Weekly Security Report Weekly Report week3 week3
GENERAL
136 Escape Death as BA Flight Crashlands
A British Airways passenger plane, Thursday crash-landed short of a runway at Heathrow Airport, London. This was the first mishap involving a Boeing 777 aircraft since it was launched in 1995. All 136 passengers and 16 members of crew survived.
AFRICOM Ship Heads for Gulf of Guinea
Despite opposition to United States African Command’s (AFRI-COM), the command, Wednesday, said that its “amphibious dock landing ship” was heading to the Gulf of Guinea in an initiative to enhance security in the West African sub-region.
Army Court-Martials 15 Officers Over Missing Arms
Fifteen army officers are currently facing a court martial in Kaduna over alleged disappearance of arms and ammunition from the armoury. Large sums of money are also alleged to have been found in the accounts of some of the accused persons. The weapons were subsequently traced to militants in the Niger Delta.
Lamorde Formally Takes Over EFCC
Newly appointed Acting Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Lamorde, formally assumed duties at the anti-graft agency, Monday. Lamorde would serve in the period Mr. Nuhu Ribadu would be away on course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
House Insists On Merging ICPC, EFCC
The House of Representatives insists on going through with the proposed merger of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The Code of Conduct Tribunal may be left out of the merger.
Minimum Wage: Army Sacks Finance Director
The Nigerian Army has sacked its Finance Director, Maj. Gen. J.O. Lartey, for allegedly misinforming the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Luka Yusuf, and for issuing a signal on behalf of Yusuf, saying that the Army was not owing its personnel. Investigations revealed that the Army had failed to pay the 15 per cent salary increase approved one year ago.
Gov Seeks Deployment Of Military In Troubled Kogi Zone
Governor of Kogi State, Idris Ibrahim, Thursday, explained his request that President Yar'Adua should deploy military to the Kogi Central Senatorial zone, saying that unless arms in the area are mopped up, it would continue to be crisis-prone and the military would play a leading role in disarming the youths in the area.
Kenya: FG Ready to Evacuate Nigerians
As the Kenyan crisis worsens after the hotly disputed presidential election, the Government of Nigeria has said arrangements are in place to evacuate Nigerians in Kenya if necessary. Over 700 persons have died as a result of the violence.
Senate Queries Concession of $100m Rail System for $5m
Senate has frowned at the decision to concession the nation’s rail system valued at over $100m to Global Steel Infrastructure Limited (GSIL), for a paltry $5m. GSIL is currently under investigation by the Senate, to unravel identities of the owners.
Bakassi: House Sends Treaty Back to Yar’Adua
The House of Representatives, Thursday, agreed to return the Green Tree Agreement (GTA) between Nigeria and Cameroun to President Yar'Adua for re-presentation in the form of a bill. The agreement spells out the modalities for Nigeria's withdrawal from Bakassi Peninsula and eventual transfer to Cameroon.
Nigeria To Earn N16.912bn Daily From Oil In “08
Nigeria is to earn N16.912bn daily in 2008 from oil sales under the budget agreement deal worked out between the National Assembly and the presidency. The daily oil revenue was arrived at on the basis of 2.45m bpd at a price of $59 per barrel. The figure is exclusive of deductions by oil companies and other production costs.
Militants Advise Yar'adua
Militant groups in the Niger Delta have called on President Umar Yar Adua to put more efforts at resolving the issues in the Niger Delta. They said the initial peace process collapsed because some of those handling it failed to table the critical issues before the presidency and how best they could be handled.
NNPC: Offshore Big Fields Saves Nigeria’s Output
• Insists FG won’t increase oil prices
In spite of the disruption of oil exploitation and exploration activities, Nigeria’s export remains largely unaffected because of the offshore big field, according to an NNPC top official who also dispelled rumours that there were plans to increase fuel prices.
Top Nigeria Police Officer Nabbed For Tipping Off Crime Syndicate
A ‘high-ranking’ Nigerian police officer has been arrested for tipping-off a drug and prostitution syndicate. The headmistress of an orphanage was also arrested as the syndicate tried to sneak two orphans into Italy. The Italian chief anti-mafia prosecutor also announced that Italian and Dutch police have dismantled a Nigerian crime ring that smuggled drugs into Europe and forced women into prostitution.
Police Nab Four Fake EFCC Operatives
Police in Niger State on Tuesday arrested four men falsely posing as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the residence of a businessman. The fake detectives had attempted to extort N5m from the businessman.
Obasanjo Misapplied PTDF’s money’
The Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed, on Thursday said that former President Olusegun Obasanjo misapplied money belonging to the Fund. Mohammed said that Obasanjo did not only decide PTDF projects, he also supervised the release of funds for their execution.
Unclear Policy On Gas Is Responsible For Gas Flaring – Eterna Oil Boss
The inability of the government to stop gas flaring in the country has been blamed on the Niger Delta crisis and lack of clear policy on gas. Ibrahim Boyi, managing director of Eterna Oil and Gas Plc said efforts by the government and oil companies to achieve zero flare would be a nullity until these issues were resolved.
Nigeria’s Promises On Oil Output May Be Geared To OPEC
Nigeria’s pledge to increase oil output by 1 million barrels a day may be aimed at getting larger production quotas from OPEC rather than an accurate reflection of the country’s capacity, the International Energy Agency said.
Oil Bunkering: NSCDC Impounds 89 Tankers
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said on Wednesday that it had impounded not less than 89 tankers involved in oil bunkering. Those arrested had been handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Yar’adua To Train Corruption Monitors
President Umaru Yar’Adua said, Tuesday that he was aware of the perception of his administration as slowing down the war against corruption. He, however, announced plans to appoint and train corruption monitors to check activities of public officials.
EFCC: Ibori Denied Bail Again
Former Delta State Governor James Ibori returned to prison custody on Tuesday as the Court deferred ruling on his bail application till January 31.
Poor Logistics Cripple Nigerian Troops In Liberia
The UN has noted its "disappointment" at the poor logistics holding of the Nigerian Contingent serving in the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
NNPC, Traders Disagree Over New Fuel Import Contracts
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and refined oil importers have disagreed over a premium margin placed on new contract. The traders are asking for a margin between $90 and $100 per metric tonnes of petroleum products.
4 Killed in Protest Over Transformers
Four youths, including a pregnant woman were, Tuesday, killed by Policemen in Kaduna when they took to the street to protest against lack of electricity for over a year. Also injured were 18 policemen who were manhandled by the youths. The state government swiftly ordered the immediate installation of a 200 KV transformer in the area.
Pipeline Vandalisation, Bane of Functional Refineries’
The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG), has declared that refineries in the country would not function efficiently, if the Government does not intensify efforts to stop pipeline vandalism.
FG To Withdraw SSS, Others From Anti-graft Bodies
Federal Government is perfecting plans to withdraw the services of the State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and others from anti-corruption agencies. This is part of the government's strategy to reorganise the anti-graft bodies.
Six Dismissed Police Officers To Face The Law
The six police officers dismissed last week for engaging in sale of arms and ammunition to criminals will face the full weight of the law, the police authorities have said. Full investigation on the scandal has begun.
Lawmakers Call For Awareness Committee On Communal Clashes
Lawmakers in Borno State have resolved that an Awareness Campaign Committee should be established to enlighten the people of the state on the dangers of communal clashes. They also called on the state governor to immediately provide relief materials to victims of such clashes in the state.
Customs In Fresh Bribery Scandal
The United States government has uncovered a case of a huge bribe allegedly paid to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officials by Panalpina World Transport Limited. They alleged that a $2m bribe was paid by Panalpina on behalf of Vetco International to NCS officials so as to charge them lower duties and tariffs.
Reps Probe Banks, NNPC Over N17bn Pension Fund
House of Representatives has launched a probe into amount paid by Zenon Petroleum to acquire AP Petroleum shares, with claims that the money was lodged in some banks by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Pension Fund.
FRSC Arrests 12,589 Traffic Offenders
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that in 2007, it arrested a total of 12,589 road traffic offenders in Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti states, 51% higher than the 2006 figures. The offenders have been given the mandatory public education.
Shell Downgrades Directors, Sacks Workers
The re-organisation in Shell entered the second phase on Friday as 53 managers were appointed to man the company’s strategic units in Nigeria. The positions of directors and general managers have been phased out in the oil firm. Those occupying the positions before now were either downgraded as managers or sacked.
Prisons Service Defends Execution Of Convicts
The Nigerian Prisons Service has defended the execution of seven condemned prisoners at the Enugu Prison in 2006, claiming the execution was “legal and followed due process”. Amnesty International reveals that some of those executed did not have lawyers and were denied an opportunity to appeal, even though they denied committing the crime.
EU Proposes More Projects In Niger Delta
The European Union has approved the implementation of more micro projects in six states of the Niger Delta. The projects would be implemented under the ongoing EU Micro Projects Programme in the six states (MPP6) and has a budget of €42m.
Scandal-Hit Interpol Chief Quits
The president of the International Police Agency (Interpol), Jackie Selebi, has resigned following his recent suspension as South Africa's national police commissioner for allegedly receiving $170,000 from a convicted criminal. South African prosecutors say he would be charged with corruption. Mr Selebi denies it.
EFCC Clears Obasanjo Of Graft Allegations
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have cleared former President Olusegun Obasanjo of allegations of corruption against him while in office as no evidence of corruption had been established against him.
PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS
Brass LNG Project on Track –MD
Managing Director, Brass LNG Limited, Vincenzo Di Lorenzo, has said the multi-billion dollar project in Brass, Bayelsa State, is on track and the 2013 completion date for the first phase will be met. Also, he said the project, which has so far gulped $550m, has the full backing of the promoters and the host communities.
10 Killed In Border Clash
Ten persons were feared dead and scores of others wounded in a clash at the Nigeria-Cameroun border. Hundreds of people are said to have fled their homes since the fight began two weeks ago in the remote Akwaya border region.The fight is between the Nigerian Yive community and the people of Oliti in Cameroun.
Govt Rejects Ateke Tom‘s Ceasefire
The Rivers State Government said on Wednesday said it would not accept the ceasefire declared by the leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Movement, Ateke Tom, until he surrendered his weapons. Tom had earlier in the week announced a ceasefire in the state.
Duke, Wife To Face ICPC Over N4.3bn Loot
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited the former Cross River State governor, Mr. Donald Duke, and his wife, Onari, over alleged looting of N4.3 billion belonging to the state while in office.
Okada Ban: JTF, Police Impound over 300 Motorcycles in Yenagoa
More than 300 hundred motorcycles otherwise known as okada were seized in Yenagoa by a detachment of the JTF and the Police for flouting the state government's directive that they should stay off the roads between 7pm and 6am.
Port Harcourt Burnt Vessel, An Accident – FG
Investigation of the fire that consumed an oil vessel in Port Harcourt, penultimate Friday showed it was an accident. According to Information and Communications Minister, John Odey, the fire occurred as a result of "technical defect, in the vessel and not sabotage as claimed by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).
Fire Wreaks Havoc In Enugu
Properties worth over N100m were destroyed in Enugu State, Tuesday, in two separate fire incidents involving a transport company at Nsukka and a mechanic village along Agbani road. The fire at Nsukka was allegedly caused by children playing, while that at Agbani is yet to be ascertained.
Army Tightens Security In Port Harcourt Barracks
Soldiers have tightened up security at its Port Harcourt Army Barracks (Bori Camp). The army PRO in the state said the development had nothing to do with threat by militants, but is merely in conformity with military tradition worldwide.
N/Delta Militants Attack Six Oil Vessels, Threaten More
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it sponsored gunmen who shot at six oil vessels in the Bonny River channel last Wednesday, in which two people were injured. MEND threatens a bigger attack. Shell’s spokesman confirmed the attack, saying that one of the vessels belongs to the company.
RSG Takes-Over Ateke Tom’s Properties
Rivers State government has plans to convert Tom Ateke’s properties to government’s use. The state governor, Rotimi Amaechi directed the state ministry of health to move into Ateke’s base in Okrika, and build a health centre.
Enugu Governor Slumps At Parade Ground
Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime, Tuesday, slumped at the Okpara Square venue of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Enugu. Chime went down, momentarily, after laying a wreath at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier.
Gunmen Attack Vessel, NPA GM'S Convoy
Gunmen, Monday, attacked a floating vessel, named Liberty, around Aker base in Rivers State. This coincided with an attack on the convoy of the NPA General Manager (South-East), Mr Sotonye Etomi, around Borikiri area of the state, which claimed the life of his driver, and left two police escorts injured.
25 Ex-Soldiers Die In Bayelsa
No fewer than 25 ex-Servicemen from Bayelsa State died last year due to poor medical attention and welfare, the state chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Captain Francis Boro (rtd) has said. Boro, however, give details of how his colleagues died.
NNPC/Chevron JV Partners Community In N560m Contracts
As part of Chevron’s new community engagement model, the Global Memorandum of Understanding, the Egbema Gbaramatu Central Development Committee (EGCDC) of Delta State has awarded contracts for the execution of 24 projects worth N560m.
Ex-Governor Named In Report On Cultism
A former governor of Rivers state has been accused of owning a cult group called K-12. This was contained in a ‘200-paged’ documentary evidence on cultism Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark, who listed about 123 groups operating in the state. But Rivers state Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, said the AK-12 is only a political group.
BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS
Edo Police Arrest Three Children In Lieu Of Their Father
The Police in Edo State have arrested three female children in lieu of their father in the Akoko-Edo council area. Their ages range between nine, 12 and 14 years old. Their father, Mr. Segun Okongo, has been at-large since the police declared him wanted over charges of conduct capable of breaching the peace.
Itsekiri At War With Warri Petrochemical
Three Itsekiri communities in Delta state on Monday, protested alleged refusal of the NNPC to clean up and pay them compensation for the spill of July 3, last year. The protesters locked up the WRPC Jetty and prevented movement in and out of the facility and vowed that the protest would continue until they get their demand.
11 Feared Killed In Delta Auto Crash
11 people on Wednesday lost their lives at Agbor Delta state in a fatal auto crash. They were said to be on their way to Abuja after the burial of their elder brother. Involved in the accident were a trailer and two cars.
LAGOS AND ENVIRONS
Two Die From Kerosene Explosion In Ibadan
Two persons, a teenager and a 40-year old housewife have died from explosions suspected to be caused by adulterated kerosene at Ibadan, Oyo state. Five others are said to be in critical conditions at the Hospital.
Youths Ask NDDC, Oil Firms To Account For Oil Revenue
Youth associations of Ilaje in Ondo State on Sunday asked the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the state government and oil companies operating in the area to account for the revenue that accrued to the state from oil proceeds and the FG. They warned of dire consequences should the bodies fail to comply.
Boy 14, Others, Spend Ten Years In Prison Awaiting Trial
Four armed robbery suspects standing trial before a Lagos High Court are still in prison custody ten years after their trial commenced. The Investigating Police Officer (IPO) has not been in court since the trial began 10 years ago. The court was begged to close the evidence of the IPO so as to allow others testify.
Apapa Port: FG May Shut Down 16 Tank Farms
16 petroleum storage facilities at the Apapa port complex face the risk of being sanctioned for causing traffic congestion. The threat came in the wake of a report by Committee on Traffic Decongestion of Federal Roads. The committee recommended that the 16 tank farms be suspended from operations for failing to meet the requirements for provision of Holding Bay after the January 1 deadline.
Unusual Robbery Strategies Of 13-Yr-Old Robbery Whizkids
Four primary school boys whose ages were put between thirteen and fourteen years were ushered into Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) premises in Dugbe, Ibadan, for alleged armed robbery. Recovered from the kids was a locally made pistol, which the children admitted they used for their operations.
OPC Rejects Nuclear Power Stations In S/West
Founder of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Fasehun, has condemned the plan to have four of the seven nuclear power plants sited in the South West. He warned that the west would reject such plans.
How Suspected Gunmen Killed AIG, By Police
The Lagos State Police Command has given details of how a retired Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Mr Ejiro Akpowowo, was killed by suspected robbers at Ajah, Lagos, on Monday. The retired AIG ran into a gang of robbers, who upon realizing he was an ex-serviceman opened fire and shot him at close range
Hoodlums Attack Fasoranti, Afenifere Leader
Unidentified assailants stormed the Akure home of the acting Chairman of the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, and inflicted serious injuries on him. The Ondo State Command confirmed the incident.