Self

Gunmen attacked the Jimeta Divisional Police Station in Yola, Adamawa state on Tuesday. Though no casualty was recorded as the police repelled the attackers, the attack caused panic among residents in the area. The Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Aderele Shinaba, confirmed the attack and added that a manhunt had already been launched to track down the attackers. Shinaba also disclosed that a police corporal went berserk, killing a police inspector, injuring another at Lala Police station in Gombi LGA before killing himself. The commissioner, who gave the name of the enraged police corporal as Nuhu Isiaku, said that he picked the station rifle and shot Inspector Benjamin Tizhe, the Charge Room Officer and one Corporal Chokisa Inchi before shooting and killing himself.

3 Policemen Killed as Gunmen Attack CP’s Home in Kano

Unknown gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members Monday, attacked the private residence of Imo State Commissioner of Police in Kano State, killing three policemen in an exchange of fire. Kano State Police Command confirmed the killing of only two policemen as well as the injuring of two others by attackers. Meanwhile, the coalition of Niger Delta ethnic nationalities under the aegis of United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS), has urged respected northern leaders to rise up against the Boko Haram threat to the nation.  UNDEDSS stated that the intervention had become urgent in the face of the sect’s renewed attacks. In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Mr. Tony Urantta, the Boko Haram sect is the biggest threat to Nigeria’s unity, expressing assurance that “the sect will listen to their leaders if those leaders truly and sincerely reach out to them.”

Navy Tasks Security Agencies on Co-Operation

The Nigerian Navy has called on security agencies within the country to come together to tackle the Boko Haram issue, saying that is the only way to restore peace to the country. The outgoing Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbor told officers and men of the command that vigilance at various operational areas by security agencies remains the only way to tackle the Boko Haram crisis. Ogbor, who made the call shortly after a farewell parade organized in his honour by officers and men of the command, urged men  and officers of the Navy to de diligent in the performance of their duties.

Gunmen Kills Customs Boss, 5 Others in Yobe, Borno

The newly posted comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in charge of Borno and Yobe states, Alhaji Adamu Ahmadu, was, on Tuesday night, shot dead in his house in Potiskum, Yobe State, by unidentified gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect. Similarly, members of the sect were reported to have killed four other people in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Tuesday, and also burnt two churches, a police station and the Konduga LGA secretariat on Tuesday evening.

Air Force Establishes Quick Response Squad

Nigerian Air Force has established a unit called the Quick Response Force (QRF) to combat Boko Haram, ethno-religious crises, kidnappings and evacuation of refugees from disaster zones. The unit comprising 70 officers in Minna, Niger State will also be involved in the search and rescue of air crash victims, airborne rescue of flood victims as well as other security contingencies. The QRF Commander, Air Com. Ben Chiobi, who paid a visit to the Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Mr. Segun Okebiorun, on Monday, stated that the QRF is a strategic unit established to react to security emergencies and natural disasters at short notice, pending the arrival of a main force.

Fawehinmi Sues Jonathan, SSS, Over Insecurity
…Seeks Arrest of IBB

Mohammed Fawehinmi, son of the late human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, has sued President Goodluck Jonathan and heads of the national security agencies for the increasing spate of bombings in the country. Fawehinmi also asked Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court, Lagos for a leave to apply for an order of mandamus compelling the arrest of former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the State Security Service and the Defense Intelligence Agency are among agencies whose heads were sued by Fawehinmi. One of such issues raised is whether Babangida can be absolved of any “wrongdoing or involvement in the coordination of the recent bombing incidents that had occurred since October 1, 2010,” in spite of unresolved killing of the renowned journalist Mr. Dele Giwa, by a parcel bomb under his regime.

INTERNATIONAL

Pakistan Taliban Removes Deputy Head

The head of the Pakistani Taliban has removed his deputy commander. Hakimullah Mehsud demoted Maulvi Faqir Mohammad, who was the second-highest ranking Taliban leader, at a Taliban council of leaders, penultimate Sunday. No reason was given for the demotion. Maulvi Faqir Mohammad has not been replaced. A Taliban spokesman said the Taliban leadership was considering appointing him to some other position within the group. His removal is perceived as the latest sign of a growing rift within the Pakistani Taliban that began when its former leader, Baitullah Mehsud, was killed in 2009.

200 Killed as Ammunition Dump Explodes in Congo

A series of explosions at an ammunition depot killed 200 people and wounded about 2,000 more in Brazzaville, the capital of Africa's Republic of Congo, Congolese officials said Monday. The explosions occurred last weekend when a fire at the depot set off a cache of tank shells, according to Betu Bangana, director of protocol for President Denis Sassou-Nguesso. Bangana said at least 200 people had been confirmed dead by Monday morning, and many bodies may not be recovered. The blasts destroyed numerous homes in the neighborhoods surrounding the installation, Bangana said.

US Navy Rescues Iranian Sailor in after Boat Mishap

The U.S. Navy rescued a survivor from an Iranian cargo vessel that sank in the Persian Gulf, killing at least three other crew members, the military said Sunday. It was the latest incident in a string of rescues since the beginning of the year, against a backdrop of high tensions between the United States and Iran. The coastal patrol boat USS Firebolt and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Maui conducted a search and rescue mission for survivors of the capsized Iranian dhow. The Firebolt's crew also recovered the remains of three of those who had died in the sinking, the Navy said. One survivor was recovered and treated for shock and hypothermia. He said the dhow sank in bad weather Friday night with six mariners aboard. The sailor reported that four of his shipmates died and one was missing.

UN Officials Visit Syria as Slain Journalist’s Body Returns to U.S

Sounds of explosions and gunfire echoed in Damascus on Tuesday as the soaring death toll in Syria prompted one U.S. lawmaker to appeal for international airstrikes. Meanwhile, the body of slain American journalist, Marie Colvin, is expected to arrive in the United States on Tuesday. U.S. Sen. John McCain called for the United States to lead an international effort to protect the Syrian population through airstrikes on regime forces. McCain said the goal should be to establish and defend safe havens, primarily in northern Syria, where opposition forces could organize their efforts. His position was made known as Kofi Annan, the former U.N. secretary-general and special joint envoy to Syria for the United Nations and the Arab League, will fly to Damascus, to find solution to the crisis.

Syria Deputy Oil Minister Joins Opposition

Syria’s Deputy Oil Minister, Abdo Hussameddin, has resigned to join the opposition. He is the highest level political figure to abandon the government of President Bashar al-Assad since the uprising erupted a year ago. Hussameddin, 58, posted a video of his resignation on YouTube on Wednesday. He read out a four-minute ringing denunciation of the regime he said he had served in one capacity or another for the past 33 years.  Violence continued across Syria on Wednesday. Opposition groups said 39 people were killed - 26 in Homs, six in Idlib, three in Deraa and two each in suburbs of Damascus and Aleppo. The UN says more than 7,500 people have died because of the violence in Syria over the past 12 months.

AQAP claims responsibility for Yemen attacks

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has taken responsibility for a series of attacks on Yemeni security forces in recent days that killed more than 180 troops. The attacks were considered the bloodiest launched against Yemeni forces in recent days in which an estimated 200 troops were killed in three provinces. The statement said the militant group's fighters succeeded in seizing large cache of weapons including heavy artillery and tanks. A delegation from the Yemen Military Committee, the highest security authority in the country, reached Abyan on Wednesday as part of the investigation into how al Qaeda has able to score constant victories over the past week in the province. The attacks in Abyan, which started Saturday, resulted in the deaths of 187 troops. The group also claimed responsibility for an airplane explosion inside Yemen's air force headquarters in Sanaa.

Tropical Storm Irina kills 73 in Madagascar

At least 73 people are dead and more than 21,000 people homeless after Tropical Storm Irina struck Madagascar, an official with the nation's disaster bureau said Wednesday. One person has been injured, and two more are missing, according to Setra Rakotomandrindra of the National Bureau of Natural Catastrophes. About 21,235 people are homeless, he said, and a total of 67,911 people have been affected, mostly in the southeastern part of the island nation. Cyclone Giovanna wreaked havoc on Madagascar in February. More than 100 people have died during the nation's current cyclone season, which usually runs from January to March, according to reports.

Avalanches Kill 37 in Afghanistan

Avalanches killed at least 37 people on Tuesday in the northeastern province of Afghanistan. About 20 houses were smothered with snow in the village of Shirinazen in Badakshan province, said Abdul Maroof Raseq, spokesman for the governor. The Badakshan governor, who was stranded by the avalanches, was taken by helicopter to neighboring Tajikistan, which was easier to reach than nearby areas of Afghanistan. Afghans have been suffering through a brutal winter with bitterly cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.

Female Suicide Bomber Kills 4 Officers at Police Post

A woman blew herself up at a police post in Russia's southwestern republic of Dagestan, killing four officers and wounding two more, the state-run news agency reported on Tuesday. The attack occurred in the village of Karabudahkent. It was not clear whether the woman was approaching the officers on foot or in a car. Violence has plagued Dagestan for years as Islamist rebels fight Russian rule over the northern Caucasus region. Tuesday's bombing follows an attack on a polling station that killed three police officers during Russia's presidential elections Sunday, a police spokesman said.

Al Qaeda Announces Death of Yemeni Commander

Al Qaeda announced the death of a regional commander in Yemen, whom the group described as one of "its sheikhs of jihad and support". Mohamed Ahmed al-Haniq, a commander in the volatile Yemeni district of Arhab, died Sunday from an illness, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula announced on Thursday. Al-Haniq was wanted by Yemeni authorities for attacks against its security forces. He was believed to be behind terrorist threats in 2010 that forced the temporary closure of the British and U.S. embassies in the capital city of Sana'a.

UK Soldiers Missing after Afghan Attack

The British Defense Ministry on Thursday identified six British soldiers who are missing and presumed dead following an explosion in southwest Afghanistan. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the blast. The soldiers were traveling in a tracked armored vehicle in Helmand province Tuesday when the explosion occurred, a British military official said. The vehicle hit a land mine, setting off a substantial explosion, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. The area where the blast occurred was not on a paved road. It is in the Nar-e-Saraj area of Helmand, where Britain has lost many troops previously.