Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 5

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GENERAL

Missing Arms: Army Vows To Sanction Culprits

The Nigerian Army has declared that none of its officers found wanting in the disappearance of arms and ammunition will go free. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Giwa-Amu said that the issue of arms and ammunition in Kaduna is one where the Army could investigate and discipline those involved. In line with that the army authorities have retired a Major-General, while 15 other officers face court marshal.

FG Orders Probe Of Defence Ministry Fire

The Federal Government has ordered a probe into Saturday’s fire at the Ministry of Defence, Abuja. The fire from the main store spiralled to the building from the perimeter fence behind the building.

US: No Plan for Military Base in Nigeria

The United States on Wednesday clarified its African Command (AFRICOM) project, maintaining that there was no plan to establish a military base in Nigeria, explaining that AFRICOM is a new US Military headquarters devoted solely to Africa to enable the US government agencies work in concert with African partners to achieve a more stable environment to ensure political and economic growth.

Akunyili Wants Life Sentence For Fake Drug Dealers

Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Prof. Dora Akunyili, has called for life sentence, with no option of fine, for fake and counterfeit drug dealers., saying that the law against drug counterfeiting and adulteration was ``too weak".

FG Assures Nigerians in Kenya of Safety

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, assured Nigerians in the  crisis-torn Kenya of their safety.  Plans have commenced in accordance with the NASS directive and contingency arrangements are being made in the event that it becomes necessary for Nigerians to be evacuated,'' he said.

FG May Clampdown on Militants, Says Mark

Senate President, Senator David Mark has warned militants and their sponsors in the Niger Delta region that the Federal Government would no longer fold its  arms and allow criminals undermine the genuine agitation for development in the area.

Senate Gives Airlines Deadline To Pay Plane Crash Victims

The Senate has given airline operators in the country a two-month ultimatum to pay compensation to victims of plane crashes. It also expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged misapplication of the N19.5 billion Aviation Intervention Fund.

Warring Darfur Parties Agree To Unify Positions

There are renewed hopes that parties to the Darfur crisis may sheathe their swords soon. They have agreed to unify their positions at the peace talks with Darfur rebel movements in order to strengthen the government of national unity.

Senate Panel Probes Alleged Fake Naval Outfit

The Senate has set up a committee to probe the activities of a naval outfit (the Merchant Navy Corps) alleged to be illegally operating in Lagos with 52,000 men.

560 Test Positive To HIV/AIDS In Katsina

Katsina Action Committee on AIDS has said 560 out of about 2,120 persons have tested HIV/AIDS positive in state between July 2007 and January 2008.

UN Intervenes In Niger Delta Crisis

The United Nations said on Wednesday that it had intervened in addressing the Niger Delta crisis. The UN Under-Secretary General, Mr. Ad Melkert, said the UN was a committed and constructive partner in addressing the Niger Delta crisis. The UN involvement would be in the area of defining the agenda for the oil rich region.

Judicial Workers Threaten To Go On Strike

The on going cases at the election tribunals, across the nation might be disrupted following threats by judicial workers to embark on an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the 15 per cent increase in their salaries.

FG Declares State Of Emergency In Health Sector

Federal Government has declared a state of emergency in the health sector following reports of an outbreak of communicable diseases from various states of the country. Cholera and Measles outbreak were reported in some states resulting in 34 deaths nationwide, attributed to shortage of potable water as well as poor environmental sanitation. Experts have been dispatched to the endemic areas.

Bauchi Police Records 100 Murder Cases

Bauchi State police command recorded 100 murder cases in 72 homicide incidents in the State last year. The command also recorded over 25 suicides in 2007.

House to Probe $10bn Power Sector Spending

The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to carry out a thorough investigation into how $10bn was expended on power generation and distribution.

Police Expel 26 Recruits with HIV/AIDS

Twenty six police recruits were expelled from the Police College, Kaduna for testing positive to HIV/AIDS.  A coalition of civil societies against discrimination of HIV/AIDS victims, have expressed concern over the action. But the Commandant of the College denied that they were expelled because of their HIV/AIDS status.

N1.69trn Crude Sent To Non-Functioning Refineries In 2007

Little drops of crude oil sent monthly to refineries not working may have accumulated to as much as $14.04 billion, about N1.69 trillion last years. Meanwhile, experts want the National Assembly to investigate what happens to crude oil sent by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to moribund refineries.

New Crime Bill Underway – AGF

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Michael Aondoakaa, has said a crime bill is in the offing, to enhance detection, tracing and recovery of proceeds of corruption and organised crime. He said the Bill will include non-conviction-based confiscation, to complement existing conviction-based system.

Kenyan Crisis: House Seeks Evacuation of Nigerians

Following the escalating violence in Kenya, the House of Representatives has passed a motion urging the Federal Government to evacuate Nigerians from the country.

World Bank Okays N1.2b To Upgrade Nigeria's Airport

Poor infrastructure in Nigerian airports will be addressed with a N1.2bn World Bank facility. The money would be used to upgrade infrastructure and navigational aids at the airports. The project will be supervised by World Bank officials.

AU Summit Opens, Gadaffi Threatens To Dump Africa

Libyan leader Muammar Gadaffi, has threatened to abandon Africa to its fate if the continent's leaders who meet in Ethiopia again reject his proposals for closer unity. He blamed the governments of English-speaking African states with the exception of Nigeria for blocking the proposal on behalf of "colonial interests.".

Defence Chief Inaugurates Panel To Reposition Armed Forces

Fresh moves towards modernisation of Nigeria's military were taken Wednesday as Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Owoye Andrew Azazi, inaugurated a 20-man committee charged with repositioning of the Nigerian Armed Forces among the best in the world. The work of the committee, the Defence chief stated, would elevate the Nigerian military to world class standards by the year 2025.

100 Feared Dead In Congo Lake Mishap

A boat mishap on Lake Tanganyika, off the Democratic Republic of Congo, has claimed about 100 lives. Though few details are known about the accident, a Congolese maritime official said there was no survivor. Bad weather causes several accidents on the lake at this time of year, but rarely is such a big boat affected.

North Korea Seeks Military Pact With Nigeria

North Korea has solicited a military pact with Nigeria to deepen both countries' cooperation on military matters. The country's Ambassador, Ri Chan Ho, said that both Korea and Nigeria have a lot to learn from each other and the pact  will place both of them on sound military footing globally.

NLC Wants Current Petrol Price To Remain Beyond 2008

The Nigeria Labour Congress wants the current N70 fuel price extended beyond June 2008 just as it has called for a general wage increase. It also wants the government to intervene in the creation of jobs by expanding public works.

Army Chief Warns Soldiers Against Killing Civilians

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Lucas Yusuf, Monday, warned soldiers against killing innocent civilians.  Yusuf also said that the problem in the Niger Delta has reached the point where it is seen as a threat to national security, explaining that the political solution instead of military option was the  best to solve the crisis.

Yar’Adua Assures Investors In Oil, Gas

The FG, Tuesday, assured oil and gas industry operators of adequate funding in 2008. Nigeria has agreed with foreign companies on a joint investment of $15.2bn in oil ventures this year and seeks debt finance to foot part of its share of the bill.

Bankole Gives Condition for Removal of Immunity Clause

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, has said that the House would decide on the removal of the immunity clause after the trial of the ex-governors who allegedly enriched themselves while in office, saying that it is after they have been tried and convicted that the lawmakers would justify its removal.

Japaul Looks To 45 Percent Increase In Dividends

The management of Japaul Oil and Maritime Services has said that its growing business outlook may lead to 45 percent increase in dividends to shareholders this year. The company also intends to push 2008 projections further by 50 percent.

Senator Recommends Stiffer Penalties For Sexual Offences

Senator Chris Anyanwu has recommended stiffer penalties for sexual offences, saying this will serve as deterrent to would-be offenders and go a long way in stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS. The senate is already considering the bill.

FG Recovers N115.8bn From Oil Sector

President Yar‘Adua on Tuesday said that Government had recovered more than about N115.8bn from the oil sector through probes by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).The NEITI ensures due process and transparency in all payments and receipts made between the Federal Government and operators in the extractive industry.

UN Mission: Nigeria, Norway Partner On Police Training

Nigeria at the weekend in New York signed a ``Letter of Intent'' with Norway for the training of Nigerian police officers on UN peace keeping missions.

Yar’Adua Set To Sack Non-Performing Ministers

President Yar’Adua is set to sack non-performing ministers.  He has set up a panel to assess the performance of Ministers.

Britain Probes Mint Over Fraud In Nigeria

The British Serious Fraud Office has launched investigations into the influx of fraudulent mails from Nigeria and the alleged involvement of the Royal Mint in the printing of coins for the Central Bank of Nigeria. The probe follows rising involvement of British firms abroad in corruption.

Senate Dumps Security Reports, Confirms Marwa, Chikwe, Nwite

The Senate on Tuesday threw out the contentious security reports that have, until yesterday, threatened to confirmation of appointment of former Lagos State Military Administrator, Brigadier-General Buba  Marwa, former Aviation Minister, Dr Kema Chikwe and Third Republic Senator, Polycarp Nwite as ambassadors.

Nigeria Crude Oil Reserves Drops By 2bn Barrels

Nigerias’ Crude oil reserve base of about 35 billion barrels, may have declined to about 33 barrels.  Director of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr Tony Chukwueke, cautioned that if the deepwater technology does not catch up with the country, attaining four million barrels per production by 2010 will remain a mirage.

Gas Flare-Out: ‘No Going Back on Dec. Date’

The Federal Government on Tuesday assured that there was no going back on the December 31, 2008 deadline for oil companies in the country to stop gas flaring.

ECOWAS Wades Into Nigerian Traders, Ghana Face-Off

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has waded into the face-off between Nigerian traders in Ghana and the Ghanaian government. The government had closed down some Nigerian traders' shops, following a new law mandating foreigners to have a minimum capital of $350,000 to do business.

Nigeria's Crude Production Soars, Meets OPEC Quota

Nigeria's crude production has appreciated in the last two months following government directives that oil firms should increase output from the deep offshore fields. Nigeria now meets its daily production quota of 2.1m barrels per day as dictated by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Stakeholders Query Delay In Review Of 2007 Oil Bid Round

Stakeholders have queried the delay in the review of the 2007 bid round. The delay had delayed the signing of the Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) in order to commence exploration and production activities on the new blocks. The 2007 bid round was ravaged by claims of lack of transparency in the exercise.

Youths Protest Colleague's Death, Burn Police Station

Travellers on the Abuja-Lafia Road were at the weekend held up by demonstrating youths at Mararraba-Akunza, following the alleged killing of one of them by the police. The young man was allegedly shot dead by policemen who were on the trail of some armed robbers who had earlier attacked a brothel.

Govt May Lose N1.85bn Over Cement Firm Closure

The Federal Government may lose about N1.85bn as compensation for the closure of a cement factory in Ibeto, Anambra State by former President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration. This is because the National Assembly may include the amount in the 2008 budget for the factory’s losses since its closure.

Shell Suspends Reorganisation, Maintains Status Quo

Shell Petroleum Development Company, on Friday announced the suspension of its restructuring exercise and that the status quo would remain pending agreement with the Federal Government. The reorganisation entered a second phase two weeks ago. An unspecified number of workers were asked to go on retirement leave.

Oil Price: US to Shore up Economy

United States Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke, has said that the US central bank was ready to take substantial measures to shore up the economy. Bernanke’s comments helped ease a growing sense of gloom about the US economy, which some economists say could slip into recession. That would hit demand from the world's top oil consumer.

Govt Probes Police Equipment Body

Investigation has been launched into the operations of the Police Equipment Foundation (PEF). The probe follows alleged mismanagement of funds. The fund reportedly spent more than N5bn on car gifts in the guise of strengthening national security.

Nigeria Targets N6tr From Crude Oil

Nigeria expects to earn N6tn from crude oil sales in 2008, according to a document from the Ministry of Finance. The target is lower than the N7tr reported as income from crude sales in 2006 when oil price went close to $70 per barrel.

Minister Raises C’tte on Ship Repairs

The Federal Government has signified its intension to develop the maritime sector by harnessing the enormous potentials available in the area. The Minister of State for Water Transportation, Prince John Emeka said this as he inaugurated a 9-member Committee on Ship Repairs and Maintenance on Thursday.

Shagari Bemoans Poverty Level In The North

Second Republic president, Shehu Shagari, has lamented the high poverty level in Northern Nigeria which he said was due to the absence of financial institutions in the region. He said no nation can make meaningful progress without strong financial institutions and called on banks to provide soft loans to rural residents.

Only 517 Cabin Crew Have Valid Licences – NCAA

Only 517, out of the 1,103 cabin crew on the register of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have valid licences, the Authority has said. Mr. The development made it imperative to remind cabin crews of the need to re-validate their licences.

Recapitalisation: NAICOM to Liquidate 7 Insurance Companies

National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has begun liquidating seven insurance companies, who failed to raise their respective capital base as directed in 2005. The companies are Metropolitan General Insurance, Sun Insurance, Mutual Assurance Limited, Presidential Insurance, Trust world Insurance, The Lion of Africa Insurance and Energy & Special Risks Insurance Company Limited.

UN Meeting Targets Corrupt Leaders

A global drive to repatriate monies in assets stolen by corrupt leaders may soon begin as a United Nations (UN) anti-corruption conference opened in Indonesia. The UN Convention against Corruption (UNCC), came into force three years ago and requires members to make corruption a criminal offence, as well as binding them to return stolen assets.

Peace, Security Recipe For Development, Says Okiro

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mr. Mike Okiro, has hinged the success of the on-going socio-economic and political reforms in the country on peace and security. He said without peace, the envisaged economic boom will remain a dream.

Council Chairman, Orderly, Driver Shot Dead

Chairman of Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr. Samuel Gwamna, was, Monday, along with his orderly and driver killed by unknown people.

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

A'Ibom Petitions Govt Over Ceded Oil Wells

The Akwa Ibom State government has petitioned the Federal Government over alleged ceding of 186 oil wells to Rivers State. Governor Godswill Akpabio, says the action has deprived the state of about N4bn monthly from the derivation funds.

Communities, Brass LNG Sign Lease Agreement

The deed for land lease of the site on which the Brass Natural Liquefied Gas (NLG) plant is to be built has been signed by the company and the three host communities in Bayelsa state. The State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva urged the company to practice good corporate governance and carry the three host communities along in the scheme of things.

Gunmen Attack Firm In Port Harcourt

About 60 gunmen, Tuesday, attacked Al-Marine, a division of John Holt Company situated at Borokiri in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. They shot sporadically for about two hours and made away with the company's equipment, machines and money.

Gunmen Kill A'Ibom Speaker's Aide

Unknown gunmen on Monday killed an aide to the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly at his home town.

Shell Donates N92m Buses To Bayelsa Communities

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on Wednesday donated buses worth N92m to the host communities of Gbarain-Ubie Integrated Oil and Gas project at Bayelsa state to strengthen relationship between the host communities and the multinational companies.

Demilitarise Niger Delta, CLO urges govt

An immediate removal of soldiers from the Niger Delta has been canvassed by the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO). President of the group, Mr. Tinus Maun, however, appealed to the militants to lay down their arms and join others to find workable solutions to the problems in the region.

Rivers State: Oil Companies To Lose Operating Licence Over Petroleum Tax

Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has threatened oil companies operating in the state with operating license revocation, as he alleged that “most of the companies were no longer paying their taxes to the state.

RSG Tasks Companies On Employment

Rivers State Commissioner for Health has called on multi-nationals to employ Rivers indigenes into key positions to reduce unemployment in the state.

Soldiers To Secure Project Sites In Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State government may seek federal assistance to deploy troops in project sites, alleging that some youths harass and intimidate contractors handling the road projects being executed by the government.

Lecturer Paraded For Rape, Robbery

The police have arrested a lecturer with the Ebonyi State University, for allegedly raping one of his female students at gun-point and robbing his victim of N10, 000 and a Motorola telephone set.

Kidnapped Abia Lawmaker Released

An Abia State Lawmeker, Chief Monday Ajaegbu, kidnapped last Wednesday in Umuahia, has been released.He explained that the kidnapping was not connected with the violence that trailed the Jan. 19 cancellation of election in Isuikwuato.

Militants Threaten Fresh War

A militant group in the Niger-Delta, has threatened to fresh hostilities if the Federal Government does not release the over N242 billion owed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which President Yar’Adua says is expired.

Police Arrest 27 Crime Suspects In Enugu

The police in Enugu on Wednesday paraded 27 crime suspects. The suspects were arrested at various points while the sum of N200, 000 was recovered from a robbery suspect, who along with his gang, robbed one Elochukwu Peter of N1m.

Four Killed As Soldiers, Traders Clash In Onitsha

Four people died on Saturday in a clash between soldiers and some traders, who were ejected from their base at the Bridgehead Market, Onitsha. The traders, who sustained severe gunshot wounds, died while receiving treatment at a hospital.

Police Nab Three For Diverting Petroleum Products

Three suspects have been arrested for attempted diversion of petroleum products from the NNPC station in Awka, Anambra State. But the youths who exposed the illegal deals, were brutalised by Policemen following allegations that they had attempted to vandalise the station.

Oil Firms Urged To Partner Host Governments To Stem Unrest

Oil companies in the country have been enjoined to collaborate with host governments so as to eradicate the high spate of violence in the Niger Delta.

MOSOP Accuses JTF Of Aiding N’Delta Militants

The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) on Sunday accused the Joint Task Force (JTF) of aiding militancy and oil bunkering in the region. It alleged that prominent members of the nation’s security agencies provided information, sold arms and shielded the oil thieves and militant groups in the region. But the JTF denies it, saying that it was just a ploy to tarnish the good image of the security outfit.

Odili Denies Sponsoring Ateke

Former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, yesterday denied allegations that he and some others sponsored Ateke Tom, a militia leader, to perpetrate violence in Okrika, Rivers State.

LNG Project is Part of Vision 2020 – VP

The Vice-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Federal Government would do all it can to ensure the successful completion of Brass LNG Limited construction project in the country, adding that the project was of paramount importance and part of vision 2020.

Shell To Shut Down Bonga Field For Maintenance

The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) may have concluded plans to shut down its 225, 000 barrels a day Bonga oilfied in March for routine maintenance.

Shell Discovers Large Quantity Of Hydrocarbon In Abia

The Managing Director/Vice President (production) of (SPDC), Mutiu Sumonu has disclosed that the company had discovered a large quantity of Hydrocarbon in Abia state. He made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to the state Governor.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Minister Pledges Support For Delta Airport Project

Efforts by the Delta State Government to build a multi-million dollar international and cargo airport in the state on Wednesday received a boost from the Minister of State for Air Transport, Felix Hassan Hyat. He assured the state of his commitment to turn the dream into a reality.

OKLNG to Produce 1m Tonnes of Cooking Gas Yearly

There are indications that scarcity and high cost of domestic cooking gas (LPG) will soon end, as the Olokola Liquified Natural Gas (OKLNG) Project plans to inject one million tonnes of the product, per annum, into domestic and export markets.

Delta Govt Succumbs to Striking Lecturers' Demand

After about three weeks strike, the Delta State government has succumbed to the demands of staff of its two colleges of education. It has agreed to pay the workers the consolidated tertiary institutions salary structure for colleges of education.

Oil Industry Operators Query Utilisation of N500bn by Niger Delta states

Oil and Gas industry operators have queried the utilisation of $4bn said to have accrued to the Niger Delta states in the past eight years. Despite attempts by Amos Utuamah, deputy governor of Delta State, to explain the utilization; the stakeholders were not satisfied.

N’Delta Crisis Disrupts Chevron’s FPSO Arrival

Chevron’s Agbami floating production, storage and offloading vessel has arrived in Nigeria but fear of attack from the Niger Delta militants has disrupted news of the vessels way forward.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

DPR Seals Off Adedibu’s Filling Stations

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Monday, sealed off two of Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu’s filling stations in Ibadan. The stations were among the four shut down for allegedly short-changing members of the public by under dispensing fuel.

Fire Razes 50 Houses In Lagos

About fifty buildings were weekend razed by fire, at Ajegunle area of Lagos. The main cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Likely causes include Kerosine explosion, fuel leakage from a power generating set and a fire spread by a burning refuse bin close to Owoyemi Bridge.

Community Cries Out Over Incessant Robbery Attacks

Members of Ijofin community in Ogun State, have lamented their ordeal in the hands of armed robbers. The community worries that the Police may have forgotten that they are part of Nigeria just because are close to the Benin Republic border.

NDLEA Arrests German, Four Others For Drug Trafficking

A German citizen and four others have been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos for drug trafficking. Four of the suspected drug traffickers ingested the drugs while one concealed it in the false bottom of her luggage.

46 Pipeline Vandals Arrested In Ogun

About 46 pipeline vandals have been arrested by the Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The vandals were arrested as they tried to escape with their loots. Thirty-one tankers, containing petroleum products were also impounded by the corps.

Robbers Vandalise Abia NNPC Mega Station

Armed robbers on Monday robbed and vandalised Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), mega station along the Enugu-Aba expressway, Aba, carting away unspecified amount of money. The station’s facilities were vandalised. The robbers shot sporadically and injured the mobile policemen on duty.

Oil Bunkering: NSCDC Hands Over 118 Suspects to EFCC

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps said on Monday that it had handed over 118 suspected pipeline vandals to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). The suspects were apprehended in Rivers and Anambra states between September 2007 and January 25, 2008.

Oyo Suspends 500 Workers For Alleged Forgery

For allegedly using fake certificates to secure employment, the Oyo State government, Wednesday, suspended 500 of its workers. A panel of enquiry has been set up to investigate the allegation of forgery against the affected civil servants, with a view to meting out appropriate sanctions on those found guilty.

Apapa Orders Tanker Drivers To Vacate Ijora Causeway

The Apapa LG council, has asked drivers of oil tankers on Ijora Causeway to vacate the area, sequel to the fire incident, which occurred on Friday in the area.

Robbers Raid Canaan Land, 1 Feared Dead

Armed robbers, on Thursday, struck at three  new banks within the  Canaan Land Complex (a.k.a Winner’s Chapel) in Ogun State where they shot two police men and made away with undisclosed sum of money. A staff of one of the banks was allegedly killed while two other yet to be identified persons were severely injured.