Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 32

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Kidnappers Seize 11 Nigerians, Two French Nationals

Two Frenchmen were reportedly seized at Onne, Rivers state, when over a dozen gunmen, penultimate Saturday raided a bar and exchanged fire with naval personnel. At least three deaths were reported.

26 Confirmed Dead In Rivers Cult Clash

The army has confirmed the death of 20 cultists in an exchange of gunfire between soldiers and the cultists at Nembe waterfront in Rivers State, penultimate Friday, bringing the death toll in the cult clash that started on Tuesday to 26.  Meanwhile, Leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Movement, a militant group in the, Ateke Tom, has warned the two warring cult leaders, Soboma George and Egberi Papa, to stop the fighting. Ateke alleged that the violence was being sponsored by those against the government.

UN Urges Nigeria to Hand over Bakassi to Cameroun

The United Nations has urged President Yar'Adua not to renege on the Green Tree agreement that sees Nigeria handing over Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroun. Handing over the territory, however, will be against the wishes of many indigenes of the affected area.

Bakassi Indigenes Threaten Minister with Contempt Charge

Indigenes of Bakassi on Monday said they would file contempt of court charge against the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), if the peninsula is handed over to Cameroon. There is an order from a Federal High Court restraining the government from ceding Bakassi to Cameroon. They called on civil rights organisations to support them in their plight. In a related development, a northern social/ political organisation, Northern Friends of South-South, has pleaded with the Federal Government not to relinquish the disputed Bakassi to the Cameroon.

OPL 298: Chinese Firm Petitions FG Over Downstream Project

CNODC, a subsidiary of the China National Petroleum Company (CNPC) has alleged that the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NNDC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is frustrating moves to shore up domestic production of petroleum products as it has continued to hold on to the Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 298 two years after it (CNODC) won a mini bidding round.

Gunmen Kidnap Pastor's Wife

The wife of a Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor was penultimate Saturday abducted from her residence in Akwa Ibom state. Christian bodies have appealed to the kidnappers to let her go.

1,260 Oil Spills Identified In Niger Delta

A total of 1,260 oil spill sites have been identified in the oil-producing areas of Niger Delta in the last three years. In addition, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has certified 327 oil impacted sites since October 2006 when the agency was established.

Soldiers Raze Agge, Bayelsa Town

Men of the Nigerian Army on Monday invaded Agge Community in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State and razed the entire town in rage over the seizure on Sunday of a military gunboat and killing of two soldiers by militants along the Forcados River in Bomadi Area of the state. The military action on Agge followed intelligence report that the perpetrators of the act, are from Agge and not Bomadi where the attack had taken place. An aged man was said to have died during the invasion.

Militants Move Gun Boat, Troops into Bayelsa

The movement of armed militias into the distressed community of Agge in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State has created a security scare among forces of the Joint Military Task Force, causing a panic withdrawal of troops engaged in the search for the militias responsible for the attack on a military formation in Bomadi penultimate weekend.  The authorities of the JTF are looking for other ways to recover stolen guns and boats.

Wife of Shell Official, 2 Others Kidnapped

Kidnappers, Tuesday, struck along Rumukurushi, Rivers State and kidnapped wife of Don Obomanu, a staff of Shell Petroleum Development Company, her friend, Gloria, and her driver. The kidnappers are demanding a N150 million ransom.

Navy Sinks Militants Boats

There was clash between Naval component of Joint Task Force and some hoodlums, at Cawthorn Channel, when two boats occupied by suspected militants engaged them in a shoot out. Two of the militants' boats were destroyed while the hoodlums abandoned another. Items recovered are grenade, general purpose machine gun and ammunitions.

MEND Condemns Destruction by JTF

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), on Tuesday condemned the invasion of Ijaw riverine communities in Delta and Bayelsa states by the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), which reportedly left no fewer than 1,100 persons missing. Over 500 houses were alleged to have been razed by the troop.

Woman Commits Suicide

A young woman in Calabar, Madam Faith Eno Ofuka, has reportedly killed herself. Faith for reasons not yet ascertained hanged herself with a hairscarf tied to a kola nut tree. Faith worked as a librarian with the Cross River State Library Board.

Bakassi: Danger of Disobeying ICJ judgment, by Iroche

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Chief Sonny Iroche has called on the Federal Government to obey the International Court of Justice 2006 ruling and hand-over Bakassi to Cameroun. The politician warned that the country might incur the wrath of the international community if she disobeyed the judgment.

Govt Inaugurates Committee On Bakassi Returnees

A senior advocate of Nigeria Chief Assam Assam has been named to head the newly inaugurated committee on impact of the Bakassi judgment of the International court of justice at The Hague as it affects returnees from Akwa Ibom State.

Militants Destroying S-South, says Amaechi

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State says the Niger Delta struggle, as it is presently being prosecuted, is not ideological and the militants are breaking the laws of the country by carrying arms and destroying the region. Amaechi suggested that the FG uses force to disarm the militants and thereafter, get then socially rehabilitated.

Militant Group Threatens FG Over Okah

The Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), a militant group, has threatened to wage war against the FG should anything happen to Henry Okah, a suspected militant leader, facing trial in Jos.  The self styled group leader, Africa Ukparasia, who says he is now the leader of NDPVF, formerly led by Asari Dokubo, declared issued the threat.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Militants Attack JTF Logistics Base

More deaths have been recorded in the restive Niger Delta as militants on Saturday night attacked the Logistics Base of the Joint Task Force in Bomadi, Delta State. They seized two JTF gunboats as well as sophisticated weapons. Many residents of Bomadi were forced into the bush during the gun duel between the operatives and the militants.

Police Intercept Ambulance With 16 Bags Of Indian Hemp

The police in Delta State said they have foiled a plot by an official of the Ministry of Health to transport 16 bags of Indian hemp to an undisclosed destination using an ambulance belonging to the ministry. The command said it also recovered four bags of Indian hemp from a soldier attached to Auchi Military Cantonment. The suspect allegedly used the siren to create an impression that he was on an emergency health mission.

Ogomudia Gives Recipe for National Security

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia has canvassed that the framework for national security must be based on a sound strategy, timely intelligence, training, structure resources and coordination.  Ogomudia who spoke in Asaba, Delta state also stressed that any organisation without training is doomed to fail.

Militants Know Our Mode Of Operation -JTF Boss

The Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the Niger-Delta, Brigadier-General Nanven Rimtip has revealed the secret of how the militants were able to plan their way to the Bonga offshore facility unchallenged by security agents. He said the two war ships that were supposed to provide security at the Field were in Warri for minor repairs. He, however, said that another attempt by them, five days ago, to launch attack on same Field was foiled by the JTF. Bonga oilfield was attacked in June by a militant group.

Illegal Bunkering: 14 Filipinos Get Bail

The 14 Filipinos arrested for illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta have been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Benin. It was learnt that a prominent indigene of Delta State, suspected to be behind the illicit business, had been moving to secure their release.

Naval Chief: Warships Not for N’ Delta

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, has said the warships ordered by the Federal Government are not for the purpose of attacking militants in the restive Niger Delta. Adekeye also warned of what he called the grave implications of the refusal of Nigeria to hand over Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.

Naval Chief Advises FG On Niger Delta Crisis

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, has advised the Federal Government against the use of force in bringing lasting peace to the Niger Delta area, pointing out that political option should be first adopted.

Explosion Rocks Illegal Refinery

An illegal refinery operated by crude oil thieves in Burutu LGA of Delta State exploded while they were refining stolen crude oil. A woman and child were injured in the explosion.

Kidnappers of Delta SSG’s Father Offered Us N.5m to Keep Him - Suspects

The six suspects arrested in connection with the kidnapping of the father of the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Chief Arthur Okowa, on Tuesday said that the kidnappers, now on the run, promised them N500, 000 to keep the man in their house. One of the suspects said he was shocked when he opened his room and saw the old man with his mouth sealed, his eyes, legs and hands tied with cello tape, and had to run back.

Crude Oil Thieves Threaten JTF Commander
*Kill Suspected Military Informant

Crude oil thieves whose 111 illegal refineries were destroyed, recently, by the Joint Task Force (JTF) at Tuomo community in Burutu LGA of Delta state have threatened to deal with the JTF Commander, Brigadier-General Nanven Rimtip. They have also killed a man they suspected to have given the JTF information about their activities. Rimtip vowed that despite of the threat he would not relent on his fight against such activities.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Ijaw Youth Leaders Warn MEND Against Attacking Oil Installation in Ondo

Ijaw youth leaders have warned the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) not to carry out its threat to attack oil installations in Ondo State. They noted that such action is needless and capable of throwing the state into confusion. They also called on MEND not to be instigated to violent actions by politicians.

Robbers Battle Police, Abandon AK-47

A gang of robbers had to abandon their weapons after a gun battle with some policemen attached to the Ogba division in Lagos on Saturday. The encounter happened when the robbers were allegedly tried to rob some people. However, the policemen were unable to arrest any of the robbers. An AK-47 rifle was recovered from the robbers.

Armed Men Abduct 9 People in Ondo

Nine people believed to be chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were on Monday in Ese Odo LGA of Ondo State, abducted by a group which claims to be the state chapter of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). The Secretary of the group, Ajija Bonanawei, said the men would not be released until the Secretary to the State Government submitted all the alleged arms and ammunitions in his armoury. But MEND spokesman, Jomo Gbomo has dissociated MEND from the incident as “MEND was not established for political thuggery, and had nothing to do with the kidnapping”.

Yar'adua Orders Army Patrol Of Lagos

Worried by rising cases of insecurity including kidnappings and armed robberies in Lagos, President Yar'Adua on Monday ordered a joint military/police patrol in the state. Within the last two weeks, gunmen had kidnapped a council administrator and the child of a government official in Lagos State. Armed robberies are also on the increase.

Pastor Arrested With Human Skull

A 55-year-old Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) pastor, Noah Ajibigah, has been caught with a human skull by the police from the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos. He was arrested in his church along with his wife, Bose, after his wife’s father reported to the police that he is a fake prophet. Pastor Noah claimed that the skull was that of an animal.

One Killed As Irate Youths Vandalise Bank

Commercial activities were paralysed on Wednesday at the Egbeda area of Lagos, when irate youths, suspected to be area boys invaded a bank and set part of its building on fire. Eye witnesses said that the crisis was triggered off when an armed police man in the bank shot and killed a suspected armed robber who was seen with a gun in the premises. But the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Frank Mba, said trouble started when some hoodlums who were fighting started moving towards the bank and the policemen tried to ward them off. One of the hoodlums tried to disarm a policeman, and in the process, the gun went off, killing him instantly.

60-Year-Old Man Electrocuted

A 60-year-old man, Mr. Joseph Fakunle, was electrocuted last Friday night, at Alapere, Lagos by a live PHCN cable that fell on the road. According to the elders of the area, the cable fell across the road some days back and the matter was reported to the PHCN authorities, who did nothing about it. They all blame the PHCN for the death of Pa Fakunle.

Church Leader Escapes Assassination

The General Overseer of a church in Lagos narrowly escaped being killed by assassins who stormed his residence. The assassins brutalized his children but spared him. The incident was later reported at the Gowon Police Station. They also went away with the C of O of a pilot called Mr. Dehinbo, kept with the pastor.

Robbers In Lagos Devise New Strategy

Robbers who specialise in snatching phones and bags have devised a new strategy. They now pretend as conductors and hang by the doors of public buses. Once the bus is about to take off, the robber snatches whatever he can lay his hands on, particularly phones and bags from passengers by the door. According to a commuter bus driver, Mr. Akeem Shobayo; “the incident is now very rampant especially in the evening when they would not be identified by anyone”.

Robbers’ Female Armourer Arrested

A 25-year-old lady, Chidinma Nnaemeka, has been arrested in Lagos for keeping guns for robbers. A double barrel gun was found in a makeshift structure where Chidinma sells Indian hemp. She confessed that the gun belonged to robbers.

Tanker, Trailer Drivers Block Ibadan-Ilorin Road

Passengers and motorists on the Ibadan-Ilorin road were stranded on Monday as tanker and trailer drivers blocked the road to protest the poor state of major highways and extortion by the police. The drivers condemned government’s insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians for allowing the roads to degenerate.

23 Charged With Faking Naira Notes

Twenty- three men have been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly printing fake naira notes. They were alleged to be in unlawful possession of forged N200 and N1, 000 notes that were tendered as exhibits. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police Inspector Shot

A Police Inspector was shot in front of his residence on Thursday by persons believed to be assassins. He is the "Exhibit keeper" at the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the police. Doctors are battling to save him.

Man Commits Suicide By Drowning In Well

A young man took his own life by jumping into a well located at Palm grove, Lagos. He reportedly refused help from people who tried to get him out of the well. Some staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) also offered the use of their ladder their ladder to bring out the man, but he was dead, before they could get to him.

GENERAL

59,000 Fleeing Nigerians Hide In the Desert, Says Govt

Fifty-Nine thousand Nigerians are said to be hiding in some North African countries. They use the countries as base for their anticipated cross over to Europe. Foreign Affairs Minister, Ojo Maduekwe, also disclosed that about 10,000 Nigerian immigrants died between 1999 and 2002, while attempting to illegally cross over to Europe.

Death Of 14 -Year- Old: Rights Commission To Find Culprits

Angered by the slow pace of investigation of the killing of a 14-year-old school boy in Niger state, Abubakar Onifade, the National Human Rights Commission has vowed to fish out the perpetrators of the act. The Executive Secretary of the commission, Mrs. Kehinde Ajoni, condemned the lukewarm manner with which the police are handling of the matter.

Influx of Illegal Immigrants Worries Immigration Service

Influx of illegal immigrants into the northern states of Nigeria and the attendant security threat has become a major source of concern to the Nigeria Immigration Service. More disturbing is the fact that these foreigners now compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s national security by illegally acquiring National Identity Cards as well as participating freely in the country’s political activities.

EFCC Boss Tasks Defence Minister on Niger Delta Crises

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Farida Waziri, on Thursday urged the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed to mobilize security agencies to address the unrest in the Niger Delta as it was not only affecting the inflow of foreign investments into the country, but threatening the unity of the country.

We Killed 15 Persons Before Police Arrested Us

Kaduna state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Tambuwal, Wednesday paraded some armed robbery suspects who the police say had been terrorizing the indigenes for a very long time. A group of the suspects claimed they had killed up to 15 persons before they were apprehended.

DPR Sold Kaduna Refinery For $5million

The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the NNPC and its subsidiaries was told that Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), was sold for paltry 5 million dollars (about N5.8 billion). The Managing Director of OMDC Nigeria Limited, Mr Li Zhiming made this disclosure.

Another Pipeline Explosion Imminent

Another pipeline explosion may rock Lagos if the government does not move in immediately to stop the spate of vandalisation of oil pipelines in the creeks of Tarkwa Bay, about six kilometres from Lagos.

Spain Deports 29 Nigerians

Spainish authorities, last week, deported 29 Nigerians due to Immigration problems. Some of the deportees accused the Nigerian government of insensitivity towards its citizens.

29 Condemned Nigerians In Thailand, Afghanistan Get Reprieve

Twenty-nine Nigerians, condemned to death in Thailand and Afghanistan for drug-related offences, have had their sentences commuted to prison terms and will be transferred to Nigeria to serve their terms. In a related development, about 45,000 Nigerians are stranded in three African countries due to irregular migration documents.

Two Nigerians To Hang In Malaysia For Murder

Efforts by two Nigerians, on death row in Malaysia, to save their neck suffered set back over the weekend as their appeal was rejected by the Malaysian court. The Court ruled that the evidence brought against the duo was not weak and as such, their case could not be waved aside. They were sentenced to death in 2000, after they were found guilty of slashing three family members to death while robbing a watch shop in 1997.

Niger Delta Crisis: Oil & Gas Investors Relocate From Nigeria

Rattled by militant attacks in the Niger Delta, Oil and gas sector investors are relocating to neighbouring countries. A study by Zeus Development Corp, confirms that the Niger Delta crisis is driving investment from Nigeria to many other competing countries. The study shows that 29 of 47 countries in the sub-continent are now improving gas-development policies and advancing projects to the detriment of Nigeria.

Police Demote Ribadu, 139 Others

Police authorities on Tuesday effected a massive demotion of 140 of its top officials. This affected the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was demoted from the rank of Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) to Deputy Commissioner (DC). The Police Service Commission (PSC) declared the promotions carried out by former IGP, Sunday Ehindero as "irregular, and not based on established criteria and a breach of the 1999 Constitution. Ribadu was also ordered out of the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies as he is no longer qualified for the course which is meant for officer of the rank of AIG and above.

Ribadu Wanted For Treason

Embattled former boss of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is allegedly being sought by security operatives over what was described as treason. Ribadu is allegedly in possession of classified documents, which is feared he might use against the Federal Government.

Appeal Court Orders Army To Re-Instate Sacked General

Two years after being sacked by the Nigerian Army for his alleged complicity in exposing an academic qualification fraud within its top hierarchy, a Court of Appeal has ordered the immediate re-instatement of Brig. Gen. Maude Aminu-Kano into the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration.  The Army Council also ratified the General Court Martial's verdict, which was set-aside by the appellate court.

DPR Clarifies Controversy Over Missing Eight Oil Blocks

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has clarified the controversy on the allocation of 44 oil blocks in the 2005 bidding round. It said the reports submitted to the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee was erroneously recorded. It, however, noted the DPR actually awarded 44 oil blocks in the biding round and not 36 as earlier stated. While it confirmed that the $210 million signature bonus for Oil Prospecting License (OPL 245) was fully paid by Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Company Limited (SNUD).

Shell, Hanover Sign Gas Plant Agreement

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria has signed a contract with an engineering company, Hanover Nigeria Limited, to construct a gas processing facility at Gbaran in Bayelsa State. A spokesman for Shell, Mr. Precious Okolobo, said on Monday that the facility would process and supply fuel gas to the nearby national integrated power plant. Hanover is expected to deliver the facility in the third quarter of 2009 and will provide at full capacity, 80 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to the power plant.

Oil Crisis In Nigeria To Affect Asia's Demand

The effect of Nigeria's latest oil export disruption may be felt in Asia in the coming weeks as falling benchmark prices present an opportunity to arbitrage by pulling spot Atlantic basin crude eastward. Atlantic basin bellwether Brent crude has fallen nearly 20% since settling at $146.60 a barrel July 3 on London's ICE Futures exchange, sharply narrowing the premium to swaps quoted for Dubai crude, the Middle East proxy.

International Crime Fighters Storm Nigeria

Crime fighters drawn from the United Nations (UN) and Britain will be arriving Nigeria for round-table talks with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Nigeria’s legislature on how to generate more funds for anti-graft agencies across the globe. The need for more funds for the anti-graft agencies has been discussed by international organizations that are pushing for passage of bills to that effect in different countries.

Child Kidnappers Demand N10m Ransom In Kano

Kano State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers who kidnapped a 3-year-old child and demanded a N10 million ransom. The gang leader, Ibrahim Datti, 27, confessed to committing the crime, saying, being a poor man, he had intended to use the money to buy a brand new Honda car and live in comfort.

Diesel, Kerosene Crisis Worsens As Marketers Shun Importation

Diesel scarcity which resurfaced last month may worsen with no deliveries made to marketers in the past 45 days by the Pipeline Products Marketing Company (PPMC). Logistic problems at the ports, shortfall in importation and low returns on investment also impede the supply of kerosene.  The PPMC said that it supplies marketers with the products, but agreed that supplies from the refineries cannot meet national demands.

Shell, Halliburton Defrauded Nigeria Of N600b

There is a new twist in the probe into claims by Halliburton and its former subsidiary, Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) that they bribed Nigerian officials to win a $5 billion construction contract. The contract was for the building of a Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant in Bonny Island, Rivers State. According to the report, the footnote's reference to Shell was the first time the oil giant was linked to the bribery suspicions.

Nigeria Loses N6b Daily To Gas Flaring

The Senate Committee on Gas, Monday disclosed that the country was losing $15 million (N5.8 billion) daily to the flaring of the precious hydrocarbon product.

ICPC Probes Immigration Chief, Others for Extorting N22m from Applicants

The Independent Corrupt Practice and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of a Chief Superintendent of Prisons, Mrs. Mba Josephine Uchenna, and the interrogation of five others for alleged extortion of N22 million from applicants. A statement by the ICPC alleged that the suspects operated a syndicate which extorted money from unsuspecting applicants during the botched recruitment.

Govt Deports Six Lebanese Found In Asari-Dokubo’s House

The Federal Government at the weekend deported the six Lebanese found in the Abuja residence of the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteers Force (NDPVF), Mujahid Asari-Dokubo. The Lebanese were arrested following a raid on Asari-Dokubo’s house last Thursday by a team of the military, State Security Service (SSS) and policemen.

FG Moves To Split NNPC

President Yar’Adua, Monday, hinted that high-level executive-legislature dialogue is to resume soon on the passage of a bill that would provide a legal framework for the speedy realisation of the Oil and Gas Sector Reform Implementation Committee (OGIC). The law is intended to make clear, the different roles of the different organs of government in respect to petroleum.

FG May Repeal Oil Sector Laws

The Draft Petroleum Industry Bill prepared by the Oil and Gas Sector Reform Implementation Committee has proposed the repeal of all extant oil and gas laws in the country. Speaking after the presentation of the report, President Yar’Adua assured that his administration would implement the final report of the Oil and Gas Sector Reforms Implementation Committee.

FRSC Identifies 78 Crash Prone Spots In Abuja

Sector Commander of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Charles Akpabio, said on Monday that his command had identified 78 black spots easily prone to road accidents in Abuja. He stated that his command together with the FCT Administration would soon introduce new speed limit in Abuja to reduce the rate of road accidents.

Terrorists Plan Attack on Us In Nigeria -Israeli Envoy

Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Moshi Ram, said on Monday that the interest of his nation in West Africa, especially Nigeria, might be attacked by Hezbollah terrorist organisation. He has, therefore, urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, to provide the embassy with more security.

Quit Abuja Now, MEND Warns Julius Berger

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Monday, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Julius Berger Plc to shut down its operation in Abuja. Julius Berger, last month shut down its operational base in Rivers and Bayelsa States, as a result of the abduction of two of its expatriate workers in Rivers State. The kidnappers are demanding for N32m ransom, while the company has refused to pay any ransom. MEND threatens to unleash terror on the company if they failed to obey the ultimatum.

Nigeria Lost 700 Soldiers In One Month In Sierra Leone – Gambari

Under Secretary General and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Professor Ibrahim Gambari has revealed that Nigeria lost 700 soldiers in January 1999, while on peace keeping mission in Sierra Leone.

Nigerian In US Court Over Murder of Wife

A Nigerian, Michael Iheme, who police authorities said gunned down his wife in cold blood has pleaded not guilty to the act. According to police records, Michael shot his estranged wife, Anthonia, in a parking lot and calmly called police to report himself. Anthonia had a restraining order against Iheme because of a history of domestic abuse.

Five Americans, Two Britons, Others Bag Nigerian Citizenship

Five Americans, 12 Britons and 58 Russians are among the 160 foreign nationals who have naturalised as Nigerians. Each of them paid N150, 000 to become Nigerians. The cost of granting the certificates was recently reviewed upward from N5, 000 to N150, 000 by the Ministry of Interior.

Senate Report Raises Fears Over State Of Nigeria Air Force

The Nigeria Air Force as an institution is on the verge of collapse, the Senate Committee on Air Force has said. The Committee affirmed that the Air Force lacks the required equipment and personnel to perform its statutory functions as a military organisation. The Committee report described the aircraft and other equipment of the service as obsolete and out of use.

Military Chiefs Meet On West African Security

Military chiefs from ECOWAS states brainstormed last Tuesday on how to tackle issues of terrorism and drug trafficking in West Africa. They also considered the road map to the establishment of an ECOWAS Standby Force in addition to what roles for each of the six nations that will contribute troops to the force.

Chevron Boosts Oil Production In Nigeria

United States oil group, Chevron has commenced production at a new offshore oil field in Nigeria. The company said on Wednesday that the site is expected to yield 250,000 barrels of oil and gas per day by next year. The company said its Nigerian affiliate, Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited, started production from the Agbami field on July 29.

EFCC Seeks Seizure of Ill-gotten Assets

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has proposed a bill to the National Assembly, which seeks to empower it to acquire the ill-gotten assets of sitting president, governors and other political office holders. The EFCC Chairman, Mrs. Farida Waziri, presented the draft bill to the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes on Wednesday.

INTERNATIONAL

Nearly 150 Dead In India Temple Stampede -Police

Close to 150 Hindu worshippers, including children, are confirmed to have died at a temple in northern India in the worst stampede in the country in three years, police said Monday.

Assailants Kill 16 Policemen At Chinese Border Post

About 16 officers died after two men rammed a dump truck into a group of jogging policemen and then tossed explosives into their barracks, in a restive Chinese province bordering Central Asia. The attack has put security forces on alert. Meanwhile, about 20 people angry about being evicted from their homes in central Beijing demonstrated Monday, saying the Olympics should not curb their legal rights.

Worldwide Protests On Eve Of China Olympics

Critics of China's human rights record continued their protest as the 2008 Olympics torch arrived in China. Activists from Canada to Kathmandu sought to get their voices heard, while, two British and two US activists who staged a dramatic pro-Tibet protest on Wednesday, have been deported from China.

World Bank Tackles Effects Of West Africa Gas Project

The World Bank has approved plans to address the negative impacts of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) project billed to supply over 2.5 billion standard cubit feet of gas to the West Africa region at peak operation.  Following a request by some communities in Nigeria, which claim that the WAGP project was adversely impacting on their safety, environment and means of livelihood, an inspection panel was set up by the bank.

Zimbabwe Deal To Grant Mugabe Amnesty, Make Tsvangirai PM

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe would have amnesty from prosecution and a ceremonial role in government, while opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has been tipped to become the Prime Minister under a draft settlement to resolve the country's crisis, a newspaper reported. But Mugabe's spokesman George Charamba on Thursday said no meeting had been set between Mugabe and Tsvangirai and said reports such were untrue.

UN Worries Over Sudan's Darfur Rebel Trials

The United Nations (UN) has voiced concern over trials in Sudan that sentenced to death 30 alleged Darfur rebels for an attack on the capital and urged Khartoum to abolish capital punishment and has called for a thorough review as the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) has concerns that the judicial process may not have met international standards.

Opposition Ruling Coalition Moves To Impeach Musharraf

Pakistan's ruling coalition has announced it will seek the impeachment of President Pervez Musharraf.  Ruling party chief, Asif Ali Zardari, reportedly declared the decision was "good news for democracy" in Pakistan.

Israel Considers Military Option For Iran's Nuclear Activities

Amid growing anxiety over Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israel has begun building up its strike capabilities and appears confident that a military attack would cripple Tehran's atomic program, even if it cannot destroy it. The issue of Iran's nuclear programme took a new turn after United States (U.S.) officials rejected Tehran's response to an incentives package aimed at getting it to stop nuclear activities.

Man Killed While Feeding Lion

A farm worker in Kirkwood was attacked and killed by a lion he was feeding, Eastern Cape police said on Tuesday. Nokie du Toit, 37, was with his employer and three others in the lions' den when one of the lions got through the gates and attacked them. They tried to escape, but the lion knocked Du Toit down and started biting him. The men threw some meat at the lion and it let go of Du Toit. No one else was injured. The lion was later shot dead by the owner.

France Accused In Rwanda Genocide

Rwanda has accused France of playing an active role in the genocide of 1994, in which about 800,000 people were killed. An independent Rwandan commission said France was aware of preparations for the genocide and helped train the ethnic Hutu militia perpetrators. The report also accused French troops of direct involvement in the killings and named 33 senior French military and political figures that it said should be prosecuted. France has previously denied such responsibility.

Coup In Mauritania As President, PM Arrested

Troops staged a coup in the West African nation of Mauritania on Wednesday, arresting the president and prime minister and shutting down state radio and television, security sources said.