Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 52

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Expatriates Kidnapped at ALSCON

Some expatriate workers of RUSAL/ALSCON in Akwa Ibom State were kidnapped on Monday by yet-to-be identified persons. This is the second time white workers of the company are taken hostage since RUSAL Aluminum bought over ALSCON in 2007. The state police Commissioner, Mr. Mike Zukomour, confirmed the incident but did not disclose the number of persons kidnapped.

Navy Gets New Boats for Militancy

The Navy in Rivers State has received four manta class boats and seven patrol craft boats that can travel a minimum of thirty nautical miles into the deeper parts of the sea. It will also man ten patrol craft boats received by the Police in the state. Commander of the Naval Pathfinder in the state, Yusuf Hinna who made the disclosure, said they were now poised to combat security challenges on the waterways in Rivers and Bayelsa States.

Okah Seeks Transfer of Trial to Bayelsa

Leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) Mr. Henry Okah has asked that his case be transferred to the Yenagoa division of the Federal High Court. The MEND leader is being tried in secret on a 62-count charge of treason amongst other offences, by the Federal High Court, Jos. His lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, cited the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of James Ibori against the Federal Republic of Nigeria in which the court held that it was economical for an accused person to be tried in a court closer to where his alleged offence was committed. Meanwhile, his Lawyer has lamented governments’ disobedience of a court order, which directed the Federal Government to take Okah to any hospital of the accused choice for the treatment of his kidney. MEND has called on the United Nations to prevail on the Government of Nigeria to ensure that he is not killed in detention.

Port Harcourt Airport Resumes Night Flights
window.google_render_ad(); The Port Harcourt International Airport on Wednesday began night operations. The airport had been operating daylight flights only, when it was opened to traffic April, this year, after the rehabilitation of the runway. A senior official of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said that the airfield lighting has been fixed and tested.

Gunmen Kill 2 Soldiers, Injure Others

Suspected armed robbers stormed Enugu where two soldiers who were on security patrol were shot dead while two others were injured. The incident occurred on the Port-Harcourt expressway near the mega petrol station in the state. According to source, the robbers came in a jeep with a number plate of one local government area in the state and started shooting at the patrol vehicle.

Security Tight at Niger Bridge

The Federal Government has beefed up security and deployed disaster emergency personnel on the old Niger Bridge in Onitsha to forestall any danger, as motorists ply the bridge during the yuletide. The spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Yushau A. Shuaib, said that the measure became necessary to allay the fears that the bridge was on the verge of collapse.

Ijaw Leader, Five Others Die in Auto Crash

The Vice-President of Ijaw National Congress, Chief Chris Ghomorai, died, penultimate Sunday, in a car crash along Warri/Port Harcourt Highway on Friday. Five others died on the spot in the accident. Ghomorai in company of four of his kinsmen, were travelling to Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, for INC’s meeting before the accident. It was learnt that Ghomorai’s car collided with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction along the pot-hole riddled East/West Highway.

Oil Discovered in South East

Total announced on Tuesday that its Nigerian subsidiary, Total E&P Nigeria Ltd., had encountered hydrocarbons in the area within the south-eastern corner of Oil Mining License (OML) 102, offshore south-eastern Nigeria, about 15 kilometres from the Ofon Field, in a water depth of 70 metres. OML 102 is run by the joint venture Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/Total. This well constitutes the first step of an exploration and appraisal programme from 2009 to 2010 designed to demonstrate the feasibility of a new development pole on OML102.

Party Chieftain Advocates 50% Derivation Fund for Oil States

The Chairman of Labour Party in Ondo State, Dr. Olaiya Oni, on Tuesday canvassed for an upward review of derivation fund to oil-producing states from 13 per cent to 50 percent. The increase, he said, would facilitate the development of the Niger Delta.

Abia Makes Kidnapping Capital Offence

The Abia State House of Assembly has made kidnapping a capital offence, the Minority Whip, Mba Ukaha, has said. This, he said, is to put a stop to the rising wave of kidnapping. Speaking with reporters in Umuahia, the state capital, Ukaha said the House amended the law, which prescribed a 10-year jail term for kidnappers, and made it a capital offence.

Monarch Tasks LG Chairmen on Security

The former Chairman of Abia State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Eze Bernard Enweremadu, has charged Local Government chairmen in the state to assist the state government in tackling the criminals, saying that the grassroots are well equipped to assist in fighting crime and criminals.

Tinapa Open for Business

Leisure facilities at the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Calabar have commenced operation ahead of the release of the gazetting of its operational guidelines by the Federal Government. Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State said that opening of shops at the resort is an issue of the private sector which he hoped will follow suit.

Yar’Adua Names Ufot Ekaette as Niger Delta Minister

The controversy over who heads the Niger Delta Ministry was put to rest, Wednesday, with the appointment of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Ufot Ekaette, as the minister. While erstwhile Governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa (Commerce and Industry), former Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar (Finance) and Rilwan Babalola (Power), bringing the total number of ministers to 40. But the Joint Revolutionary Council, made up of militant groups have rejected the appointment, saying that his antecedents do not portray him as having the capability to address the issues in the Niger Delta.

5 Policemen in Anambra by Suspected Robbers

Five police men from the Anambra State police command were on Wednesday night killed by people suspected to be armed robbers. It was gathered that the police men, who were on patrol in the area, were attacked from behind by the hoodlums who operated in a Hilux van. They fired the police men who were taken unawares and sped off. They were later confronted by mobile policemen on patrol at Neni in Anaocha LGA of the state and in the ensuing gun battle many of the robbers and the mobile men were wounded.

Arrested Filipinos: JTF Justifies Action

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta has maintained that all its actions in the region are primarily driven by national interest contrary to the claims of its detractors. Reacting to the controversy surrounding the hand-over of arrested Filipinos to the EFCC, Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre of the outfit, Lt-Col Rabe Abubakar insisted that the JTF would not compromise nor collude with militants, crude oil thieves and other unpatriotic elements in their nefarious activities. Col. Abubakar insisted that the suspects had been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Police Point Accusing Finger at Family Members over Odivwri’s Murder

The Delta State Police Command has fingered family members over the murder of Pa Jacob Odivwri Edjesa. Pa Odivwri, 82, was found dead, penultimate Sunday, after unknown assailants allegedly abducted him from his bedroom in the wee hours of Tuesday, last week. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph E.T. Oshiomogho, said preliminary investigation revealed that it was an insider job. He hinged his assumption on the fact that no family member saw the kidnappers and nobody from the household reported the kidnap to the police.

Police Kill Suspected Killers of GKS Ministers

Police authorities in Delta State on Monday claimed they had killed three members of a robbery gang that recently killed two ministers of the God's Kingdom Society (GKS) and a security guard at the church premises in Warri. This is coming just as the State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, on Monday enjoined illegal gun owners in the state to turn them in and embrace peace for the betterment of the state.

Police Kill Four Armed Robbery Suspects

Police in Delta State have killed four suspected armed robbers alleged to be terrorising motorists on Asaba-Benin highway and arrested two. The police spokesman in the State, Mr Charles Muka, said that a patrol team was detailed to rush to the scene where the suspects had already killed a passenger and the driver of a luxury bus. The police spokesman said that a locally-made single barrel gun, two expended cartridges and a wooden gun were recovered from the scene.

Scores Die in Delta Road Accidents

Christmas turned tragic on Tuesday in Agbor, Delta State as several travellers died in multiple crashes on the Benin-Onitsha expressway. Most of the victims, including expectant mothers and children, were burnt beyond recognition.

More Militants’ Camp Discovered in Niger Delta

The Army has said militant groups are preparing to launch fresh hostilities in the Niger Delta by training 1,000 new recruits at a camp in Ondo State. The Arugbo community, which was named as hosting the training camp, has denied any link with the militants. The allegation preceded a warning by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) that it may end a three-month unilateral cease-fire and resume attacks on oil installations.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Gunmen Invade Educationist’s Home, Kill Guard

A foremost school proprietress and Iyalode of Yoruba land, Mrs. Alaba Lawson, escaped death penultimate Sunday, when gunmen suspected to be assassins invaded her Abeokuta home. They killed her security man, Yusuf. Mrs. Lawson was said to have escaped into a safe haven within the building when the killer-gang arrived. She was said to have telephoned one of her children, who reportedly alerted the Police who rushed to the scene of the incident. No arrest was made.

Police Kill Robbery Suspect in Ibadan

The police in Oyo state, during the week killed a 27-year-old armed robbery suspect, Azubuike Nwaogu.  The suspect and his colleagues were alleged to have mounted an illegal road block a few kilometres away from Guru Mahraji village where they robbed people of their belongings. The bandits were alleged to have engaged the police in gun duel, while two members of the gang were said to have fled into the bush.

Police Corporal Detained for Murder

A police corporal, Clifford Adijeh, alleged to have murdered a warehouse manager in Ajegunle, Lagos has been arrested by the police. Clifford was reportedly arrested with the leader of his patrol team at Tolu Police Station for their complicity in the murder of Gregory Egwu. Egwu was allegedly shot dead by men penultimate Thursday while taking his children to school.

Man Arrested While Hiding Gun at Beach

The police, penultimate Saturday, arrested a man identified as George Sule, while he was trying to bury a gun in the sand at Oniru Beach, Lagos. The police were said to be on patrol of the creeks and water fronts when they saw the suspect in a suspicious position and accosted him. One of the policemen reportedly dipped his hand into the sand and brought out a shotgun and 12 pieces of live ammunition.

Fake Naval Lieutenant Arrested for Robbery

A 40-year-old man, Chukwudozie Nwabueze, a suspected armed robber, who parades himself as a Naval Lieutenant has been arrested by the Lagos state police command. The suspect, who is a professional driver, confessed that he uses the uniform to convey snatched vehicles from Lagos to the South East for an agreed fee.

Father, Students Demand Justice over Murder of LASU Student

Father of the murdered student of the Lagos State University (LASU) Mr. Abdul Azeez Thanni, students of the institution and the deceased colleagues are calling on the Nigerian Police Force to investigate the circumstances surrounding the cause of death of Bariwu Thanni.  The deceased was among the four people   shot and wounded on Tuesday November 25, 2008 by a trigger-happy mobile police officer, Mr. Benjamin Olusegun who has since been tried in strict adherence to the Police Act and is currently detained at the Kirikiri Prisons, awaiting trial for murder.

Presidency Approves Joint Army, Police Patrol for Oyo

President Yar'Adua has approved a joint Army and police patrol of the nooks and cranny of Oyo State, including Ibadan, now a haven for robbers who kill people and steal cash. Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala disclosed the approval on Sunday, sequel to the spate of robbery attacks in Oyo and Osun states.

N1.22bn Recovered from Fraudsters

Detectives from the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Police, Lagos, said, Tuesday, that it has recovered a whopping sum of N1.228, 817, 956bn from fraudsters.  SFU said the money was part of the N7.118, 294.72bn cases that were reported to it by victims of advanced fee fraud, otherwise known as 419, in 2008 alone. The Commissioner of Police (CP), SFU, Mr. Mike Ehindiamen, enjoined members of the public to be wary about mouth watering offers.

Ogun Police Boss Summoned over Death of Alleged Woman Robber

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Lagos and Ogun states, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has summoned the Ogun State Police Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Ayeni, over the controversy on the killing of a woman alleged by the police to be a member of a robbery gang, during a shoot-out a fortnight ago, which her family and employers deny. Abubakar has consequently directed that a comprehensive report on the incident be made available to him before an undisclosed time.

Police Arrest Night Guards over Ondo Robbery

Six night guards have been arrested in Ondo town over an alleged robbery. Men of the anti-robbery section arrested the suspects following a tip off after they allegedly robbed some people of valuables. Items recovered from the leader of the suspects include a double-barrel gun, handsets and beads believed to have been stolen.

Gunmen Attack Commissioner’s Residence in Ogun

Unidentified armed during the week attacked the residence of the Ogun State Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Kola Sorinola. The bandits also snatched the official vehicle of the General Manager, Ogun State Water Corporation, Mrs. Cecilia Olajide. The outgoing Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, Mr. Sunday Ubua, confirmed that the distressed residents of the estate called him in the morning of that day, explaining that the police arrived at the scene promptly.

Murder in Lagos, Mystery Death in Jos

Residents of Liverpool Estate in Lagos on Wednesday woke up to the gory sight of an eight-year-old boy, Joshua, exhumed from a shallow grave, allegedly killed by his 24-year old half brother.  Preliminary investigation revealed that the policemen who stormed the house where the late Joshua and his brother lived before the incident found several objects including clothes with blood stains. In Jos, a Sociology undergraduate of the University of Jos died mysteriously on Christmas day in his room. It was learnt that his neighbours and a visiting friend found him dead after breaking the door open when they sensed he was in trouble.

Police on Illegal Escort Arrested

The monitoring unit of the Zone II Command, Onikan Lagos, has arrested a police corporal who was on illegal escort of two 40ft containers loaded with fire works and other consignment suspected to have been stolen. Also arrested, were drivers of the trucks. Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of the zone, Mr Mohammed Abubakar made the disclosure while parading some self confessed robbery suspects who have been terrorizing residents of Lagos and Ogun states, on Wednesday. Abubakar said that his men were still on the trail of the owner of the allegedly stolen consignment.

Police Shoot Bike Passenger

A commercial motorcycle (Okada) passenger under the bridge at Iyana-Isolo, Lagos, was reportedly shot by the police over alleged refusal of the motorcyclist to stop at a checkpoint. According to an eyewitness, the victim did not die before he was evacuated by a group of riot policemen who were at the scene of the tragic incident to an unknown place.

Beach Authorities warn Fun Seekers to Avoid Danger Zones

Fun seekers in Lagos have been advised to follow the instructions of lifeguards at Lagos Beaches, to avoid being drowned. Mr Micheal Onuwage, Head of Administration, Kuramo Beach Tourism Investors' Association, gave the warning in Lagos, Wednesday. He said 10 dead bodies had been recovered from the Kuramo Beach shore this year.

Lawyer Faults Osun Police over Parade of Suspects

An Ibadan based legal practitioner, Mr. Sunday Aborisade, has faulted the parade of soldiers and students as armed robbery suspects by the Osun State command of the Nigeria Police about two weeks ago. Aborisade in a statement in Ibadan on Wednesday insisted that the purported armed robbers were students of the Osun State University and Osun State Polytechnic in Esa-Oke who were arrested as they were returning from a night party. The lawyer, counsel to the soldiers, explained that the soldiers were on study leave in the state when the incident happened.

GENERAL

Police, Soldiers Kill 10 Nigerians Monthly at Checkpoints—CDHR

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in Delta State said at least 10 innocent Nigerians are killed monthly at police/military checkpoints nationwide, according to a recent study carried out by the organisation. A call for a caution in the above regard became necessary when our organisation carried out a study on the above subject.

Nigerian Troops to Join AU Somalia Force in January

Nigerian troops will, in January 2009 join the African Union (AU) force in Somalia, after the planned pull-out of Ethiopian soldiers from the war-torn country. According to the AU Commission's chairman, Jean Ping, President Yar'Adua has approved the deployment of one battalion, comprising more than 850 military personnel, to Somalia in January. About 8,000 troops are required for the AU contingent for Somalia, with promises from member-nations barely enough to meet half of the number. Meanwhile, the UN envoy to Somalia, Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, has said there is a "hidden genocide" taking place in the country. Abdallah spoke as the African Union's Peace and Security Council held urgent talks on how to boost the peacekeeping force there.

9 Female Footballers Burnt to Death

Nine female footballers from Plateau state and their two coaches perished in a ghastly road accident along Mangu/Pankshin road. The athletes were returning from a football match when their vehicle had a head-on collision with a commercial Volkswagen Golf car. The vehicle conveying the athletes somersaulted several times and eventually went up in flames burning the occupants beyond recognition. Speaking on the tragedy, Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Joel Gwatau, confirmed the incident.

Robbery Attacks will Continue –Ex-AIG

A former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ralph Osanaiye (rtd), has predicted free rein of armed robbery incidents in the country unless the government comes to the aid of security agencies through the provision of modern and sophisticated weapons. But Oyo State Police Command at the weekend assured residents of Surulere LGA of the State of their safety recent armed robbery attack on a first generation bank in the area.

Refineries to Resume Production Early 2009 – NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said last weekend that all refineries in the country would resume operation by 2009. The General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the NNPC, Dr Levi Ajuonuma, said the corporation was making concerted efforts to ensure that all the refineries in the country became functional early next year while new ones being promoted by private investors will also come on board. Ajuonuma also declared that the pump price of fuel would remain at its present N70 per litre.

Nigeria, Seven Others Top Human Trafficking Chart

Nigeria has been listed among eight countries considered the highest source of trafficked persons in the world by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The others are: Thailand, China, Albania, Bulgaria, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. National Project Officer of UNODC, Mrs. Amina Abdulrahman, disclosed this in Benin City.

Nigeria to Assist Zimbabwean Refugees in South Africa

Nigeria is to send relief materials to South Africa to assist Zimbabwean seeking refuge in the country. Speaking at a farewell audience with the out-going South African High Commissioner on Tuesday in Abuja, President Umaru Yar'Adua said he had approved urgent humanitarian relief materials to take care of the refugees and the outbreak of cholera.

NNPC, Banks Float N40 Billion Content Facility

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in collaboration with a consortium of banks has floated a N40 billion facility known as the Nigerian Content Support Fund (NCSF). This will empower Nigerian entrepreneurs to participate actively in the business of the oil and Gas. Abubakar Yar'Adua, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of NNPC, disclosed that the N40 billion NCSF is already available for interested Nigerian business moguls in the Oil and Gas sub sector.

Army Promotes 533, as Five Major-Generals Retire

It was cheery news on Wednesday for some 74 senior officers in the Nigerian Army and 459 others as they were elevated. The elevation came with the voluntary retirement of five Major-Generals, who had attained the statutory 35 years in service. The 74 senior officers were promoted to the ranks of Generals while the others moved to the ranks of Captain and Colonel.  According to the Director of Public Relations, Brigadier-General Emeka Onwuamaegbu, the elevation followed recommendations of the Promotion and Career Review Board of the Force that was ratified by the Army Council.

Security Alert over Alleged Planned Attacks by MEND

Security was heightened across the country on Christmas eve on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mike Okiro. This was in response to an alleged plot by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to attack the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The alleged threat triggered security alert, leading the Police to mount 24-hour security surveillance across the county.

FG Sets Up Probe Committee on Jos Crisis

The Federal Government on Wednesday approved the composition of an eight-member committee of enquiry into the recent crises in Jos, Plateau State crisis. The committee is to be chaired by Major- General Emmanuel Abioye. The five terms of reference of the committee are: “to determine the causes of the unrest; to determine the extent of loss of lives and property; to determine types and sources of the weapons involved in the unrest; to identify person(s), groups or institutions responsible for the unrest; and to recommend measures to forestall future recurrence.” Meanwhile, Governor Jonah David Jang of Plateau State has said about 530 suspects have been arrested in connection with the mayhem, adding that the truth will eventually come out when investigations are completed.

Emir Urges Govt to Equip Police

The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Suleman Adamu, has urged governments at all levels to help provide the police with vehicles and equipment to assist them in ensuring security of lives and property.  Adamu made the call when he received the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mike Okiro, in his palace in Bauchi.

One Dead, 12 Injured In Kwali Accidents

One person died while 12 others sustained various injuries over the weekend in three separate auto crashes along the Abuja-Lokoja highway.  A  Volkswagen golf car belonging to Julius Berger Company and a Mazda car were involved in the accident. An eye witness said the driver of the Golf car in an attempt to overtake a vehicle, had a head on collision with the Mazda car. Similarly, one person died instantly while three others sustained injury in another accident along the Abuja-Lokoja highway.

FG to Adopt Gas Flare-Out Formula

The Federal Government is set to adopt a Gas Oil Ratio (GOR) formula to quicken the pace of stopping gas flaring in the country. Minister of State, Petroleum, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, said the measure would assist the government in determining which oil well is viable for gas exploration or crude oil production. Ajumogobia said with the development, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) had been mandated to provide the ministry with the quantity of oil and gas ratio in the respective oil wells in the country.

Military Chiefs Advocate Ways to Improve the Military

The Federal Government has been urged to fund the military on first charge basis as part of measures to modernise it and prepare it for contemporary challenges.  The appeal was part of the proposals that were made at the first defence retreat on the strategies for transformation and modernisation of the military. The retreat recommended that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) should adopt an appropriate force structure for the Nigerian military in addition to ensuring the upward review of remuneration and continuous training and appropriate deployment for the armed forces.

FRSC Warns on Circulation of Fake Driver’s License

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has alerted the general public of the circulation of fake drivers’ license that are being produced and sold by a syndicate.
A statement signed by the Route Commander of the commission, Miss Laraba Shanwa, advised motorists to follow the right channels for obtaining the original and valid drivers’ licenses.

NSCDC Deploys 15,000 Personnel

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed no fewer than 15,000 personnel on surveillance and intelligence gathering during this festive season to forestall crime all over the federation, according to the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin.

116 Armed Robbery Suspects Apperended in Niger

About 116 armed robbery suspects were arrested by the Niger State police command in 2008. The state Police Commissioner, Sir Paul Iseghohi, who revealed this, said 27 rifles and 26 stolen vehicles were also recovered from the hoodlums. The commissioner, who expressed happiness over the decrease in criminal activities, especially armed robbery, frowned at the frequent cases of rape in some parts of the state.

Russia, Nigeria, Others Form Gas Organisation
window.google_render_ad(); Nigeria has joined Russia and 16 other gas producing countries to formally establish a gas cartel to be known as the International Organisation of Gas Exporting Countries Forum (OGECF) in Moscow.  The countries met in Moscow on Tuesday, to examine the article of agreement and if eventually accepted by the intending member countries, GECF may be formally inaugurated during the first meeting of the forum.

Police Arrest Kidnappers of 3-Year-Old Girl

The police in Abuja succeeded in arrested eight persons allegedly involved in the kidnap of an eight-year-old girl in Abuja. The suspects had seized the girl, Isioma, and placed a N5 million ransom on her head. The suspects were arrested while in the process of collecting the ransom they had demanded.

El-Rufai Declared Wanted by EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday officially declared the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, wanted. This followed the expiration of a three-week grace extended to him after he failed to honour the November 28 appointment with the commission. The EFCC is investigating el-Rufai in connection with several petitions against his activities while in office.

Group Calls for Reduction in Petroleum Prices

Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has called on the Federal Government to ensure the reduction of the prices of petroleum products, considering the fact that the prices of crude oil have come down internationally. The group's National Secretary, Chinedu Bosah, said that it would be standing economic logic on its head for the Federal Government to insist that it is not going to reduce petroleum prices despite the collapse of crude oil prices.

Police Maintain January 1 Deadline for Security Devices in Banks

As from January 1, 2009, any bank in the country that does not have a close circuit camera installed in its premises will not be guarded by policemen. This was part of the resolutions reached at the recently concluded police conference in Akure. Aside from this, all banks that do not install bullet proof doors will also lose the services of policemen. The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, has disclosed.

Ribadu Dismissed

Former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has been dismissed from the police force, according to a statement signed by police spokesman, Akpoebi Agberebi. He was sacked for indiscipline, insurbordination and absence from duty. He was also accused of instituting legal proceedings against the Police, AG and the Police Service Commission, at a Federal High Court in Lagos, without proper authority from government. Several Nigerians and rights group have lamented the sack of Ribadu and described it as an act to encourage corruption.

Military Restricts Siren Use to Service Chiefs

The Nigerian Armed Forces, Tuesday, restricted the use of sirens to only service chiefs. It also directed its officers to stop parading the streets with horsewhips. Also, the service chiefs are to use it only when necessary. Similarly, the National Assembly is planning a legislation to restrict the use of siren to only the president and his vice, the senate president, governors, speaker of the House of Representatives, and their deputies; and by the police only when on essential duties that require urgent attention.

INTERNATIONAL

Oil Prices Fall Further

Crude prices tumbled further on Christmas Eve following a raft of bad economic news and growing stockpiles of unused gasoline that suggested demand for energy has continued to erode. Despite the recent decision by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cut daily crude oil production by 2.2 million barrels, oil prices had fallen to $39 on Tuesday. The price of the commodity depreciated further by $3.63 to settle at $35.35.

Somali Prime Minister Resigns

A Somali official, Mohamed Mahamud Guled, named prime minister by President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed last week has quit, saying his appointment was destabilising the government. Not long after the announcement, Yusuf said he too intended to resign. Guled was appointed in defiance of Somali MPs, who said the dismissal of Nur Hassan Hussein had been illegal.

Coup in Guinea after President's Death

Army officers seized power in Guinea, on Tuesday, hours after the death of President Lansana Conte and suspended the country’s constitution. But the Prime Minister, Ahmed Tidiane Souare contradicted reports of a military coup, saying that his government had not been dissolved following Conte’s death.

Iraq's Parliament Approves British Troop Measure

Iraq's parliament approved a measure that clears the way for troops from Britain, Australia and a handful of other nations to remain in Iraq after a UN mandate expire at year's end, a senior lawmaker and deputy parliamentary speaker, Khalid al-Attiya has disclosed. He said the measure approved would allow the troops to stay in Iraq through the end of July 2009.  Details of the measure were not immediately available, but Attiya said it empowered the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to permit the troops to stay.

Russia Drafts Soldier to Run Ingushetia

A career soldier has been appointed to run Russia's unstable southern republic of Ingushetia, where attacks on security forces have escalated. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev named Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, a paratrooper, as acting president, to replace Murat Zyazikov, a former KGB officer.  He said he was not sacked and stepped down voluntarily, but the Kremlin accepted his resignation immediately. Critics say Mr Zyazikov's crackdown did not work, and new tactics are needed.

Car Bombs Kill Seven in Iraq

A car bomb near a popular restaurant in northwestern Baghdad killed four people and wounded 25 on Thursday, police said. A few hours later, a suicide car bomber targeting a U.S. military patrol killed three people and wounded 14 in Muqdadiya, police said. The U.S. military said it was checking if there were any U.S. casualties.