Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 37

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Militants Attack Oil Tank, Ship, Seize Nigerians, Foreigners

Suspected militants, last Tuesday, attacked a platform of CONOIL Nigeria Plc, near the Funiwa field in Rivers State. Six mobile policemen were said to be on board the platform at the time of the attack. No casualty was immediately recorded. Another attack was unleashed same day on a ship, HD Blue Ocean by unknown gunmen at the entrance of the Sam Brerio River, The ship and its’ Nigerian and expatriate occupants, including two Britons, two South Africans and a Ukrainian, were taken to an unknown destination.

Crashed Aircraft: Black Box Recovered

The cockpit data recorder (black box), flight data recorder and other important parts – which may help explain why the twin-prop Beech craft 1900D crashed – have been found by a team of investigators. It was found at the crash site Cross River State, on Tuesday.

Two Hostages Rescued in P/H

The Assistant General Manager of a hotel in Port Harcourt, Mrs. Comfy Nwogu and a guest, Chief Harrison Onungwe, who were kidnapped Thursday from the hotel have been rescued by Security agencies. The Rivers state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bala Hassan, said it was the resolve of the police to battle every form of criminality in the state.

Shell Extends Force Majeure on Bonny Light Crude

Royal Dutch Shell said on Friday that it has extended its force majeure on Nigerian Bonny Light crude oil exports. The is due to security concerns in the Niger Delta region after the company found more leaks on a Bonny Light crude pipeline, a Shell spokesman said.

Police Arrest 12 over killing, Arson in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested twelve persons, including four chiefs suspected to have masterminded the killings and large scale arson in Ikot Akpan Udo community by indigenes of a neighbouring village. The Andonis of Amazaba in Eastern Obolo LGA about three weeks ago attacked Ikot Akpan Udo village. Some persons are still missing.

Port Harcourt LG Boss Kidnapped, Rescued

The Chairman of the Port Harcourt City Council, Azubike Emeregini, was, Tuesday, kidnapped by gunmen. He was rescued shortly after, when the kidnappers abandoned the Hilux van and Emeregini as security forces were almost catching up with them. Two AK-47 rifles, one extra magazine, the van and one walkie-talkie were recovered.

Gunmen Kidnap Lawmaker’s Father

Unknown gunmen, penultimate Sunday, kidnapped the 67-year-old father of a Rivers State lawmaker, Chief Augustine Ordu, from his residence in Port Harcourt. The lawmaker, Collins Ordu said those behind the act were yet to contact him. Spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the state, Lt. Colonel Sagir Musa, confirmed the kidnapping.

Agip Vessel Attacked, One Dead

Suspected Sea pirates, Sunday September 7, hijacked a vessel belonging to Agip Oil Company, killed a crew member and took another hostage. Spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lt. Colonel Sagir Musa, confirmed the attack on the unescorted service boat, which was heading from Brass to Port Harcourt.  The culprits are yet to be identified.

Imo SSS Raises Alarm over Kidnapping

Worried by the upsurge in kidnapping and hostage taking in Imo State, as no fewer than 30 families have fallen victim, the Director of State Security Services, Abdulahi Shinkafi, has concluded arrangements to organise an international seminar on hostage taking and kidnapping on September 16 and 17 in Owerri, the state capital.  The seminar would x-ray different styles of hostage taking and kidnapping.

Police Corporal Kills Sergeant in Error

A police corporal in Cross River State, Kassimu Hussein, accidentally killed his Colleague, a police sergeant, Thankgod James. Thankgod was the armourer at Ogoja Police Division. Kassimu, after receiving his gun was trying to check the state of the gun, which seemed to have problems, when the incident occurred. Kassimu, on the run, claims that it was not intentional. His claim was corroborated by another policeman on the same shift, who explained that the gun given Kassimu had problems.

Community Sacked over Policeman’s Murder

For fear of reprisal attacks, residents of Ikot Udobong community in Akwa Ibom State have deserted the area following the killing of a policeman by a gunman, recently. Police investigation into the incident has begun.

Amnesty International Wants SSS to Release U.S. Filmmaker’s Aide

Amnesty International has asked the Federal Government to charge a Nigerian, Samuel George, with a recognizable criminal offence or release him from detention. George, a translator and guide for an American filmmaker, Andrew Berends, is said to be presently detained by the States Security Services (SSS) incommunicado without charge. Berends has been freed. Berends was freed after some questioning. He left Nigeria, Tuesday night.

Oil Output to Rise as Loading Begins at Agbami Field

The loading of crude oil Agbami has commenced thereby raising hopes that the first cargo may leave the country soon. This followed the resolution of all the issues that had delayed the commencement of loading. Chevron Corporation said the oilfield was producing about 20,000 barrels of oil and natural gas liquids a day. Production is expected to increase to about 250,000 barrel per day (bpd) by the end of 2009.

Mitee Elected Chairman of Committee on Niger Delta

President of Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Ledum Mitee, has been elected chairman of the Technical Committee on the Niger Delta while Nkoyo Toyo, a renowned lawyer and activist, was elected Secretary. Meanwhile, A northern activist and leader of the Socialist Front (SF), Mallam Shehu Sani, has said that the Niger Delta needs development projects and not peace talks. Sani opined that the government ought to put in motion a machinery to implement previous reports of committees on the way forward.

Rival Cult Groups Clash in Rivers Varsity

The Rivers State University of Science and Technology, last Monday, had rival cult groups disrupting activities as they engaged themselves in a shoot-out in a battle for supremacy. The Chief Security Officer of the university, Mr. Noel Job, confirmed the incident but said security operatives quickly checked the situation. There were no casualties.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

JTF Discovers Routes for Arms Smuggling

The Joint Task Force (JTF), penultimate Sunday, said it has identified some communities in Delta and Bayelsa states through which illegal arms and ammunition enter into the region and has placed the communities under surveillance. The JTF also said it arrested four people with 210,000 litres of stolen petroleum products at an illegal depot in Delta State.

Thugs Vandalise Police Station, Free Detained Union Leader

Thugs, suspected to be members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, penultimate Saturday, vandalised Okirighwre Police Station in Delta State. The hoodlums freed all the suspects in the police cell, including a leader of their union, who was being detained for his alleged role in the recent murder of two policemen at Orerokpe. Troops of JTF on Sunday watched over the police station to forestall further attack.

Bank Manager, 2 Others Die in Car Crash

The newly appointed branch manager for Bank PHB in Igarra, Edo state and a pregnant woman with two of her kids lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident along the Benin Auchi road. The manager was driving in his vehicle when he had a head-on collision with an on-coming truck. The Zonal Commander of the Federal Roads Safety Commission in Benin,   Zakari Ndah, confirmed the incident and attributed it to dangerous overtaking on the part of the driver of the car. Two other persons sustained injuries.

Militants Oppose 40-Member Panel on Niger Delta Crisis

Some militants groups have again rejected the 40-man Niger Delta Technical Committee. The Niger Delta Patriotic Movement and the Ateke Tom-led Niger-Delta Vigilante said they were against the committee because government has shown unwillingness to tackle the issues at stake, saying that the committee is just another ploy to distract the people.

Police Kills Engineer in Warri

Mobile Policemen on Monday in Warri, Delta State shot dead a 35-year-old staff of Poliod Engineering Services, Engineer Gideon Ovikpokpo, claiming that he was an armed robber. His family, employer and eye witnesses debunked the claim, saying the victim was returning home from work when he was shot dead after some people inside a Pick-up van raised the alarm that they had been robbed by bandits, and then the Policemen who emerged thereafter shot him and fled the scene when an angry mob gathered.

Community Threatens Warri Refinery

Few days after the Ekpan contractors threatened to unleash terror on the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) over violation of the local content policy, another community close to the refinery, Ubeji community has reiterated its early stance to make life unbearable to the company unless they agree to the local content policy and engage local contractors in the execution of projects.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Police Lost 10 Men Daily to Crime – Lagos CP

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, on Sunday said that the police in the state lost 10 men daily to armed robbery prior to his appointment in Lagos. He, however, noted that the crime rate had reduced greatly since he took over. In another development, Akpoyibo was, Monday, invited to the force headquarters to explain a confession he reportedly made in a church programme of his escapades as a cultist.

NDDC Okays N10b Projects for Ondo

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has approved five major projects for execution in the oil producing areas of Ondo State. The projects will cost N10 billion.

Ogun Perm Sec’s Wife, Children Kidnapped

Wife of the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs Adekoya and her three children were on Thursday kidnapped by unknown gunmen. The kidnappers, for several hours, held their victims hostage but allowed her to get in touch with her husband, who was said to have contacted the police who later rescued them.

AP, NNPC to Build Refinery in Lagos

African Petroleum (AP) last weekend revealed plans to partner with the Nigerian Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for the establishment of a refinery in Lagos, and the expansion of the company's land in Port Harcourt and its Lagos depot to accommodate about 120,000 metric tonnes of products.

Killer Policeman Sentenced to Death by Hanging

A Lagos High Court has sentenced to death by hanging Inspector John Onwe, who tortured a suspect, Ndudiri Onyekwere, to death in 2002. Onwe was the leader of a six-man detective team that killed Onyekwere in June 2002 after he was handed over to them by men of the Alausa Police Station, Ikeja Lagos. The five others ran away to escape justice.

Youth Leader Appeals to Militants to Stop Taking Hostages

Ondo State chairman of Niger Delta Youths Movement, Mr Bright Ojugbuyi has appealed to militants in the Niger-Delta to stop taking hostages and kidnapping babies for ransom, saying that their reasons for being in the creeks had been defeated by hostage-taking.

PPMC Seizes Stolen 400,000 Litres of Fuel

The Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) has said that its anti-vandalism police taskforce has impounded 400, 000 litres of petroleum products worth N2 billion from vandals in Epe, Lagos State. According to the PPMC, this is the largest seizure in the history of vandalism in the nation's downstream sector of the petroleum industry.

Court Jails 12 Drug Traffickers

A Lagos High Court has sentenced 12 person found guilty of drug trafficking to various jail terms. While some got the option of fines, others did not.

Fake Doctor, Human Trafficker in Police Net

A fake doctor who caused the death of a housewife through an abortion as well as a child trafficker, were among eight suspects paraded on Thursday by police authorities in Ibadan, Oyo State. The fake doctor, a secondary school drop-out said he started the illegal clinic two years ago to sustain himself.

Robbers Kill Two Sisters on Vacation

Armed robbers, Saturday September 6, killed two daughters of a staff of ‘The Nation’ Newspaper, Mr. Samuel Olorunsola. Miss Blessing Olorunsola, 14, and her younger sister, Miss Tosin Olorunsola, 10, were shot dead by armed robbers, who invaded the Lagos home of their uncle, where the girls spent their holiday.

Police Officer’s Son Nabbed for Robbery

Son of a retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), has been arrested in Lagos for robbery. Buddy Edimeka, 24, and Wasiu Yekini, 25, were arrested recently by policemen attached to Festac Division. The duo were alleged to have been using the retired police officer’s Honda Accord car to snatch handsets and recharge cards from victims before they were arrested.

OPC Pleads for Detainee

The Ekiti State chapter of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) has urged Governor Segun Oni to intervene in the travail of the state coordinator of the group, Adeniyi Adedipe, and four others.  The group said Adedipe, who is in prison custody, was innocent of the charges of armed robbery and kidnapping slammed against him.

Customs Seize Guns, 10,200 Pieces of Ammunition at Tin Can

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have seized a large cache of arms and ammunition concealed in a container and three used vehicles at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.  The ammunition was intercepted during a routine examination of containers already cleared for delivery to their owners. About 14 guns and 10,200 pieces of ammunition were discovered. Customs named the importers as Messrs Edwin Obiakor of Trade Fair complex, Lagos.

Police Nab Woman, Two Others for Robbery

Police, in Lagos, last weekend, arrested a woman said to be an accomplice to a robbery gang, alongside two robbery suspects. They were arrested with one double barrel gun and 19 live cartridges, hidden in a public toilet inside the market.

Armed Youths Invade Police Station

Armed youths, penultimate Sunday, sacked the police station in Irele town in Irele LGA of Ondo State and carted away arms and ammunition. The youths, armed with sophisticated weapons, took the action in retaliation of the alleged maltreatment of the council chairman, Chief Albert Akintoye, by security operatives from Alagbon, Lagos. Akintoye was arrested following a petition that he was involved in illegal oil bunkering.

GENERAL

PPA Wants a Restructuring of NEMA

The Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) has called for urgent re-reorganisation of Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Fire Service. This is in view of the inability of both agencies to effectively manage emergency situations in the country.

Exxon Mobil gets New Chairman

In a major change of leadership baton, Exxon Mobil has named Mr. Adetunji A. Oyebanji as its chairman and managing director. He replaces Mr. Olu Onakoya, who voluntarily retired. Oyebanji until his new appointment was the company's Executive Director, Retail Sales.

Senate Summons NNPC over Planned Increase in Gas Price

Alhaji Abubakar Yar’Adua, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is to appear before the Senate next Wednesday to explain the justification for the planned increase in gas prices. Also summoned by the Senate, are the helmsmen of the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) and the Petroleum Products and Marketing Company (PPMC).

Renovation of Police Academy to Gulp N1bn – Okiro

Inspector- General of Police, Mr Mike Okiro, has said that N1 billion was required to renovate the Police Academy (POLAC), Kano. Okiro lamented that the Academy is in bad shape, and has neglected for a long time.

Azazi Pulls Out of Army

Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Andrew Owoye Azazi (rtd) has officially pulled out of the Nigerian Army 36 years after he joined. He has however called on the government to approve the wearing of the national flag by military personnel, as is being done by Armed forces the world over.

Drug Dealer Shot Dead By Police in Jarkata

A Nigerian drug dealer was shot dead by police in Jarkata as he tried to escape security on Friday. The police said they gave a warning shot, but he ignored it. They tried to shoot him in the leg but hit him in the chest and back. He died on the spot. He had been caught red-handed with 100 grams of heroin at a hotel in Kemayoran on Thursday evening.

FG Earmarks N800bn for Fuel Subsidy

The Federal Government said on Friday that it planned to spend N800 billion by the end of the year on subsidising petroleum products prices. Minister of State for Energy (Petroleum), Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, while disclosing this, also attributed the current scarcity of kerosene to "sharp practices industry."

60 Nigerian Human Traffickers Face Prosecution in Europe

Over sixty Nigerian human traffickers will face prosecution in nine European countries.  The traffickers were arrested in a crackdown on traffickers in an operation that was coordinated by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP).

Karu Residents Groan under Armed Robbery Menace

Residents of Aper village in Karu LGA, Nasarawa State have cried out over the activities of armed robbers in their area in recent times, as the robbers have made life unbearable for them.

Yar’Adua Creates Ministry of N’Delta

President Yar’Adua on Wednesday stepped up ongoing moves to revamp the machinery of his government with the restructuring of the federal ministries under which a Ministry of Niger Delta emerged. The Secretary to Government of the Federation, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, said the new Ministry would lead and coordinate environmental and youth empowerment policy initiatives and reinforce the overall development of the region. He said that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be a parastatal under the ministry. This act was greeted with commendations by different groups, although MEND says it needs to be convinced of government actions.

8 Oil Blocks Illegally Awarded, Says House

The House of Representatives Committee investigating the operations of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiaries over the past eight years on Wednesday alleged that a total of eight oil blocks were found to have been awarded without the necessary presidential approval during the 2006 mini bid round. In monetary terms, about $120 million was said to have accrued to the nation in terms of signature bonus on the blocks. It was, however, not clear whether the money was paid into government coffers by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

Grenade Explosion kills Two, Injures Five, Army Disclaims Unexploded Bombs

Two people were last Wednesday killed and five others seriously injured when a grenade exploded at a military shooting range in Kaduna State. An eyewitness said that the accident occurred as some boys went to the shooting range to scavenge for old metals and one of them mistook a live grenade for a metal and wanted to break it into smaller parts when it exploded. The Army has said that would not be held responsible if unexploded bombs that are removed from range by children cause damage or death. It has therefore warned residents to steer clear off the military range because it is a restricted area.

PHCN Manager Caught Selling Transformer Parts

Police detectives attached to Zone 2 Headquarters, Lagos, recently nabbed Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Service Manager, Ebute Service Area, Ikorodu, Mr Samson Koledoye,  for selling coils and other useful parts of transformer. Koledoye said that he sent his men to evaluate the transformer, but denied sending them to cut the cable.

Again, Yar’Adua Wants ‘Blood Diamond’ Concept for Stolen Oil

President Yar'Adua has again urged international community to regard petroleum products stolen from conflict areas as blood oil, in the same mould as blood diamond. He made the call at the opening ceremony of the West Africa Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Strange Disease Claims 59 Lives in Zamfara

A mysterious water-borne disease has claimed 59 lives and left about a dozen others in precarious situation in Damba area of Zamfara State capital. But health authorities claim that only six persons are confirmed dead, while the state Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Kabiru Janyau, denied the outbreak.

Reps May Void 2006 Oil Block Bids

The Committee of the House of Representatives investigating the operations of the oil sector between 1999 and 2008 has given indications that the 2006 mini bid may be cancelled, following the discovery of a number of anomalies. The committee also queried the way the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) over the blocks were designed but the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) denied being part of the drafting of the documents.

5,000 Cops without Salary for 9 Months

About five thousand policemen who were recalled into the Nigeria Police in January have reportedly been in the service without earning salary. It was learnt that the affected policemen had not been receiving their salaries and other allowances, because no provision was made for such payments in this year’s budget by the Federal Government. Sources, however, revealed that the amended 2008 budget might redress their plight.

Okah: Ijaw Group Drags FG to ICJ

In continuation of their campaign for the freedom of Mr Henry Okah, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Europe, has petitioned the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the secret trial of the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) by the government of Nigeria. Okah is being tried in camera at a Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State, on a 62-count charge bordering on treason and gun running.

Power Emergency: Govt, Oil Majors Set For Showdown

There are reports that Oil majors in Nigeria are ready to protest as the Federal Government is set to order them to divert a great percentage of their gas exports to the local market. This is part of the government's efforts to meet its power emergency target. The companies believe that the government's plan is a "strange" introduction into their operational agreements with Nigeria, and will hurt their revenue targets.

EU Dumps Russia for Nigerian Gas

Worried by the August invasion of Georgia by Russia, the European Union (EU) is pinning its hope of regular gas supply in the future on the planned $10billion trans-Saharan gas pipeline project. The project, through which Nigerian gas will be piped into Europe via the Sahara desert, is seen as the safest alternative to Russian gas. Five European Union members are wholly dependent on Russia for their natural gas.

Indian Firm Fails To Execute N702b Refinery Project

The House Representatives committee probing the activities of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has learnt that a N702 billion oil refinery construction project, awarded to an Indian company, is yet to be executed.  Ibrahim Bello, the Deputy Director (legal) of the NNPC stated this at the ongoing investigation of the oil sector by the House panel.

US To Improve Partnership with Nigeria Navy

The United States Defence Attaché in Nigeria, Colonel Hoffman, has said that his country recognised and appreciated the role the Nigerian Navy is playing in global maritime security and promised to work towards an improved naval cooperation between the two countries.

National Seminar on Economic Crime Begins Sept 16

The 7th in the series of the annual National Seminar on Economic Crime comes up on Tuesday September 16, 2008, at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)'s Training and Research Institute (TRI), Karu, Abuja. The seminar, as part of its objectives, is expected to synthesise ideas that would help promote the inculcation of probity, transparency, and accountability in the management of public trust. It is targeted at decision makers in public and private organizations.

W’African Gas: Countries to Review Operational Pact Oct

Participating countries in the West African Gas Pipeline Project (WAGP) Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast - will be meeting in Abuja next month with a view to reviewing the commercial agreement as well as set a new code of conduct guiding the operation of the joint venture gas deal. The plan to engage in further talks came on the heels of a revelation that the planned test-run of the pipeline infrastructure in Ghana has been put on hold because of the inability of the authorities of WAGP to secure the supply of dry gas from Shell facility in Nigeria.

10 Nigerians Sentenced to Death in Indonesia

Indonesian Supreme Court has confirmed the death sentence passed on 10 Nigerians in that country for drug-related offences. The condemned Nigerians had been given one month within which to apply for a review of the sentence.

Oil Falls Below $104 Per Barrel, As OPEC Maintains Output

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) at its meeting in Vienna, Austria resolved to leave production levels unchanged. The decision led to further drop in oil prices to below $104 per barrel.

Customs ‘Can’t Give Accurate Figures on Oil Lifting’

The Nigeria Customs Ser-vice (NCS) said last weekend that it cannot provide the accurate figure of the volume of crude oil that leaves the shores of Nigeria daily. This is because its Maritime Unit responsible for such has collapsed owing to poor funding.

NNPC Produces 204bn Cubic Feet Of Gas

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) disclosed that the nation produced 204.03 billion standard cubic feet (scf) of gas in May this year. According to the report, 154.02 billion scf of the production was utilised by the joint venture companies. It said that 50 billion cubic feet of gas was flared during the month.

50,000 Jobs Threatened As Gaslink May Suspend Gas Supply

About 50, 000 jobs in 100 companies may be lost as Gaslink Nigeria Limited threatens to suspend gas supply to manufacturers as the dispute over its hike in product price escalates. Manufacturers are worried about the danger the situation poses to the real sector. Gaslink had announced a 200% increase in the price of gas.

Nigeria Rakes In N2.4trn from Crude Oil

Following the pickup of the crude oil output, Nigeria has raked in about N2.4 trillion from the sales of crude oil in the international market from July to August. The increase is attributable to the decrease in the activities of militants in the Niger Delta, which has allowed for repairs and streaming of several facilities owned by oil companies in the region.

Yayale is New SGF
President swears in new Service Chiefs

President Yar'Adua last Monday sacked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe, replacing him with the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed. No reasons were given for the action. He also swore in and decorated the newly appointed service chiefs.

U.S. Names Nigerian Officials in N21b LNG Scam

Some top Nigerian officials in the regimes in the last three regimes between 1994 and 2004 have been linked with large scale fraud by the United States (U.S.) government. Information by the American government shows that these Nigerians and their foreign collaborators siphoned N21 billion ($180 million) from the treasury through the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) trains and projects valued at N696 billion ($6 billion). Meanwhile, Agents of the American Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) are on their way to Abuja on the trail of accused. The agents are to gather more evidence, as well as probe into assets of the affected officials to be used in their impending trial.

UNICEF to Spend N54b in Nigeria, Gets New Rep

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is proposing to spend about N54 billion on development projects in Nigeria between 2009 and 2012.The agency has also named, Dr Suomi Sakai as the new country representative. Sakai takes over from Mr. Ayalew Abai.

FG Has No Nuclear Deal with Iran —Maduekwe

The Federal Government said on Monday that it had no nuclear deal with Iran. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, said this in Abuja while briefing news men after a meeting with a US government delegation. The Minister was reacting to speculations that Nigeria might have signed a nuclear deal with Iran on Aug. 28 in Abuja.

Industrial Waste: FG Threatens To Shut Down Companies

The Federal Government has threatened to come down hard on companies and other businesses that dumped chemical and industrial waste in unauthorized places including marketplaces, canals, streams and ponds across the country.

INTERNATIONAL

Sudanese Army Attacks Darfur Towns

Sudanese government troops have launched attacks on two towns in Darfur, three rebel groups in the region have said. The rebels said the troops, backed by militias, helicopters and planes, had attacked Disa and Birmaza in North Darfur state early on Saturday. The joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force in Darfur said it was investigating the reports. There has been no comment on the rebel claims from the Sudanese military.

Scores Die In Pakistani, Afghan Suicide Blasts

Suicide bombers, last weekend, struck in Pakistan and Afghanistan, leaving scores of people dead in three separate attacks. According to the Associated Press (AP), the death toll in a massive suicide blast in Pakistan reached 35, officials said. President-elect, Asif Ali Zardari, has vowed to be tough on militancy.

Anti-Drug Judge Shot Dead

The head of Afghanistan's anti-drug court was shot on his way to work and died later in hospital, his office said. Judge Alim Hanif, director and chief judge of the Central Narcotics Tribunal appeals court, was leading a campaign to bring influential drug traffickers to court and punishing them for their crimes

US Drones Kill 13 in Missile Attack in Pakistan

Missiles fired by U.S. drones killed 13 people on Monday in a Pakistani village. A military official said a house and madrasa founded by Taliban commander, Jalaluddin Haqqani, were the targets. Fifteen to 20 wounded people are receiving treatment at the main hospital of Miranshah. Meanwhile, US forces in Afghanistan are to reopen an inquiry into an air raid last month after new video evidence emerged indicating scores of civilian deaths.

Floods Claim 632 lives in Haiti, UK

Recent floods in Haiti, parts of the United Kingdom and China, have killed at least 632 persons. More than 800,000 people were moved away from coastal areas in eastern Cuba and more than 9,000 foreign tourists were moved out of the resort of Varadero.

Israeli Minister Floats Plan to Abduct Iranian President

An Israeli Cabinet minister and onetime spy who helped kidnap Nazi mastermind Adolf Eichmann and bring him to trial has said the same tactic could be used on Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Ahmadinejad is feared in Israel because of his repeated calls to wipe the Jewish State off the map.

Bush Orders Limited Iraq Troop Reduction, Afghan Boost

United States (U.S.) President, George Bush, has announced a modest troop withdrawal from Iraq and ramping up force levels in Afghanistan. The move came as Royal Dutch Shell on Tuesday agreed a gas joint venture with Iraq worth up to four billion dollars (2.27 billion pounds), the Iraqi oil ministry announced.

Huge Mudslide Kills 128

Barely two days after a deluge of sludge from a collapsed Chinese mine waste reservoir killed no fewer than 128 people, angry residents on Wednesday expressed deep grief and disdain as rescuers continued to search for missing persons. Mud blanketed fields and houses for several kilometres below the Tashan mine, while hundreds of rescue workers used excavators to dig through viscous muck. Many of the victims were migrant workers from southwest China.

Zimbabwe: Details of Power-Sharing Deal Emerge

Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, David Miliband on Friday lauded the role played by South Africa and Nigeria in securing Thursday’s power-sharing deal between Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe and opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai. According to leaks, Mugabe is to retain control of the army and chair cabinet meetings, while Tsvangirai will control the police force and chair a new council of ministers.

Darfur Rebels Spurn Arab Peace Initiative

Rebel groups in Darfur have dismissed an Arab League initiative aimed at bringing peace to the war-ravaged western Sudanese region, saying the move came five years too late. Arab League foreign ministers decided on Monday to establish a committee to sponsor peace talks between rebels and Khartoum.