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

week 16

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Ijaw Threaten Shell over $1.5bn Judgment Debt

Ijaw leaders have threatened to attack installations of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) if the company fails to pay a court ordered $1.5billion compensation for a 1994 oil spill. The elders gave the company up to the end of April to pay up or “be prepared to kill more of us”. The leaders made the threat in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State at a ceremony marking the 17th anniversary of the spillage which they claimed resulted in the death of 1417 persons. National chairman, Association of Community Leaders, oil producing states, Frank Oputu, accused Shell of hiding behind what he said were “legal pillars” to buy time, but warned that such could only result in dire consequences. Oputu recalled that the National Assembly had in a 2004 resolution ordered SDPC to pay $1.5 billion as compensation, and that a Federal High Court had affirmed it.

Six Suspected Robbers Arrested in Imo

Six suspected armed robbers have been arrested and their hideout demolished at Umuofor, Egbu, Owerri North local council area of Imo State. It was gathered that some guns and bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from the hideout. The Special Assistant to Governor Rochas Okorocha for Owerri Zonal Security, Ugochukwu Onyeukwu, confirmed the development and reiterated the determination of the government to eradicate crime in the zone. Onyeukwu, who confirmed that the suspects have been handed over to the police for further investigation, also disclosed that they were on the trail of a man that allegedly duped a lady of the sum of N1.2 million on the pretext of renting a shop for her in Lagos.

Suspected Kidnappers Abduct Presidential Aide in Imo

Suspected kidnappers stormed the Ndionyeagorom Village in Oguta LGA of Imo State, and abducted an engineer and a retired senior staff of Shell Petroleum Development Company, (SPDC), Ottih John Ottih. Ottih, currently a presidential aide on petroleum matters, was attending Sunday Mass when the hoodlums struck. The hoodlums, who were suspected to be among the congregation came in a metallic red coloured Jeep and were four in number. Ottih, according to eyewitness account, was later trailed to Umuofor where they waylaid him and fired several shots at his car before taking him away.

20 Arraigned for Illegal Possession of Firearms

No less than 20 youths have been arraigned before a Port Harcourt Chief Magistrate court for allegedly being in possession of firearms at Opukiri community in Degema LGA of Rivers State. The persecution alleges that the 20 accused persons, on the 20th of March, had in their possession or under their control, one Ak47, one BB12, Uzi 9mm short barrel detachable buff with silencer, two dane guns, two hundred and seven 7.6 mm special, and a total of six magazines without authority and appropriate licence. They all pleaded not guilty and elected for summary trial. The defence counsel, O.D. George urged the court to grant bail to each of the accused persons on the two-count charge preferred against them, “on liberal grounds.”

NSCDC Arrests 48 Pipeline Vandals in Abia

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) in Abia says it arrested 48 persons over alleged illegal bunkering and vandalism of oil facilities between 2010 and March 2012. Abia state Commandant of the NSCDC, Nathaniel Ubong, said that the command also impounded 17 trucks and other equipment from the suspects during the same period. He said the suspects were arrested in Abia South zone, especially in Ukwa-East, Ukwa-West and part of Aba North LGAs. Ubong gave the assurance that the command would stop at nothing to flush-out criminals in the state. He called for closer collaboration with other security agencies in the task of stamping out vandals in the area.

Police Arrest Man for Killing Girlfriend in Port Harcourt

A middle-aged man, Jim Zaccheus, has been arrested and detained for allegedly killing and secretly burying his girlfriend in his room. The incident took place at the Elechi Beach end of Diobu, Port Harcourt. The state Police Commissioner, Mohammed Indabawa, who revealed this on Wednesday, also said the command had arrested four out of seven suspects who gang-raped a 15-year-old girl. Indabawa, who was recently transferred to Rivers state, also said he planned to continue with the fight against entrenched corruption among officers and men of the command, adding that he would use everything in his powers to reduce crime rate in the state.

Police Burst Robbery Syndicate

The Bayelsa State Police command has recorded a major break-through in crime fighting, with the recent arrest of a syndicate, which specialized in car theft. Their modus operandi was to drug their victims before they made away with their vehicles. Members of the syndicate, who had carried out many operations in the state, however, got to the end of the road, when their latest victim, one Samuel Amos Akpan, 33, spilled the beans. The police were also told about the various robberies they carried out by the gang. One of the suspects, Ukakwe, confessed how they drugged their victims. The police commissioner, Mr Chris Olakpe, vowed that the command would ensure that crime was reduced to the barest minimum in the state.

15-Year-Old Gang-Raped in PH, Suspects Arrested

A 15-year-old girl is lying critically ill in an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt after she was allegedly gang-raped on Tuesday evening in Rumuodumaya in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State. Already, no fewer than seven boys said to be in their early 20s have been rounded up by the Police in connection with the incident. It was gathered that the girl had gone to the nearby Rumuokoro market to make some purchases in the evening of the fateful day. On her way home, she was allegedly abducted by some boys and taken to their hideout located inside the Rumuokoro slaughter area where she was raped. It was revealed that her parents raised alarm and reported her sudden disappearance to the police. Thereafter, a search party was organized and the girl was found unconscious at the Slaughter area said to be a notorious den for hemp smokers and criminals. It was in the course of preliminary investigation after she was revived that the suspects were rounded up with the help of some community boys and taken to the Rumuodumaya Police Station. Police spokesman, Benjamin Ugwuegbulam confirmed the incident.

Wife, Children, Boyfriend Beat Husband to Death

A woman, her 3 children and her boyfriend, allegedly beat her husband to death in Ikpamodo Village, Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North LGA of Enugu State, penultimate weekend. The deceased, a Catholic, was accused by his widow, who is a native doctor, of disturbing her with his prayers. On the day, the man was murdered, she was said to have told her husband that she was not comfortable with the manner in which he had been disturbing her charms by saying long prayers every morning. But the husband, a devout Roman Catholic, told her that he had never supported her practice as a native doctor. A serious argument ensued between them which led to physical attack. Another man, said to be her boyfriend, who is also a native doctor, and her children, were alleged to have joined her in attacking him. The matter was reported to the police and the suspects were detained before being transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

4 Dead as JTF Razes Illegal Refineries in Delta

Four children were, on Wednesday, feared dead and 40 houses allegedly burnt at Ebeberegbene community in Burutu LGA of Delta State, when men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) attacked and razed illegal oil refineries in the area. A community source said the soldiers invaded the community at about 6.30 am and put fire on three local refineries that were located near the community. Chairman of the community, Pius Oruma, who confirmed the attack, said that over 40 houses were burnt. A human rights activist and community leader from the area, Mallam Yusuf Eregbene, said that over four people were feared dead while thousands fled for safety, and properties were destroyed as the soldiers prevented people from carrying their belongings.

Police Smash 4-Man Kidnap Gang

The police in Delta State, last weekend, smashed a four-man kidnap gang in their hideout and rescued five victims. One of the rescued victims, Adaku Adeiyi, wife of the Financial Secretary, Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association (PTDA), was abducted from her store at Ekpan, Uvwie LGA of the state. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, disclosed that through intelligence report, the Anti-Terrorist Squad of the command stormed the kidnappers’ hideout in Benin, Edo state and arrested the four suspects. Aduba said the hoodlums were attempting to collect a ransom of N2.9 million when the police swooped on them. Items recovered from the suspects, include the N2.9 million, one black Siena Space Bus and an ash colour Audi 80 Car.

Suspected Rapists Killed in Sapele

Two suspected members of a seven-man robbery gang who specialized in raping their female victims had been felled in Sapele, Delta state during a shoot-out with the police. The robbers were said to have hijacked two Delta State City buses and drove them into the bush along Eku/Sapele Road and dispossessed the passengers of their valuables. The hoodlums were said to be having a field day raping the female passengers, including expectant mothers, before the police trailed them to the bush, confronted them, resulting in exchange of gun fire that left two members of the gang dead while others took to their heels. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Charles Muka, who paraded the corpses of the criminals, said the police had spread out their dragnets with a view to trapping the fleeing members of the gang.

Ex-Militants Threaten Attacks over Non-Inclusion in Amnesty

Some ex-militants, claiming to be the Third Phase Amnesty, have threatened to attack oil installations in Niger Delta, over the refusal of the Amnesty Office to accommodate them after they had allegedly surrendered their arms. While the Coordinator of the Federal Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku, insists that the amnesty window has closed, advising the ex-warlords to seek other alternative means of empowerment, the ex-militants are insistent on being included in the programme. The group has claimed responsibilities for the destruction of some oil installations. The ex-militants gave the government a seven-day ultimatum to commence immediate payment of their entitlements, threatening to cripple oil production in the region. The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) dismissed the threat. The JTF Media Coordinator, Lt. Col. Timothy Antigha, said the outfit had put measures in place to forestall a possible breakdown of law and order.

Robbers Raid Banks in Auchi

Armed robbers on Monday night raided two banks, Union and Zenith Banks branches, in Auchi, Etsako West LGA of Edo State, forcing a closure of banks in the area on Tuesday. The robbers reportedly broke into the Union Bank branch along the Warrake Road with the aid of dynamite. The robbers, who were said to have come in two groups, attacked the banks simultaneously after blocking both the entrance and exit points of the Warrake Road. No death or injury was however recorded during the operation that lasted for over one hour. Residents of the area complained that the police were late in responding to a distress call. The Divisional Police Officer, Auchi Police Station, Ahmed Umaru, however said his men responded swiftly and chased the robbers away from Zenith bank.

8-Year-Old Dies in Boat Mishap

A locally made wooden boat, conveying about 50 persons capsized at the jetty, Ogbe-Ijoh Market, in Warri, Delta State, leaving an eight-year-old boy dead and many others injured. Goods worth thousands of naira were also destroyed. The vessel was said to be heading for Agge in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State with traders and children on board when the incident occurred. It was gathered that local divers saved the situation as they quickly mobilised and went on a rescue mission, saving the lives of majority of the passengers. An eyewitness blamed the tragedy on the boat operator, saying he was careless.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Man Kills Baby, Tortures Wife over Allegations of Infidelity

A middle aged man, Henry Nnamdi, has been arrested for killing his son and torturing his wife with hot pressing iron. Residents of Lambe Street, in Okota, Lagos State were jolted from sleep, following loud cries from Nnamdi’s apartment. They rushed to help only to see the woman tied to a chair and being tortured by her husband over claims that she was flirting with his own father and the child was not his son. They also found the lifeless body of their one-year-old son lying in a pool of blood. The neighbours quickly rushed out and contacted the police. The police arrested the man and rushed the woman to a nearby hospital. Confirming the incident, Lagos State Police spokesman, Joseph Jaiyeoba, said that the suspect will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, Panti, for further investigations.

NDLEA Arrest Suspects 4 in Lagos Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Tuesday arrested four suspected drug traffickers, including two men who ingested 124 wraps of liquid cocaine sealed in condoms. Mitchell Ofoyeju, NDLEA spokesperson, said that the liquid cocaine, weighing 3.3kg, was poured into male condoms before it was ingested by the suspects. According to the statement, the two suspects arrived at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos from Venezuela, using emergency travel certificates. The statement added that the two suspects excreted 70 and 54 wraps of the oily cocaine. Two other suspects were arrested at the airport for allegedly importing unspecified quantity of heroin into the country from Tanzania.

Businessman Commits Suicide – Police

Police investigation into the discovered lifeless body of a 40-year-old businessman, Ahmed Omobumbe, last weekend in Ajagbandi area of Lagos state, has revealed that the deceased committed suicide. Investigation by the Lagos State Police Command revealed that the man hanged himself out of frustration over an ailment that defied medication. His lifeless body was reportedly found dangling from the roof of his apartment by one of his children. The alarm raised at the discovery attracted residents of the area, who consequently contacted the police. Police spokesman, Joseph Jaiyeoba, confirmed the incident. The deceased and his wife didn’t live together but he lived with his two children and investigations revealed that he had been frustrated due to a certain illness.

Attorney-General Tasks Police on Professionalism

The Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), has commended the state police command for its professionalism. Jegede, who gave the commendation while hosting the Commissioner of Police, Edgar Nanakumo, lauded the force for apprehending members of the gang that robbed a new generation bank recently in Akure without shedding of blood in the process. The commissioner noted that the state government is proud of the efforts of the police in curbing crimes and violence, stressing that the various developmental projects being executed by the government were made possible because of the prevailing peace in the state. He, however, urged the officers and men of the command to continue to sustain the mutual relationship between government and the force so as to build a safe and conducive environment for the people to transact their businesses.

Hoodlums Injure Six in Ondo Attack

Hoodlums suspected to be members of a rival political party on Monday unleashed terror on members of the Labour Party (LP) at a park in Oba Ile, Akure North LGA of Ondo State, wounding six persons. The thugs, numbering about 20 and armed with dangerous weapons and allegedly acting on the instructions of a party chieftain in the state, invaded the commercial motorcycle operators’ park in the area, shooting indiscriminately. According to the spokesman of the commercial motorcycle riders, who also doubles as the chairman, Mr. Abiola Omodara, the victims were rushed to various hospitals in the area. LP Chairman in Akure North, Prince Sanya Adebayo and another LP chieftain condemned the violent act and called on security agencies to investigate the incident.

Spiritualist in Court for Fraud

A 35-year-old man, Isaac Salau, who claimed to have the powers to exorcise evil spirits, was, on Tuesday, charged with fraud before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court, Lagos. The accused appeared before Magistrate S.K. Matepo for allegedly defrauding one Mrs Franca Iboi of N600,000 under the guise of offering prayers to cleanse her business of evil spirits. Salau pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Victor Eruada, told the court that the accused and his accomplice claimed to be prophets, “whereas, their intention was to defraud. The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum.

OPC Members, Hoodlums Clash in Oyo

About 20 persons were injured and several shops vandalised in Apata area of Ibadan, Oyo State, when members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) clashed with some hoodlums. Although the cause of the clash could not be ascertained, it was learnt that trouble started when some OPC members stormed the area brandishing dangerous weapons. Eyewitnesses alleged that the OPC members fired shots into the air, forcing traders, residents, commercial motorcycle operators and many others to run for their lives. In the ensuing melee, about 20 people, including traders, Okada riders and residents were wounded while some of the hoodlums sustained varied degrees of injuries.

Six Killed in Lagos-Ibadan Road Accident

An accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Highway on Tuesday claimed a 14-month-old baby and five others. The early morning accident, involved a bus in which the victims were travelling from Kano to Lagos. The identities of the dead and the injured could not easily be ascertained. An eyewitness of the crash claimed that the Bus skidded off its lane to another lane before it plunged into a ditch. He said the vehicle was on high speed when the accident occurred. The Ogere Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Abdulraham Sadiq, who confirmed the incident, said that six of the passengers died on the spot while four others, including a baby boy, sustained varying degrees of injuries.

GENERAL

Bomb Explosion Kills 40 in Kaduna

About 40 persons were last weekend killed in Kaduna metropolis in a bomb attack. Kaduna State Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Abubakar Zakari Adamu, who confirmed the deaths, said 13 injured in the blast. State Police Commissioner, Abubakar Mohammed Jingiri, describing the blast, said that the bomber was heading for Kakuri and Sabon Tasha area, when the bomb went off at the Junction/Sardauna Crescent areas. According to a witness, the bomber had attempted to force his way into the ECWA church, but was turned back by church security men. Few minutes after the bomber was turned back; the security man added, there was a loud sound of explosion on Junction Road. The Director General, National Emergency Agency, Mohammed Sani Sidi, said the agency would foot the bills of the injured victims.

40 Killed in Benue Church Collapse

About 40 persons were crushed to death after a Catholic church building collapsed on them at Adamgbe Village, Mbayongo in Vandeikya LGA of Benue State, penultimate Saturday. The worshippers of the St. Roberts Catholic Church Adamgbe, Mbayongo were said to be in the middle of the Easter night vigil when the church wall fell, crushing several people to death.

JTF Foils Bomb Attack in Kano

The timely intervention of Joint Task Force (JTF) operatives in Kano state, on Monday, averted possible deaths as the security men discovered a car laden with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) parked by the roadside. Spokesman of the JTF, Lt. Ikedichi Iweha, disclosed that the bombs were defused by experts and no injury was recorded. Meanwhile, a gang of suspected Boko Haram gunmen also attacked the Divisional Police Headquarters, Unity Bank, and Freedom Hotel at Dikwa in Borno State, killing a former council chairman, Babagana Ali Karim, police sergeant and a civilian.  But the JTF moved swiftly and confronted the alleged attackers and in the process, killed three of the suspects. Many others escaped with bullet wounds as the JTF and the 202 Battalion troops as well as policemen foiled the gunmen’s attempt to bomb the council secretariat complex. Spokesman of JTF, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, confirmed the attacks.

Boko Haram Kills 7 in Borno, Kano

Five people, including a policeman, were killed after the Boko Haram Islamist sect launched a series of attacks in a border town in Borno State. A police station, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) office and a Customs outpost were also attacked by gun-wielding men. It was gathered that when the fundamentalists came into the town, they shot sporadically into the air to cause panic and scare people before moving on to attack the security facilities. The Joint Task Force (JTF) spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, confirmed the attacks in Banki town. He added that some rifles were recovered while private vehicles were damaged by the gunmen. He, however, said they were repelled while attempting to raze down the police station in the town. While in Kano, two businessmen were killed during the Easter holidays.

Gunmen Kill School Boy in Kaduna

Unknown gunmen on Wednesday stormed Rigasa, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna state, killing a secondary school boy in the presence of his mother. The victim identified, Mohammed Sani Adamu, was killed by gunmen who mistook him for a soldier as he was on his Man ’O’ War uniform. Elder brother of the deceased, Alhaji Mohammed Maikudi, who confirmed the incident said the gunmen shot Adamu twice in the presence of their mother who had sent him on errand. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Aminu Lawan, confirmed the incident, saying, investigation has commenced into the killing.

JTF Kills 3 Suspected Boko Haram Members

The Joint Task Force (JTF) said it killed three suspected members of the Boko Haram Islamist sect and arrested two during an encounter in Maiduguri, on Monday. JTF Spokesman, Lt. Colonel Sagir Musa, disclosed that the task force got information on the alleged mastermind of the Maiduguri market shoot out where 11 people were killed on April 4, were located at Bulabullin area in Maiduguri metropolis. Consequence upon this, the exact area was condoned off and searched, which resulted in an attack on the hideout that led to the death of three and arrest of two of the suspected Boko Haram members. He disclosed that one FN rifle, two locally-made pistols and 185 rounds of assorted ammunition were recovered. The JTF also disclosed that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was discovered at Kwanar Yobe area of Maiduguri, and was detonated by experts.

Robbers Attack Prosecutor in Court

Five suspected robbers, on Tuesday, escaped from the police while being arraigned before Magistrate Court 6, Minna, Niger State. The suspects allegedly attacked the police prosecutor attached to the court. The suspected armed robbers were alleged to have been taken to court in the early hours of the day by prison officers, who allegedly abandoned them to the police prosecutor after which they launched the attack in the bid to evade prosecution. It was further learnt that the police prosecutor was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Minna by some concerned members of the public and other sympathisers who came around only after the robbers had escaped from the court premises. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Richard Oguche, confirmed the incident, insisting that it was negligence on the part of the prison warders.

Nigeria, Pakistan Brainstorm to Tackle Terrorism

Nigerian officials and security experts from Pakistan have held meetings to brainstorm on ways of tackling the security challenges facing both countries. The security experts from Pakistani National Defence University, led by Brigadier-General Syed Haider Naqir, were in Abuja to share knowledge in the area of ensuring that their respective nations were secured with the escalating spate of terrorism. It was gathered that talks included communal security and how to carry those living in the rural areas along in the security business. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, called for closer security collaboration between Nigeria and Pakistan. The minister said there was the need for both countries to share experiences and expertise, especially on counter-terrorism.

COAS Urges Soldiers on Preparedness

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. -Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, has charged the Nigerian Army to be battle ready to deal with the current security challenges in the country. Ihejirika made this declaration at the opening of a one-week Commanding Officers’ Workshop with the theme “Enhancing Military Professionalism in the Nigerian Army to Meet Contemporary Challenges.“ He said that the Army would soon introduce specially-trained troops to fight terrorism and sense locations where Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were either planted or manufactured. He said that the Army must work harder through effective operation to improve its intelligence gathering mechanism to win the war against terrorism.

NSCDC Advises Against Unauthorised Arms Bearing Officials

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have advised the public to be wary of any of its officials carrying arms in the name of the Corps. NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Emmanuel Okeh, who gave the advice, reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to having a trained squad that would be allowed to carry arms, stressing that not every personnel of the NSCDC would be allowed to bear arms. He said that the squad was currently undergoing a one month intensive training on arms handling in Kaduna State.  Okeh noted that the Commandant-General, Ade Abolurin, had said that staff of the Corps would be allowed to carry arms only after receiving training in arms handling. He explained that the mental state of the officers would also be evaluated before being allowed to handle arms.

NDLEA Seeks Regional Fight against Drug Trafficking

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, on Monday, tasked regional bodies to be more involved in countering narcotic operations in Africa. Giade made the call following the discovery of new tricks adopted by drug traffickers. He said active participation by regional organisations would boost the campaign to eradicate illicit drugs from societies. He said the intervention of regional bodies had become imperative for a healthy and drug-free life. The NDLEA boss hoped that regional bodies could assist in developing legal frameworks and funding for drug control programmes, reiterating that this way drug control capacity would be greatly enhanced in the continent.

3600 Displaced Fulanis Camped in C'River

Following a violent clash between farmers and herdsmen in Benue State, 3,605 affected persons mostly Fulani nomads are currently taking refuge in four temporary camps in Utanga, Obanliku LGA of Cross River State. A team from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) that visited the camps to provide relief materials confirmed Tuesday in Abuja that the temporary camp is now home to 905 men; 1,499 women and 1,201 children. Director General of NEMA, Muhammad Sani-Sidi, commended the Cross River State Government for accommodating the displaced persons and for providing bore holes, tents and water tanks at the camps, assuring that NEMA will work with interested parties involved in the matter to bring about the best solution.

Army to Tackle Boko Haram with Dogs

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, on Tuesday said that the Army would train a special squad in the art of using dogs to fight Boko Haram. The COAS urged soldiers combating the group in the North to be alive to their duties. He added that the Army would inaugurate 14 speed boats to be used in checking militancy in Niger Delta. Ihejirika said all soldiers must be combat ready at all times, saying that a situation where Boko Haram would engage troops at checkpoints without much resistance was unacceptable. The army chief stressed the need for Commanding Officers to be innovative in tackling the worsening state of insecurity in the country.

Looted Libyan Weapons Now in Nigeria –Minister

Minister of State for Defence, Mrs. Olusola Obada, has confirmed speculations that weapons stolen from Libyan armoury have found their way to Nigeria. In the dying days of the regime of Libyan leader, Col. Muammar Gaddafi, the armoury was looted and some sophisticated weapons were reportedly stolen. There had been unconfirmed reports that some of the looted weapons, which included surface-to-air launchers, had found their way into Nigeria and might be part of the Boko Haram armoury.

Taraba Police Accuse Army of Shielding Soldiers That Killed Policeman

The dispute between the police and the Nigerian Army in Jalingo over the death of a police corporal seems not yet over as the police allege that their man was killed by soldiers. The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Sule, alleged that the accused soldiers are not “fake or unknown soldiers.” The police authorities, he stated, are “aware of the sad incident and we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that those soldiers are brought to book. He however pledged that the command “will do everything possible to ensure that there is no friction between the police and the soldiers in this state.” The victim, Corporal Barnabas Silas, was allegedly killed when he attempted to rescue a colleague, who attempted to stop two soldiers from smoking Indian hemp at a public place. But for the prompt intervention of top senior police officers, a bloodbath would have ensued as the mobile policemen were set to avenge the murder of their colleague.

Suspected Bomber Arrested in Jos

The Special Task Force in Jos on Tuesday arrested a man said to be attempting to plant a bomb at a market in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. The suspect, identified as Monday Davou, was said to have been arrested while assembling materials to set off a bomb at Makera Market. An eagle-eyed man was said to have suspected the movement of the 38-year-old suspect and quickly alerted the security officers nearby who arrested Davou and whisked him away. A security source disclosed that the substances recovered from the suspect were capable of detonating when assembled. It was learnt that among items recovered from him were bomb timers, some quantity of fertiliser and other dangerous substances used in assembling Improvised Explosive Devices. STF spokesman, Capt. Mdahyelya Markus, confirmed the arrest of the suspect.

Air Force Positioned to Tackle Insecurity

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Umar, on Tuesday, said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is better positioned to tackle the security challenges confronting the nation’s airspace. Umar made this disclosure during the launch of the newly refurbished Agusta 109 Helicopter Maintenance Hangar in Lagos. The hangar was refurbished in partnership with Agusta Westland, an Italy-based helicopter design and manufacturing company. According to him, the maintenance hangar would go a long way to save cost as well as ensure self-reliance.

Mass Transfer Hits Police

The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), MD Abubakar, has made a major shake-up in the police force, involving mass movement of officers and other ranks and files nationwide. The mass transfer is with immediate effect. Worst hit in the development were the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in states, zones and at the federal levels and the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), while the various special units at the police formations nationwide, including that of the IGP, had been disbanded. This was coming just as the IGP again warned commissioners of police not to entertain road blocks in their states, but to, instead, go on motorised patrol.

6 Men Die in Zamfara Well

Men of the Zamfara state fire service retrieved the bodies of six people who were trapped in an old abandoned well in a small village of Marke of Bungudu LGA. An eyewitness told the Nigerian Tribune that because of water problem in the community, some able men were assigned to rehabilitate the well. While work went on smoothly on the first day, the second day was tragic after an elderly woman advised them to leave the site, because she sighted an unusual creature around the well on the previous day. The men refused and the two of them entered the well and failed to come out. Four volunteers that entered the well to rescue them also failed to come out. The fire services, who were contacted to retrieve the bodies of the men trapped in the well, finally succeeded in bringing out the corpses of the six deceased men.

Soldiers Storm Kogi after Bomb Discovery

Armed military men have taken over Kogi state following the mass discovery of bombs in Kabba, Okene and Ogaminana, Adavi LGAs. It was gathered that security agents are also monitoring activities of some suspected religious sects in the state. No arrest had been made, however, it was gathered that the suspects that were killed in Okene when the bomb factory was discovered were robbers and not Boko Haram members.

SSS, NOA to Collaborate on Intelligence

The State Security Service (SSS) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have agreed to collaborate in the areas of intelligence gathering and sharing that will be mutually beneficial to both organisations and the country. Director-General of SSS, Ekpenyong Ita, made this known, last weekend, when he received the Director-General of the NOA, Mike Omeri, at the SSS head office. The SSS DG announced the willingness of the SSS to build the capacity of NOA in this regard. He appealed to all Nigerians to avail the SSS of intelligence reports to facilitate pro-active strategies as against reactionary security measures.

Borno Police Rewards Informant with N.5m Bounty

Borno State Police Command, Monday, paid N500000 as bounty to a man, who gave out information that led the police to foil a planned assassination of a clergyman. Speaking during the presentation of the cash to the man whose name was not given for security purpose, the Borno State Police Commissioner, Bala Hassan, said the informant gave out the information that led to the arrest of two hoodlums and recovery of arms. He asked the other residents of the town to borrow a leaf from the informant, and restated that with adequate information, the level of insecurity in the state would have been arrested.

LASSA Fever: 5000 Nigerians Killed Annually –Expert

Between 100,000 to 300,000 Nigerians are being infected with Lassa fever virus on a yearly basis, while record has shown that about 5,000 have died, according statistics revealed by a medical expert, Catherine Ayegboyin. Ayegboyin, a trained Nurse, said the disease had been rampant in countries like Sierra-Leone, Guinea Republic, Liberia and Nigeria, while its causative agent was mainly rodents. Aside from being spread through urine and faeces of rodents dropped on foods, Ayegboyin added that the disease was contagious as it could spread through inhaling of the viral disease.  She urged Nigerians to imbibe the habit of personal and environmental hygiene.

Minister Concerned over Sexual Violence against Women

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina, has expressed concern over the prevalent rate of sexual violence against women, noting that such violation was the second most prevalent violations against women in Nigeria. The minister explained that the conclusion was based on a recent statistics on reported cases of gender-based violence gathered from 18 states of the federation. “The statistics show that sexual violence ranks second among all the violation. Maina added that rape had taken the top position in recent times and was frequently targeted at female victims of various ages.

INTERNATIONAL

14 Killed in Afghan Suicide Attack

A suicide bombing outside a district administrator's office in western Afghanistan killed 14 people, including three police officers, and wounded 22 others, a police official said on Monday. The attack took place in the Guzara district of Herat province when a man in an SUV tried to enter the administrator's office compound, according Saeed Agha Saqib, the provincial police chief. The bomber detonated his explosives when security forces wouldn't let him through.

Navy Serviceman Arrested over Submarine Shooting

A Royal Navy serviceman has been arrested over a shooting on board a nuclear-powered submarine which left one of his colleagues dead and a second with life-threatening injuries. Local civic dignitaries, including the mayor and council leader, were on board at the time of the incident. The Ministry of Defence said the shooting was not terrorist-related and there was no threat to the wider public. Police and the Ministry of Defence have yet to confirm reports that the person who died in the shooting was a Royal Navy officer. Armed police, firefighters, paramedics and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance helicopter were sent to the dockside where the submarine was berthed.

Syria will Respect Ceasefire - Kofi Annan

The UN and Arab League envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, has said he has received assurances from Damascus that it will respect his ceasefire plan. Speaking during a visit to Iran, Mr Annan said there could be "improved conditions on the ground" by Thursday morning, if all sides did so. On Tuesday, the government failed to withdraw its troops and weaponry from population centres as it had agreed. There was also no let-up in violence, with at least 100 people reported dead. Activists said there was fresh shelling in Homs and military activity in other cities overnight and into Wednesday morning. There were also reports of shooting across the border with Turkey, with bullets landing in a refugee camp.

China, Philippines in Naval Standoff

The Philippines said, on Wednesday, that its largest naval vessel is engaged in a standoff with two Chinese maritime surveillance ships in a remote lagoon in the South China Sea. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said the country's navy had sent the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a 378-foot cutter, to the area of Scarborough Shoal on Sunday after surveillance aircraft spotted eight Chinese fishing boats anchored inside the lagoon. China and the Philippines both claim that Scarborough Shoal, about 200 kilometers west of the Philippine mainland, is "an integral part" of their territory. A boarding team from the Gregorio del Pilar went to inspect the Chinese fishing boats Tuesday morning and found "large amounts of illegally collected corals, giant clams and live sharks" inside one of the boats, but that the two Chinese surveillance ships had arrived and taken up a position at the mouth of the lagoon, blocking the way to the fishing boats and "preventing the arrest" of the fishermen.