Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 30

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Gunmen Kill Council Chief

The Deputy Chairman of Osisioma LGA of Abia State, Chief Solomon Nwanju has been shot dead by unknown gunmen. He was said to have been shot in his residence in Aba by some men who besieged his home Monday night. The Police Public relations Officer, Ali Okechukwu confirmed the killing of the deputy chairman though he said he was yet to be officially briefed on the development.

Soldiers Arrest Uniform Dealers in Onitsha Market

Onitsha main market on Wednesday was invaded by a detachment of soldiers from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, who stormed the market in search of traders who were alleged to be selling fake army camouflage uniform to armed robbers. The soldiers, numbering about thirty, in the early hours of the day took strategic positions where some traders were suspected to be dealing on fake military uniform including arms and ammunition. The place is allegedly notorious for the sale of various degrees of arms and ammunition, which criminals use in carrying out their nefarious operations.

Woman, Daughter Hacked to Death in Bayelsa

Residents of Etegwe suburb of Yenagoa the Bayelsa State capital were Tuesday evening thrown into mourning when a man allegedly hacked to death an aged woman and a her daughter, a mother of four. However, a cousin to the deceased mother of four escaped death when she evaded the assailant and locked herself inside the house before he could get to her. The State police public relations officer, Mr. Iniobong Ibokette (DSP) confirmed the incident.

Three Police Officers Die in Bayelsa as Patrol Van Summersaults

Three police officers were on Wednesday killed in a road accident mishap in Bayelsa state, while six others were seriously wounded. It was learnt that a patrol van conveying the policemen from the state capital after special duty assignment during President Musa Yar'Adua visit to the state capital, somersaulted three times due to the sudden burst of the front tyre. The spokesman of the Police Command, Iniobong Ibonkette, lamented the loss of the officers.

Amaechi Threatens Legal Action over 172 Oil Wells

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, has threatened legal action to reclaim the about 172 oil wells ceded to Akwa Ibom State during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Amaechi gave the threat when officials of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt. Amaechi, who also condemned the ceding of oil wells in Cross River State to Akwa Ibom State, said that the activities of the Commission and the National Boundary Commission (NBC) had split governors in the Niger Delta.

SSS Parades Suspected Kidnappers in Bayelsa

A commercial motorcyclist, Akpoebi Bigman, and his accomplice, Sunny Koibi, were on Wednesday identified as members of a seven-man gang involved in the abduction of a 74-year-old woman, Madam Lydia Akpidi, in Bayelsa State. Bigman and Koibi claimed that they were hired by the head of a kidnapping cartel known as Alex Aboy to keep vigil over the abducted woman. Ikpidi was a fortnight ago abducted from her home in Tugbo area of Sagbama community in Bayelsa by armed gunmen. According to the Director of Bayelsa State Command of the State Security Service (SSS), Larry Obiagwu, Madam Akpidi was released without any ransom paid.

Robbers Snatch Bullion Van in Uyo

Armed Robbers stormed Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, during the week and snatched a bullion van. It was gathered that the bullion van had gone to a branch of a commercial bank along Ikot Ekpene Road to pick money meant for inter-bank transfer, when robbers attacked it and its escort along Ikot Ebido Street. Eyewitnesses informed that police details and escorts of the bullion van "all ran away, leaving the robbers to have a field day, breaking open the van, and making away with the money inside."

Two Feared Dead as C'River Govt Demolishes Illegal Structures

Two persons were feared dead and about 15 houses pulled down as the Cross River State government on Monday commenced the demolition of illegal structures parts of the state. The victims were alleged to have died from gunshot injuries sustained during a violent confrontation with the police but Police Public Relations Officer Mr. Etim Dickson denied any shooting, saying that a decomposed corpse was found in the area even before the demolition started, adding that the police had to use tear gas to disperse protesters.

Firm States Commitment to Partner with Oil Companies on Tax

A leading global oil and gas tax firm, Ernst and Young, said that it was committed to collaborate with both upstream and downstream oil companies in the area of oil and gas taxation in Nigeria. Stating this at the company's maiden edition of global oil and gas conference in Lagos recently, global tax oil and gas leader, Alexey Kondrashov, said in his opening remark that the firm saw a great future for oil and gas industry in Africa. He added that partnering with oil companies in Nigeria would bring about the desired results in the area of oil and gas tax. He pointed out that the firm had discovered increasing opportunities in oil and gas activities in Africa, noting that the company was ready for the challenges.

Anambra Police Kill 2 Robbers, Recover N4.1m Cash

Two of the 20-man robbery gang who have allegedly terrorised the indigenes of Enugu and Anambra States have been shot dead by the state police command, while the third person is currently in coma, following gun shot injuries he received during a shoot-out with men of the state Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The police recovered the sum of N4, 141, 158 cash, and 4 vehicles from the robbers. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Uzor Amakulor who disclosed this, said the hoodlums had been identified as those who had held indigenes of Nsukka in Enugu State hostage over the weekend.

Firm to Commission Energy City

An indigenous petroleum marketing company, Masters Energy Oil & Gas Limited, is set to commission its integrated oil & gas centre called "Energy City." The city, which is located in Port Harcourt, according to the President of Masters Group, Mr. Uchechukwu Ogah, was a response to "the Federal Government's laudable initiative for private sector participation in the downstream sector of the oil & gas industry, and most especially the development of Niger Delta region of Nigeria."

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Police Aides To Uduaghan die In Bike Crash

Two security aides attached to the Delta State Government House on Thursday lost their lives, while travelling from Agbor on a motorcycle. The victims, who were said to be returning from Agbor, ran into a stationary lorry and died on the spot. Confirming the incident, Charles Muka, the state Police Public Relations Officer, described their death as “unfortunate and a big blow” to the command.

MEND Warns against Repair of Pipelines

Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) has warned that they will renege on the current 60-day ceasefire, if the Federal Government attempts to repair the pipelines they blew up before implementation of the amnesty. MEND also said they will soon free the six crew members captured recently on a chemical tanker.

JTF Assures on Safe of Repentant Militants

The Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta (JTF) has assured repentant militants of safety, dismissing apprehensions that they would be killed if they surrender and hand over their weapons. JTF Spokesman in the Niger Delta, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, said the apprehension was worrisome, especially in the face of the advances so far made in the amnesty programme, and as they have always abided by the rules of their engagement.

FG Challenges Court’s Jurisdiction over Suit on Military Invasion

Federal Government on Wednesday in Asaba filed preliminary objections to the N100 billion suits instituted against it by 51 communities in Warri South- West LGA of Delta State over damages and violation of right. The government also faulted the court processes as filed by the counsel of the plaintiff while also challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit. Mrs. Nehizena I Ekunwe, counsel for the FG, urged the court to address the issue before the commencement of the substantive suit. The judge, Awokulehin, adjourned sitting till Tuesday, 28th July.

Militancy Will Continue until Major Issues are Addresses -Ijaw leader

In spite of the Federal Government amnesty package to militants in the Niger Delta region, bombing of strategic oil installations would continue until the government shows sign of seriousness by taking a drastic step to embark on infrastructural development of the core oil producing communities in the region. President, Niger Delta Enlightenment Network (NDEN), Chief Salvation Alfa Agele-Oba who gave the warning while speaking with Vanguard in an interview in Abuja, regretted that the coastal areas, which account for the major oil exploration, have been neglected by succeeding administration in the country. He however, warned multi-national corporations involved in the oil exploration activities to leave the region with immediate effect.

Two Inmates in Edo Prison Regain Freedom

Chief Judge of Edo state, Justice Michael Edokpayi, on Monday, freed two inmates in Central Benin Prison. Among the freed inmates was a thirty- five year old man, Mr. Victor Adigue, who had spent over three years without trial on the grounds of missing case file. Also freed as a result of missing file was a 16 year old boy, Master Clement Solomon. The Edo CJ emphasised that the growing population of inmates was a continuing source of embarrassment to all stakeholders in the administration of justice.

Group Warns MEND on Continuous Violence

The Niger Delta Peace Coalition has advised the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to stop further attacks on oil installations otherwise they could loose support for their agitation from sympathizers. The group’s National Coordinator, Mr Zik Gbemre said the Niger Delta Peace Coalition was opposed to all forms of force or violence to resolve human conflict. Mr. Gbemre condemned in its totality the recent attack by militants, who blew up the receptor pipelines inside the Atlas Cove jetty in Lagos regretting that they had succeeded in crippling the capacity of the facility to receive petroleum products.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Lagos Monarchs Warn MEND against Fresh Attack

Prominent monarchs and elders of Lagos State have warned the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) against fresh attack on the state. The leaders condemned MEND’s attack on Atlas Cove jetty and demanded an unreserved apology from the militant group. Prince Tajudeen Olusi, a prominent Lagos politician, who spoke on behalf of the concerned leaders and elders of Lagos State said what infuriated them was the reason given by MEND for the attack, which he said had nothing or linkage with Lagos State.

FRSC Arrests 265 Drivers

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, has arrested 265 drivers for traffic offences in its ongoing Operation Rainstorm. A statement by the Public Education Officer of the command, Nwachi Ijeoma, said 37 traffic offenders were also arrested for riding motorcycles without helmet, driving without using wipers and spare tyre violation.

Ondo oil communities condemn attack on Atlas Cove

Oil producing communities of Ondo State, on Tuesday, condemned the attack on the Atlas Cove Jetty in Lagos by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). The people, under the aegis of the Ilaje Renaissance, described the attack as “insensitive and criminal,” saying that MEND acted contrary to the collective struggle of the people of the area. A statement by its Secretary General, Mr. Olubukola Ebietomoye and the Director of Publicity, Olu Omojugba, said the Ondo area of the Niger Delta was against the act.

Group Apologises For Attack On Atlas Cove Attack

An Ijaw group has apologised for last week’s attack on the Atlas Cove jetty in Lagos by members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND. The Ijaw Media Forum in a statement sent to Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos State apologised for the attack and pledged the loyalty of the people of the Niger Delta residing in Lagos to the government. The group assured that such an attack won’t happen again.

Robbers Lay Siege on Sagamu-Benin Expressway

Armed robbers, numbering about 16 on Thursday laid siege on the Sagamu expressway and operated for over two and half hours before a detachment of policemen stormed the area and chased them away. It was gathered that the robbers had been operating from both sides of the road very early in the morning and robbed many road users. The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Hashimu Argungu confirmed the incident.

Man Shoots Neighbour for Loitering

A landlord who allegedly shot his neighbour for loitering around his house has been arrested by the police in Lagos state. The suspect, Architect Kehinde Goke, 46, was alleged to have shot Emeka Jessa Ikpi, 33, a building engineer from Delta State in the legs during an altercation. Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent Frank Mba, confirmed the incident.

Police Crack down on Pipeline Vandals

The Special Task Force on Pipeline Vandalism set up by the Oyo State police command has declared five pipeline vandals wanted. The five persons were said to have been part of a gang of vandals that allegedly got burnt while scooping fuel from a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline, into a 33,000 litres tanker at Orile-Awo town, along Oyo/Ogbomoso road. The suspects reportedly ran away after an explosion at the site of their illegal activities. The officer-in-charge of the task force, ASP Femi Okanlawon, disclosed that two of the vandals, Tajudeen Oseni, 30, and Solomon Sangoleye 45, were arrested after a search for the suspected vandals was conducted into several hospitals in the State.

Police Apprehend Car Snatchers

The Lagos state Police Command has arrested three members of a robbery gang. Twenty-two stolen cars and one gun were also recovered from them. The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, confirmed the arrest. The gang was reportedly operating on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when a police patrol team which received a distress call moved to the scene and fired some shots into the air, forcing the bandits to abandon the operation and flee, leaving behind some incriminating items such as handsets and identity cards in their abandoned vehicle.

Female Banker Sent To Kirikiri Over N30m Fraud

A pregnant staff of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Iganmu branch Lagos, Nkechi Oruma, 29, has been sent to Kirikiri prisons over an alleged N30 million fraud. She was alleged, with others now at large, to have defrauded the bank to the tune of N29, 800,000 sometime between August 2007 and 2 July this at the branch office. The magistrate, Mrs. Y. O. Aje-Afunwa granted her bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties, but she could not meet the bail conditions. The matter was adjourned till 7 September, 2009 for further hearing.

8 Undergraduates Arrested for Armed Robbery

Eight undergraduate students of the University of Ado Ekiti (UNAD) were among nine armed robbery suspects arrested last weekend by men of the Osun State Police Command for robbing a widow at gun point. Parading the suspects, the Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO), ASP Clement Akinola disclosed that luck ran out on the suspects when they insisted that the widow, one Mrs. Olaide Julianah Olufunmilola must pay a ransom if she wanted to recover her car.

GENERAL

Ogbonnaya Onovo is New IG of Police

President Yar'Adua has approved the appointment of Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police, Ogbonnaya Okechukwu Onovo, as the new Inspector-General of Police (IG). Onovo is resumed duty on Friday. Onovo enlisted in the Nigeria Police on August 1, 1977, starting on the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

Police Welcome Community Intervention In Crime Fighting

The Nigerian Police has supported the emergence of informal policing groups in the country. The Commissioner of Police (CP), FCT Command, Mr. Haruna John said that the emergence of the informal groups is part of the fall-out from military rule in Nigeria, as some sections of the Nigerian society set up ethnic militia groups to fight against whatever they perceived as injustice in the polity during the military era especially as it affects their ethnic nationality.

ICPC Convicts 16

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Emmanuel O. Ayoola, has disclosed that the commission has convicted 16 Nigerians in its nine years of operation. The Commission added that it has filed 200 criminal cases in court involving 379 persons across the country. It further lamented that the slow criminal judicial process and cumbersome act that set up the Commission had hindered its effective operations, but expressed delight that the amendment of the Act 2000 as proposed by the Senate was addressing the problem.

PENGASSAN Threatens to Down Tool over Militancy

Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has threatened to withdraw its members from oil field locations across the country if the Federal Government cannot put a final stop to militancy in the Niger Delta area. The president of the association Babatunde Oguns gave the warning while reacting to last week bombing of Atlas Cove in Lagos by members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta The PEGASSAN leader said his members had been subjected to various psychological and physical tortures and even untimely deaths due to the unending criminality in the Niger Delta.

Reps, UK Accuse FG of Un-Seriousness over Gas Flaring

The British High Commissioner in Nigeria and members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday blamed Federal Government for its laxity in putting necessary measures in place towards reducing gas flared by oil companies operating in the country. Tom Adams of the British High Commission; Richard Washington, Reader in Climate Change from University of Oxford, and Ezeuche Ubani, chairman House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change gave this position in Abuja.  Adams explained that federal government has the sole responsibility of putting necessary legal framework and engage in dialogue with relevant stakeholders in order to address the problem of gas flaring in the country.

Aviation: FG to Ensure Safety Standards, Vows to Ground Erring Airlines

Federal government has said it would not hesitate to ground the operations of any airline company that violates the set standards on air safety and security. The Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba, said that government is targeting to ensure the attainment of maximum safety standards by December, and would not allow any unserviceable aircraft to fly the country’s air space. Omotoba said the Ministry has taken steps to implement a number of aviation safety projects, including the Safe Tower projects aimed at installing modern radar and weather equipment at the airports.

China to Issue Visas to Illegal Nigerian Immigrants

Chinese government had agreed to issue exit visas to Nigerians resident in China illegally, to enable them leave the country without molestation. This comes on the heels of recent street protests over the death of two Nigerians who jumped out of a window to escape police clampdown of illegal migrants in Guangzhou Province. Chinese Embassy in Abuja said it was yet to receive detailed information on the alleged death of a Nigerian, Emmanuel Egisimba, in the Guangzhou.

Windstorm Pulls Roof Off 1,500 Houses in Dutse

Windstorm has blown off the roofs of about 1, 500 houses and some school buildings in Gumel LGA of Jigawa State. The Council Chairman, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ya’u Kura, who disclosed this, said the local government has provided some relief materials to alleviate the suffering of the displaced persons. He said the windstorm also pulled down a number of electric poles which has further disrupted power supply in the area, but there has been no loss of life.

Bankole: We’ll Tamper with Oil Reform Bill

The speaker of the federal House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, has assured that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), proposed to reform the oil and gas sector, would not impede inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and indigenous participation in the industry, and said that any aspect of the bill that could hamper investments “will be removed”. Industry operators had accused the Federal Government of pursuing the reform in a manner that could hamper inflow of FDI and discourage private sector participation.

Nigeria's 40 Billion Barrels Reserve Target Threatened

The Nigeria's drive to grow its oil reserves to 40 billion barrels in 2010 is under threat, as the Niger Delta crisis hampers further exploration activities in the oil-rich region. Explorationists in Nigeria have already stated that the crisis was capable of truncating the nation's quest to grow. President of the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Victor Agbe-Davies, said that unless something is urgently done, the country's dream of 40 billion barrels target will not be realised. Development in the exploration activities, he said, was capable of truncating the nation's quest to grow. In all, about 132 oil fields were said to have been shut while the country is currently losing about 1 million barrels of crude oil per day.

Security Agencies Accused Of Killing 133 Persons in Jos Crisis

The Human Rights Watch, on Monday accused the police and soldiers of killing at least 133 persons during last November’s crisis in Jos, Plateaus state. The group further urged the Plateau State Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate and prosecute members of the security forces responsible for the alleged killing. HRW said it conducted on-the-ground research in Jos, in the immediate aftermath of the violence and in February, 2009. The group said it based its allegations on 151 interviews in the city of Jos.

Nigeria's U.S. Crude Export Rises

The U.S. crude oil import from African sources is on the upswing with Nigeria recording a 16.2 per cent rise in its crude export to the U.S. last year. According to a report by the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, other African oil producers even did better than Nigeria in exporting crude to the U.S. According to the report, the "U.S. imports from the oil-producing countries grew in every case.

Govt to Institutionalise Minimum Wage

Inundated by industrial actions from labour unions in key sectors of the economy, the Federal Government on Tuesday said it is warming up  to decisively  tackle the issue of improved wages,  which is the common factor behind the  agitations. It will, however, put sustainable machinery in place, to make incessant agitations for upward review of minimum wage a thing of the past. Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Kayode Adetokunbo, disclosed this at an interactive session with House of Representatives Committee on Labour.

FG Tasked on Refineries

The Federal Government has been urged to create an enabling environment for investment on private refineries, and ensure that the nation's existing refineries are resuscitated as a matter of urgency. Nigeria has four refineries, but these refineries have been in comatose for years. As a result, the country is currently importing almost 85 per cent of refined products. The Managing Director of Beco Petroleum Product Plc, Mr. Henry Mojekwu, lamented this, and said that the situation has led to series of operational challenges and malpractices within the industry.

Robbers Raid Commissioners’ Residence in Jigawa

The relative peace and security in Dutse, Jigawa State capital, was shattered early Monday morning, when armed robbers stormed the state commissioners’ quarters, robbing commissioners. According to eye witness accounts, the robbers gained access to the quarters after scaling the perimeter fence, and moved to resident of Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tijjani Inuwa. He was said to have lost cash and other valuables to the marauders.

Nigeria Loses 1m Barrels Per Day

Nigeria is still counting the losses inflicted by militancy in the Niger Delta, with the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, revealing that the country is losing at least one million barrels of crude oil per day because of the crisis. Lukman said that oil production had dropped to between 1.4mbpd and 1.5mbpd, against the budget benchmark of 2.2mbpd. Nigeria’s projected real GDP growth of 7.5 per cent is seriously under threat as the country comes to terms with the effects of the crisis. Lukman also said that the Atlas Cove jetty bombed by militants nearly two weeks ago had resumed operation and adequate security had been put in place to forestall a re-occurrence.

Stolen Baby Found After Two Weeks

A nine-month-old boy who was kidnapped penultimate Friday from his father’s house along Abuja-Keffi road was recovered on Wednesday when his abductor was traced to Nasarawa State. Little Salim, son of the Imam of Isla Mosque, Masaka, was said to have been kidnapped by one Kehinde, a total stranger, who came to the Iman's house in search of accommodation. Kehinde said she decided to abduct the boy, when she mysteriously lost her pregnancy after she arrived at the Imam’s house. The Divisional Crime Officer DCO at the Masaka Police Station, ASP Greshua, said the case had been transferred to the command headquarters in Lafia.

OPEC Earnings Reach $1 trillion

Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC's) yearly revenues from oil and gas sales topped $1 trillion last year for the first time, according to figures published in the Annual Statistical Bulletin. The 12-nation group said that the value of its exports had risen by 35 per cent during 2008 to $1,007 billion, up from $746 billion in 2007. The figures were boosted by soaring oil prices, which hit an all-time peak of $147 per barrel last July, although later they plummeted to end the year close to lows of just over $32 a barrel. OPEC also predicted world oil demand would rise much more slowly than previously expected over the medium and longer term, although supplies would also be lower.

INTERNATIONAL

South Africa Threatens Clampdown on Violent Protests

The South African government, Thursday, threatened to crack down on violent protests, which erupted during the week over jobs and living conditions. Police fired rubber bullets and teargas on Wednesday at township rioters who were calling for the removal of local officials of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, whom they accuse of corruption. Scores of protesters have been arrested. Police said calm had returned to Siyathemba Township, after four days of rebellion. Violence flared in various townships after a series of strikes.

Helicopter Crash Kills 16 At Afghan Base

A Russian-owned civilian helicopter crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff at Southern Afghanistan's largest NATO base yesterday, killing 16 civilians. A US military helicopter also made an emergency landing in the country's East, causing several injuries. A military spokeswoman said there was no insurgent fire involved. There were no indications that the crash of the Mi-8 helicopter at Southern Kandahar Air Field was caused by hostile fire, military officials said. Sixteen people died in the crash, and five were wounded and were treated on the NATO base, said Capt. Glen Parent, a spokesman for the NATO-led force in Kandahar. No military personnel were wounded or killed, NATO said.

Amnesty Alleges Human Rights Abuses in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's campaign against the al Qaeda terrorist network has led to "massive human rights violations" by security forces, including torture and the arrests of non-violent reformists, Amnesty International, has said. The group estimated that about 3,000 people are being held without charges, sometimes for years and without access to lawyers, after being swept up in a clampdown that began in 2003. A Saudi source said that the report was flawed, and that the results of the crackdown speak for themselves.

Over 60 Killed in Pakistan Clashes and Afghan Attack

Two days of clashes between security forces and militants in Pakistan's north-western region near the Afghan border have left more than 60 militants and three soldiers dead, while five bombers and five Afghan security forces were killed in a major Taliban assault. Three people died in a similar attack on a second Afghan city in the east. The militants also attacked the provincial governor's compound, the intelligence department and the police department in the eastern city of Gardez. Maj. Fazlur Rahman, spokesman for the paramilitary Frontier Corps, said the clashes came during a two-day operation Sunday and Monday in the Maidan area, a region bordering the Swat Valley. Pakistan's army also said more than 50 militants had been killed in the clashes.

Madagascar shuns crisis talks after bomb blasts

Authorities in Madagascar have dumped crisis talks after two people were killed by homemade bomb and 20 unexploded devices were discovered in the capital, Antananarivo. The government said security forces were moving to arrest five close political allies of ousted leader Marc Ravalomanana suspected of planning a spate of foiled bomb attacks. Political turmoil has gripped the country, since Andry Rajoelina overthrew Ravalomanana's government in March to become Africa's youngest president.

Mali, Spain Plan Joint Operations to Fight Militants

To curb the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), incessant attacks, Spain has planned to help Mali as Mali's President Amadou Toumani Toure and Spanish Interior Minister, Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, discussed measures to tackle clandestine immigration. Spain also agreed to finance a police training college in Bamako.

Somali Rebels Loot UN Compounds

Gunmen from Somalia's Al Shabaab group have looted two United Nations (UN) compounds after the al Qaeda-linked militants said they would shut down three agencies in Somalia. The group is fighting government troops and African Union (AU) peacekeepers to impose its own harsh version of Sharia law throughout Somalia. It described the UN agencies as enemies of Islam and Moslems. Although the government led by President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed has voted to implement Sharia law in Somalia, al Shabaab says it does not recognise the administration that was formed under a UN-hosted peace process in neighbouring Djibouti this year.