Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 12

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Pirates Attack Boats, Take Ladies, Man Hostage

Sea pirates along the Bonny Channel, Rivers State, reportedly attacked three passenger boats on Tuesday, and carefully selected some women and a man from the three boats after the attack and forcibly took them deeper into the creeks. Similarly, a security vessel belonging to one of the oil majors in the region was reportedly hit by bullets from gunmen along the Rivers Waterways. The troops on board returned fire at the gunmen, who later fled into the creeks for safety. The spokesman of the Joint Task Force in the state, Lt-Col. Sagir Musa, confirmed both incidents.

Robbers Kill Two Policemen In Ebonyi

Two police officers of the Enugu State police command were shot dead by armed robbers recently during a gun battle at Nkomoro in Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State. The robbers, numbering about 10, robbed in Enugu State and were said to have been pursued by the police officers from Enugu to Ebonyi State.  The police spokesman Ebonyi State, Mr. Chris Anyanwu, confirmed the incident.

20 Die in Cross River Communal Clash

At least 20 persons have so far lost their lives in the raging communal conflict between Nko, in Yakuur LGA and Onyadama, in Obubra LGA of Cross River state. The raging conflict, which broke out penultimate Friday, started after the Onyadma people accused the Nko people of killing one Sunday Onyama in his farm and hacking his head away.

Gas Flare: ERA Faults 2011 Deadline

Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has rejected the announcement of the Federal Government setting a new flare-out date slated for 2011. It said the disclosure was an insult to Nigerians and a script of the oil corporations. Minister of State for Petroleum, Odein Ajumogobia, was reported as saying that that a new strategic plan by the government would ensure zero gas flare by 2011.

Rivers Police Parade 17 Suspected Militants

The Rivers State police command, Tuesday, paraded seventeen suspects for offences ranging from abduction to sea piracy. The state Commissioner for Police, Mr Bala Hassan, said one of them who gave his name as Big Joe was among those who killed two police men in Opobo area, and he led police men to Uyo where other members of the gang were also arrested. Hassan said the Police also arrested six suspects behind the abduction of son of a member of the federal House of Representatives, Osa Uchendu. The commissioner also said two suspects were killed during an encounter with the police.

Anambra Adopts Death sentence for Kidnappers

Anambra State House of Assembly has amended the state Criminal Code Law, making it an offence punishable by death for any person convicted of kidnapping. The legislators, at their plenary session on Wednesday, amended sections 315 and 316 of the Criminal Code to stipulate capital punishment for offenders. Also, the bill will be cited as the Criminal Code (Amendment) Law 2009, and came into force on March 17, 2009, just as it mandates the state chief judge to designate a high court as a special court for the purpose of trying offences under the law.

23 Suspects Escape from Detention in Ebonyi

About 23 persons arrested in Ezillo for illegal possession of fire arms during the Ezillo-Ezza communal have escaped from detention. The suspects were reportedly detained at the Nkwoagu Military Cantonment.  Governor Martin Elechi made the disclosure said he was worried by the incident, and urged the General Commanding Officer (GOC) of 82 Division of the Army, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Isah to investigate the escape. Gen. Isah assured of the readiness of the military’s readiness to help keep the peace in the state.

Over 3,000 militants for Rehabilitation in Rivers

Over 3,000 repentant militants have turned up for rehabilitation at a camp established by the Rivers State Social Rehabilitation Committee (SRC). The Chairman of the committee, Chief Albert Horsfall, promised that the state government would ensure that repentant cultists and militants would have dependable livelihood to fall back on after their training.

FG Shortlists 15 Foreign Firms for Gas Exploration

The Federal Government has chosen 15 companies to be core investors in the exploration and production of the country’s natural gas reserves.  Minister of State for Energy, Odein Ajumogobia, who disclosed this on Wednesday, said the selected companies were among an initial 48 companies from across the world that expressed interest in investing in Nigeria's gas sector.  The choice of the 15 companies, it was learnt, was sequel to the recommendation of an evaluation team set up last year by the Federal Government to review the submissions by the 48 foreign companies.

CBN Dep Gov’s Mother Regains Freedom

Mrs Maria Ebi, the 75-year-old mother of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Chief Ernest Ebi, on Tuesday regained her freedom after more than three weeks in captivity, following her abduction by suspected militants.  Deputy Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Mr Ahmed Yusuf, confirmed her release. The abductors, according to a senior member of the family, Mr Matthias Ebi, had initially demanded for N500 million as ransom, but later reduced it to N70 million, after negotiations.

Cult Clash Claims 3, as Gov Alleges Death Threat

A three- year-old boy was among the casualties in a renewed clash between rival cult gangs in Bayelsa following a gun battle on Wednesday night. It was gathered that Icelanders and the Greenlanders, whose action, penultimate week, led to the killing of 13 football supporters, once again engaged themselves in a battle at the Biogbolo area of the state capital. A suspected cultist, his girlfriend and a little boy were killed. Meanwhile the State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, said he has received threats on his cell phones from an unknown militia group over his decision to discontinue the payment of N100million monthly package to repentant militant groups in the state.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Kidnappers Kill Transporter for Refusing To Pay Ransom

The Managing Director of ‘God is Good Motors’; a Benin City-based transport operator has been killed. He was reportedly killed for refusing to pay the sum of N110m, after he was abducted penultimate Sunday. His body was found in Ekiadolor, a village some 10km away from Benin City. Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has arrested 12 persons, among them, three policemen over alleged involvement in kidnapping. The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Peter Ogboi, confirmed the development.

JTF Arrests 18 Suspected Oil Bunkerers

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF), Penultimate Sunday, arrested 18 suspected oil bunkerers in Delta State. Three oil tankers loaded with Automotive Gas Oil were impounded from the suspects. The JTF said the suspects loaded the petroleum products from Okwagbe creeks in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State. The JTF said troops also repelled an attack by armed militants on a production facility operated by a wholly indigenous company, Nest Oil, in Delta State.

Delta Communities Sacked as Militants Blow Up Chevron Pipeline

Chevron Nigeria Limited, on Saturday, suffered a fresh setback in its operation as its pipelines in Delta State were blown up by yet-to-be identified persons. The pipelines were blown up with dynamite at the coastal Makaraba and Kokodiagbene communities in Warri South West LGA of the state. Four communities- Kokodiagbene, Ighosuo-Gbene, Teide-Gbene and Ughe-Gbene –are affected by the attendant spill, which has destroyed aquatic and other normal life activities in the areas, while about 75,000 barrels of crude oil per day has been shut-in due to the development.

Naval Chief Calls for More Policing Platforms

The Nigeria Navy has decried alleged inadequacy of platforms for effective policing of the country's territorial waters. Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Rear Admiral Ben Acholonu, disclosed this in Calabar recently while rounding off a tour of units under his command, comprising Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross River states. He said although the Federal Government had recently provided some platforms for the command, "we need more considering the activities of militants."

Seven Feared Killed in Delta Communal Clash

About seven persons, including a pregnant woman, are feared killed in Ukwuani LGA of Delta State in a communal crisis between the people of Amai and Umuebu, during the week.  It is also believed that the traditional ruler of Amai might be one of those beheaded in the crisis. The monarch’s property were completely razed down by irate youths from Umuebu, it was learnt.  The killing of an expectant woman by youths suspected to be from Amai was said to have led to the fresh hostilities.

70 Killed in Edo cult clashes
…Oshiomhole promises N1m for information on kidnappers

Rival cult clashes in Edo state have led to the death of more than 70 people, reports indicate. The Black Axe Confraternity and the Eiye Confraternity have reportedly engaged themselves in blood bath in recent weeks, and even causing some innocent casualties. But while the Police pegged the number of victims killed at 10; even as Benin residents say the figure is far above that. Meanwhile, Governor Adams Oshiomhole has pledged a N1 million (One million naira) reward to persons who provide useful information leading to the arrest of any kidnapper, following the rising cases of kidnapping in the state.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Lagos Police Worried over Killings by Truck Drivers

Lagos State Police Command is worried over the fatalities being recorded daily on as a result of the negligence of drivers of articulated vehicles.The vehicles either upturn their loads containers, on other road users or run into other vehicles. There are also cases where such vehicles break down and are abandoned on the highway, causing major road accidents.

Robbers, Police in Gun Battle, Three Arrested

After about 30 minutes of gun battle, some policemen arrested three suspected armed robbers in Lagos, penultimate Saturday, after they snatched a car the previous day. After the arrest, the policemen recovered the stolen Toyota car from the suspects.

Suspected Rapist on the Run

A middle-aged man, Jacobson Chibuzor, who was accused of raping his landlady’s seven-year-old daughter, has fled his home. Jacobson, married with two kids, was alleged to have fled after failing to persuade his landlady, Oby Okonkwo, to withdraw the matter from the court. The accused was arrested by the police and charged to court, after raping the victim in an uncompleted building at their residence. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail with conditions which he had fulfilled, but failed to appear in court afterwards.

Explosion at Ikeja Cantonment

An explosion was triggered again at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday killing a secondary school student, Joseph Tiem, seven years after the massive explosions that killed over 1000 Nigerians. The recent explosion was said to have occurred when the victim went to roast a piece of yam. Unknown to him, he was roasting the yam directly on top of some bombs buried at the ammunition transit depot where high calibre bombs are stored. Residents have been warned to keep off the Ammunition Transit Depot (ATD) which was the scene of the explosion as live bombs were still buried there, even as the military said the victim wandered into a restricted area. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Eugene Waguma, had earlier expressed worries over the condition under which arms and ammunition were kept.

Man, 43, Commits Suicide

A 43-year-old man, Kofoworola Moshood, was found dead on Monday. He allegedly committed suicide inside his room Lagos State. It was learnt that the deceased used a rope to hang himself to the ceiling in his one-room apartment. A neighbour was said to have discovered the dangling body of Moshood and promptly alerted other people in the house to the situation. The discovery was reported to the police immediately. Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Frank Mba, confirmed the incident.

Appeal Court Upholds Alao-Akala’s Election

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday, upheld the election of Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala as the governor of the state. The presiding judge, Justice Victor Omagie, maintained that allegations of electoral malpractices, including forgery, multiple voting and falsification of results, among others, contained in the main appeal, were criminal offences that should be proven substantially against the perpetrator with convincing evidences, but the plaintiffs could not prove that beyond reasonable doubt.

Robbers Shoot Man, Cart Away N1m

Four armed robbers on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, carted away over N1 million belonging to a man identified as Baba Ghana, shooting him in the process. The robbers, according to eye witnesses, arrived demanded that the victim release the money to them before he was shot. The police had not confirmed the incident as at the time of this report.

Man, 43, Murdered in his House

A 43-year-old battery charger, Mr. Johnson Oguntade, was on Thursday murdered in his house at Abeokuta. The man was allegedly shot in the head through the two windows in his living room. The assailants did not attempt to gain entrance to the two-room apartment but dropped the torchlight with which the late Oguntade was sighted. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident.

15 Injured in Ibadan as NURTW Members Clash

Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on Wednesday, in Ibadan, engaged themselves in a violent clash, where about 15 persons were injured; while nine members of the NURTW were arrested by the police. The Zonal Chairman, NURTW, Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, linked the crisis to Wednesday’s Court of Appeal judgment upholding the election of Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala. The aggrieved members denied Akinsola’s allegation, saying that the crisis they were protesting the exorbitant fees being collected by the union.

Two in Police Net over Robbery

Police operatives in Lagos have nabbed two persons, suspected to be armed robbers. The suspects were identified as, Kasim Isa, 24, and Idowu Olabanji, 20. Lagos State Police Command alleged that the two men belonged to two different robbery gangs, which have been terrorizing the state. They were arrested at different locations in Ajegunle by anti-robbery policemen. Olabanji confessed to armed robbery gave the names of other members of his gang.

Suspected Robbers Kill Five in Lagos

Five innocent civilians, penultimate Sunday, fell to the bullets of armed robbers who were shooting back at some policemen in Lagos. The armed robbers after an operation were trying to escape, but ran into a team of anti-robbery policemen who chased them. The robbers started shooting sporadically into the air with stray bullets killing about five civilians. The State Police Command spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba (SP), confirmed the incident.

Oyo CP Explains Problems of Police

The retiring Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Basiru Azeez, has identified acute shortage of manpower, inadequate electricity supply, lack of a comprehensive welfare package and the environment as factors militating against effective policing in Nigeria. The commissioner said that until these factors were addressed, effective policing might continue to elude the country.

Police Kill Armed Robbery Suspect, Arrest Another

Men of the Lagos State Police Command killed a suspected armed robber at Gbagada area of the city on Sunday and arrested a suspected accomplice, after the police received a distress call that a gang of robbers was robbing a building. The policemen, it was learnt, met the robbers while they were attempting to flee the area and a shoot-out ensued.

Beggar Kills Colleague Over N20

A beggar, known as Abdullahi, allegedly stabbed one of his colleagues to death, penultimate Sunday, at the Mile 12 area of Lagos, during a dispute over a N20 note given to the beggars by a passer-by. The deceased had reportedly claimed that half of the N20 belonged to him as claimed that the passer-by asked them to share the money but Abdullahi rebuffed him. A fight later ensued resulting in the death of the beggar as Abdullahi reportedly used a knife to stab his colleague. Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Frank Mba, confirmed the incident, adding that Abdullahi had been arrested.

Police Gets Surveillancem Cameras To Battle Crime

Ten new thermal surveillance cameras have been handed over to the Lagos State crime fighting outfit, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). According to the Executive Secretary LSSTF, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, the cameras would enable members of the Nigeria Police Force to effectively check criminal activities in the state. Arthur-Worrey said the new technology would capture people perpetrating criminal activities even in the darkness without their knowledge, adding they are military specification and they are virtually unbreakable.

GENERAL

Climate Change to Worsen Diseases' Spread –Experts

Experts have warned that the global economic meltdown would worsen the spread of diseases and infections, leading to mass deaths, especially in developing countries if nothing is done urgently. According the experts, diseases that have been eradicated may resurface and become more common as the economic downturn batters an already weakened public health system.

3 Feared Dead In Okene Crisis

The Acting Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji, Thursday, issued a four-day ultimatum to suspected political thugs in Okene LGA of the state to surrender their weapons to the police, following the incessant shooting by suspected thugs last weekend. He confirmed that at least three people were shot dead in the town, stressing that his command would not tolerate any act of indiscipline from any quarters, no matter how highly placed.

Nigerian in Protest in Belgium over Murder of Woman

Nigerians held a peaceful protest in Belgium last weekend, calling for justice over murder of a 31-year-old Nigeria, Evelyn Uche Amarim-Vanacker, who was strangled by her husband, Wim Vanacker, 35. The late Evelyn was strangled by her husband on March 3. Wim has since confessed to the murder, and is being held by the Police in France. The House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora has urged Nigerian foreign missions, the international community and law enforcement agencies to wage war against human rights abuse irrespective of colour, creed

Two Sentenced to Death over Robbery of Kaduna's Ex-Official

A Makurdi High Court has passed death sentence on two armed robbers, Terhile Achihi and Terungwa Tsumba, for robbing a former Special Adviser to the Kaduna State government, Abdulmalik Mohammed and his wife, Zainab, of their 406 Peugeot salon car and N15,000 at gunpoint in 2005.

11 Nigerians Arraigned for Sexual Enslavement in Dutch Court

Eleven Nigerians accused of forcing 150 young Nigerian girls into prostitution after helping them to enter The Netherlands as asylum seekers went on trial in a Dutch court on Monday. Prosecution spokesman, Wim de Briun stated that the 11 suspects will also answer to charges of human trafficking and being members of a criminal organisation. Briun added that 140 and 150 young Nigerian girls disappeared from juvenile asylum centres in The Netherlands in 2006 and 2007. He also said that some of the girls agreed to testify against the traffickers.

Police Arrest Six over Plot to Cause Religious Crisis in Niger

The police in Niger State have arrested six persons suspected to be plotting cause religious upheavals in the state. It was gathered that the suspects had camped at a site where the group began its training.  It was learnt that the police, following a tip-off, swooped on the training camp at a village in Mashegu LGA of the state and arrested six members of the group. The Police Public Relations Officer, Richard Oguche, said that the suspects are cooperating with the police.

Six Arrested over Pipeline Vandalism

The police in Niger State have arrested two members of staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and four others for alleged vandalism of NNPC pipeline. Two of the suspects who claimed to be NNPC staff, said that they were engaged to provide security for the pipelines in the area. The police recovered 39 jerry cans loaded with kerosene, 113 other containers, a hammer, an iron digger and a drilling machine from the suspects. Police spokesman in the state, Mr. Richard Oguche, confirmed the incident.

NDLEA Boss Questioned in London over Possession of Gun

The Director-General, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr. Lanre Ipinmisho, was allegedly detained for some hours at Heathrow Airport, London, on Monday, for having a gun on him when he arrived from Nigeria. Security sources have express surprise at how the Director-General of the NDLEA was allowed to carry a gun into an aircraft, and have advised thorough investigation by the government.

Russia, Nigeria Sign Nuclear Energy Pact

Russia, during the week, signed an accord with Nigeria calling for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including the construction of nuclear power plants and establishment of uranium mining in Nigeria.  Russia said that the memorandum could lead to bilateral cooperation on the development of nuclear energy infrastructure, including on nuclear power plants and research reactors in Nigeria.    Russia would also assist Nigeria in the field of nuclear research and in the production and use of radioisotopes.

Eight Die in Benue Chieftaincy Clash

Eight persons lost their lives and over 300 people were displaced with property worth millions of naira destroyed in a renewed chieftaincy tussle at Ohimini Local Council in Benue state, last weekend. Trouble started after a politician from the area reportedly returned home with some thugs following the withdrawal of security agents by the local council, which deployed them after a related clash two weeks ago. The chieftaincy tussle had pitched some indigenes of the community against those the latter considered settlers. The redeployed thugs attacked the perceived settlers, who decided to fight back, resulting in the carnage.

16 Nigerians Killed in Equatorial Guinea

About sixteen Nigerians in Equatorial Guinea have been murdered; while 128 others are jailed, after they were tagged coup plotters by the government. This action has been seen as renewed aggression against Nigerians living there. Following this development, Nigerians in that country have written to the President of the Nigerian Senate, David Mark, to intervene in the situation and cause the government of Equatorial Guinea to release the 128 Nigerians in their prisons.

US Assesses Security, Safety at Abuja Airport

United States Transportation Security Administration, Tuesday, commenced security and safety assessment of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, as part of steps to get Nigerian airlines to fly to the United States.  A delegation from the US transportation security unit, held a meeting with stakeholders at Abuja to establish modalities for cooperation and improvement of security systems and quality of services in the airports.

Kidnappings: FG Ready to Give Communities Oil Stakes

The Federal Government plans to give communities in the Niger Delta region stakes in oil projects to discourage attacks that have partially crippled Nigeria’s crude oil production.  Presidential Adviser on Petroleum Matters, Mr. Emmanuel Egbogah, who made the disclosure, said the stakes would come from the government’s own holdings in the projects. According to him, government believes that if indigenes of the region become stakeholders in the oil projects, the incidence of attacks on oil installations and abduction of oil workers would be minimised.

Gunrunning: Kaduna Police Boss, Islamic Sect Exchange Words

A crisis is brewing between the Kaduna State Police Command and the Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky-led Shi‘ite Islamic Movement in the state over an alleged intelligence report accusing the sect of stockpiling arms and ammunition. The Shi’ite leader dismissed the police commissioner’s security report as a tissue of lies concocted to wipe out the group.

US Probes Shell Over Bribery Allegations

Shell is under investigation by authorities in the United States for potential breaches of overseas bribery rules relating to alleged payments made on behalf of the oil giant to the Nigerian Customs Service. The Anglo-Dutch oil giant revealed on Wednesday that the Securities and Exchange Commission and the US Department of Justice have commenced probing it for alleged violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act are probing it.

Tribunal Stops Sale of Texaco

Investments and Securities Tribunal in Lagos on Wednesday granted an interim injunction restraining Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from assisting the Chevron Group from divesting 60 per cent of its equity stake from Texaco Nigeria Plc.  The Chairman of the tribunal, Dr. Nnenna Orji, restrained the respondents and any of their agents and representatives from bidding, financing the bid acquiring, selling, alienating, transferring, disposing and or parting with the possession of the 60 per cent equity shares held by the 3rd respondents (Chevron Nigeria Holdings Limited) and the 2nd respondent (Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc) pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice in the suit.

Six Policemen, Two Robbers Killed in Gun Duel

Six police officers and two alleged robbers were killed on Thursday after a shoot-out following a robbery at a Bureau De Change in Kano. Kano Police Commissioner, Mr. Aminu Yesufu, confirmed that eight armed men attacked the bureau de change and later engaged in a gun battle with the police before escaping with three rifles and a walkie-talkie belonging to the slain policemen, but that the Police pursued them to a village 30 kilometres outside the city and killed two of them. Four AK-47 rifles, 50 rounds of ammunition, two cars and money were reportedly recovered from the robbers.

Oil Price Rises as Traders say Worst is Over

Oil prices moved higher last week to levels that some traders interpret as a sign that the worst may be over for the slumping economy. Oil prices climbed above the $50 per barrel mark on Thursday to offer a glimmer of hope of some recovery for finances of producers. This development is coming after the United States; Federal Reserve announced plans to spend $1tr buying back debt. The dollar traded near a two-month low against the euro, prompting investors to purchase oil as a hedge against inflation. Crude oil for April delivery rose as much as $3.51, or 7.3 per cent, to $51.65 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the highest since December 1.

Change in Flight Schedule Led to Wings Plane Crash, Says Report

Investigations by Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) reveal that the Beechcraft 1900D belonging to Wings Aviation which crashed in Cross River state on March 15, 2008 was caused by pilot error. The Commissioner AIB, Dr Sam Oduselu explained that the crew of the aircraft deviated from its initial flight plan, that that resulted in misinformation, which caused the crash.

Reps Insist Korean Firm Should Lose Oil Blocks

The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Investigation of the Activities of the Department of Petroleum Resources has insisted on the withdrawal of two oil blocks given to Korea National Oil Company (KNOC).  KNOC has petitioned President Yar’Adua over the revocation of two oil blocks awarded to the company in 2005.  But the House committee said the nation was short-changed by about $231million by the Korean firm

FG: WAGP to be Ready by 2010

The Federal Government has assured of its commitment to ensure the completion of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Project (WAGP) by January 2010 and the delivery of natural gas in commercial quantity.  Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Odein Ajumogobia, disclosed this at the opening session of the Committee of Energy Ministers of West Africa Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA) and WAGPCo, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, last weekend.

CAN Alleges Terrorists’ Presence in Nigeria

The Northern region of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised alarm over alleged presence of terrorists in the country. General Secretary of CAN in the North, Elder Saidu Dogo, alleged that some of the terrorists were already receiving training in some undisclosed bushes in the region. Dogo also lamented the condition of the displaced victims of the recent religious violence in Bauchi who were being camped at the military barracks in Bauchi.

31 Arrested over Forged Passport

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said it has arrested 31 Nigerians with fake e-passports. Four of the suspects will soon be arraigned in court, according to Assistant Legal Adviser of the NIS, David Babale. Twenty-seven of the suspects were arrested upon their return from pilgrimage.

INTERNATIONAL

Four US Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan

Four United States soldiers and three Afghan civilians were killed, penultimate Sunday, in three bomb attacks linked to a Taliban-led insurgency, officials said. The three separate blasts came amid growing concern about extremist violence in Afghanistan and across the border in Pakistan. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the blast.

OPEC Maintains Production Output

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) ended its 152nd conference last week in Vienna, Austria, with a resolve to maintain the current output of 27 million barrels per day (bpd). OPEC also fixed Thursday, May 28, 2009 for another meeting where it will review the global developments and take a decision whether to cut or increase members' production outputs depending on market fundamentals.

Pakistan President Signs order to Reinstate Judges, as Suicide Bomber Kills 14

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday signed orders to reinstate judges sacked two years ago under emergency rule, after violent protests on Monday. Lawyers and main opposition leader Nawaz Sharif started a long march to the capital Islamabad, demanding that the government reinstate the judges during mass protests that risked further destabilising the nuclear-armed country. Zardari had come under massive Western pressure to defuse a standoff with Sharif, who urged the masses to rise up against the government. Meanwhile, a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a restaurant in the city of Rawalpindi, killing 14 people and wounding 18 others. Officials said the bomber had probably been targeting a mass protest which was scheduled for Monday in Rawalpindi and the capital Islamabad.

Mugabe Calls for Foreign Aid, Wants End to Sanctions

Zimbabwe President, Robert Mugabe, Thursday, called for foreign aid to revive the nation's economy and urged the western nations to end "cruel" sanctions on his inner circle. According to reports, Zimbabwe is talking to the United States and European Union over the repeal of sanctions. Further reports forecast that inflation would fall to 10 per cent by the end of 2009 -- from over 230 million at last count -- due to the use of multiple foreign currencies in the country. The Western powers have indicated they can help the country recover as long as a democratic government is in place.

Israel Swoops on Hamas Leaders as Talks Fail

Israel cracked down on Hamas, on Thursday, rounding up senior leaders in the West Bank following the failure of efforts to secure the release of a soldier, Shalit, held by the Islamist rulers of the Gaza Strip since 2006. Security forces seized 10 top Hamas leaders in pre-dawn raids in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including four members of the Palestinian legislative council. The latest arrests follow the failure of Egyptian-mediated negotiations for a Hamas-Israel prisoner swap that would entail the release of Shalit in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israel.

North Korea Arrest U.S. Journalists for Alleged Espionage

North Korean security officials, Thursday, detained two Korean-American journalists who were filming across the Tumen River from the Chinese side of the border. A diplomatic source said the reporters were on the frozen Tumen River when taken by North Korean security guards for alleged espionage. The Tumen runs along the eastern section of the border with China.

Iraqi Footballer Shot Dead By Fan

Iraqi footballer Heidar Kazem was shot in the head and killed by a rival fan after he scored for Sinjar against Buhayra on Sunday. Reports indicate that the player had just scored and had begun to celebrate before a shot was fired from the crowd. It is believed a rival fan brought out the gun as he was angry his side went down. With no regard for anyone, the fan took aim and pulled the trigger.

Cholera Cases in Zimbabwe Rises above 91,000, says WHO

More than 91,000 cases of cholera have been reported in Zimbabwe since the disease broke out last August, killing 4,035, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) data. The WHO said earlier this month that the outbreak was showing signs of slowing, with the number of cases averaging 4,000 to 4,500 a week compared to peaks of nearly 8,000 earlier in the outbreak.

Peacekeeper Killed in Darfur

A peacekeeper with the joint UN-African Union force in Darfur was killed in an ambush by unknown attackers near the town of Nyala on Tuesday, a spokesman for the mission, Kemal Saiki, disclosed. One soldier was wounded and airlifted to UNAMID headquarters in El-Fasher where he was pronounced dead, Saiki said. The death brings to 14 the number of peacekeepers killed in Darfur since the hybrid mission took over in January 2008. Meanwhile, the United Nations said on Tuesday that it could not allow Sudanese organisations to distribute its relief aid in Darfur, after President Omar al-Bashir said local agencies would soon fill the role.

Madagascar President Quits

Madagascar’s President, Marc Ravalomanana, Wednesday, stepped down, dissolved the government and handed power to the military. But the military refused to hold on to power, and would rather have the opposition leader, Andry Rajoelina, rule the country. The African Union (AU) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) have condemned Rajoelina's attempt to seize power. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed grave concern at the unrest in Madagascar, appealing to all parties to ensure a “smooth transition”.