Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 44

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

UNIPORT's Security Chief Killed

Assailants, last weekend shot dead the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the University of Port Harcourt, Mr. Wali Amadi. It was gathered that the gunmen had called Amadi and reported that gunmen were at the residence of a lecturer and were threatening to kill his family. Amadi was said to have contacted and led the police to the house amid exchange of gunfire, but was killed when he dared to venture into the house to rescue the allegedly trapped family. None of the gunmen were apprehended by the police. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mrs. Rita Inoma-Abbey, said the police had commenced investigations into the incident.

N200bn FG Projects for N’Delta

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved about N200 billion for the execution of 44 projects in the nine states that make up the Niger Delta region. The projects involve the construction of bridges, roads, hospitals, provision of potable water, environmental impact assessment, among others. Information and Communication Minister, Professor Dora Akunyili, who disclosed this at the end of the FEC meeting, said the projects would be executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

JTF Arrests 4 over Illegal Bunkering in Bayelsa

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) has arrested four persons for illegal bunkering activities. The men were arrested with 25,000 litres of crude oil valued at millions of naira along the Ekeremor/Southern Ijaw creeks in Bayelsa state. The arrest of the men is the first operation carried out by the security formation since the end of the amnesty given by the federal government to militants in the Niger Delta. The suspects pleaded innocence, saying they were only hired as boat drivers by the operatives who are at large.

Brass LNG Boss Calls for Qualitative Training

The Managing Director of Brass LNG limited, Mr. Vincenzo Di Lorenzo, has said good education or training is fundamental to any nation determined to be a force in the global village as he admonished Nigerian youths to fully embrace every opportunity for qualitative training. Lorenzo made the remarks at the graduation of the 4th Batch of the Brass LNG Youth Skill Acquisition Programme from the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun-Warri, saying the development and future of any nation, lies in the hands of its citizenry.

Soludo’s Father Abducted

The Anambra State Police Command has invited a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in the state, Chief Chris Uba, for questioning over the kidnap of Pa Simeon Soludo, father of the PDP candidate in the February 2010 governorship election in the state, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. A five-man gang of gunmen stormed Soludo’s family house on Tuesday and abducted the 78-year-old. Others invited for questioning are those who organised the Emmaus House rally in Awka, against Soludo’s candidature on the same day Pa Soludo was kidnapped. The state Police Commissioner Philemon Leha, confirmed this. The kidnappers had demanded N500 million as ransom.

7,000 Ex-Militants for Documentation in Rivers

Over 7, 000 ex-militants in the Niger Delta region are to be documented in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for training and re-retraining in various fields of their choice. They are also to benefit from the Federal Government’s financial assistance, the Amnesty Committee member and Military Coordinator in-charge of Rivers State, Major Mohammed Bako Shehu, has revealed. Shehu noted that the bio-metric machines deplored to document the ex-militants were not enough and advised them to exercise some patience to enable him round up in Port Harcourt.

Security Is Critical To Development - Rivers SSG

In spite of the amnesty agreement reached between the federal government and militants in the Niger Delta, Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Magnus Abbey has stated that security concern still remain the top priority of the state government, adding that the state government will be looking to secure the Port Harcourt waterfronts from the hands of gun traders. Abbey tied investment opportunities to security, insisting that the government will go ahead with the planned demolition of structures at the waterfront regardless of the opposition, adding that landlords at waterfront have accepted the government's offer of compensation even though they are being threatened not do so.

Shell Vows to Fight Chinese Firm over Nigeria’s Oil

Royal Dutch Shell has said that it will fight any attempt by the Federal Government to cede it Nigerian oil fields to Chinese oil companies. China has indicated its desire to move in on oil blocks currently licensed to Shell, Chevron and ExxonMobil, offering about $30 billion for 49 per cent in 23 oil blocks – 18 onshore and five offshore, according to it Chief Financial Officer of Shell, Mr. Simon Henry. The oil major also said that its crude oil output in Bayelsa State had increased from 12,000 barrels per day at the height of militancy in the Niger Delta to 100,000 barrels per day in the last few weeks.

Oil Marketers Close Shop over Harassment by NSCDC

Independent oil marketers in Abia State, have closed their service stations in protest over alleged “incessant harassment and arrest” of tanker drivers by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). The Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union (PTDU) and six other drivers, who went to Umuahia to protest against the situation were allegedly beaten, arrested and detained. The Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chief Lawrence Obetta, said that independent marketers usually travel to other states to buy products but that the tanker drivers were often accused of loading from illegal depots and carrying illegal products.

2 Children Die in Inferno

Two children, ages six and eight, were on Tuesday night burnt to death at Edepie, Bayelsa State, while their father was away. The inferno, resulting from a lit candle, according to an eyewitness, razed the one-room apartment. Their father, Onyeso Obi, said that there was power outage in the entire neighbourhood and he had to light a candle so as to illuminate the room before the tragedy occurred.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

MEND Declares Indefinite Ceasefire

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has declared an “indefinite ceasefire” following President Yar’Adua’s meeting with one of its former leaders, Mr. Henry Okah. It has also emerged that in order to regain the allegiance of the ex-militants, they will be made to swear to an oath of allegiance to the country and openly sign the renunciation form at the rehabilitation centres. Defence Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Amnesty Programme, Major-Gen. Godwin Abbe (rtd), who made the disclosure, also said the amnesty committee would soon approach the United Nations (UN) over the programme particularly with regards to the need for stiffer sanctions against illegal oil bunkering.

15,000 Militants Disarmed -Minister

Over 15,000 militants who laid down their arms in the Niger Delta have so far been registered but the number may increase at the end of documentation, according to Defence Minister, General Godwin Abbe (rtd). Information and Communications Minister, Dora Akunyili, said the unconditional pardon of the fighters was a success. She urged further cooperation with the government in order to move to the post-amnesty stage of rehabilitating and reintegrating the ex-militants. She said government was determined to take all necessary steps to vigorously address the challenges of underdevelopment and injustice in the Niger Delta.

NigerDelta Militants Allege Marginalisation, Threaten to Take Up Arms

Some former Niger Delta militants have threatened to back out of the ongoing amnesty deal over an alleged marginalisation of its indigenous contractors by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and multinational oil companies in the region.  To this end, the group has called on the Federal Government to compel them to give priority to the indigenous contractors from the area while awarding contracts in the region. President General of the Niger Delta Restoration Initiative (NDRI), Mr. Pupagha Ekpedekumor, urged President Yar’Adua to critically look into the issue and correct the anomalies.

Security Men Assault Journalist In Edo

Journalists who had gone to cover the press briefing by resident doctors at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) were rough-handled by the security personnel attached to the hospital. Messrs Sule Yusuf of the NTA, Iruekpen, Ehigimetor Igbaugba of the NAN and Jude Ehebha of the Nigerian Observer, were assaulted by the security personnel. Their working tools, such as camera, midgets and a pair of suit were seized by the security team numbering about 15. The president of the ARD, Dr. Aigere Samuel, said the indefinite strike became inevitable because the institution's management refused to yield to their 12- point demand.

Tompolo Urges Followers to be Calm

Ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has urged all ex-militants and Niger Delta people, to be calm as government and ex-militant leaders find lasting solution to problems confronting them. Tompolo assured that all the ex-militant leaders have had series of useful discussions with the Presidency and urged the people to disregard the so called Aaron Committee, saying that the ex-militant leaders were capable of discussing the future of the region with the Federal Government. He assured that none of the ex-militants would be left out in the rehabilitation process.

Uduaghan, Ex-Militants Parley

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has met with former militants in the state to brainstorm on ways and means of moving the state forward, as well as to find a road map to the post amnesty programme. The meeting was attended by former militant leader, General John Togo and his group. The militant leaders expressed confidence on the post amnesty plan, adding that it would address most of their immediate problems.

Police Declare 18 Wanted for Murder in Uvwie

The Delta State Police Command has declared 18 persons wanted in Uvwie LGA of Delta State for alleged complicity in the violence that engulfed Effurun in which one person was killed. Those wanted include Julius Okoloba, Stanley Igumara, Christopher Ejedegha aka Okpolo, Onome Ogbeni, Igho Majemite, Raphael Egbarah, Zennith Omoruwa, Jokpeme Abugewa and Ejiro Mejemite, amongst others. The Police want any person with information about the whereabouts of the wanted persons to report to the Ekpan Divisional Police Headquarters or call the office of the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Charles Muka in Asaba.

Warri Refinery Workers Suspend Strike

The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended its strike at the Warri Refining and petrochemical Company (WRPC). The Union had on Monday embarked on strike over alleged "slave treatment" of its members in the transport department of the Warri Refinery. But due to the timely intervention of the National President of NUPENG, Comrade Peter Akpatason and Group Chairman NNPC GEC, Comrade Richard Otovwievwiere, the Union on Thursday suspended the strike after reaching agreement to commence negotiation over the matter on November 2, 2009.

PENGASSAN Advocates 10-Year Dev Plan for Niger Delta

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has canvassed a 10-year development plan for the Niger Delta area to further consolidate the gains from the amnesty deal of the Federal Government with former militants in the area. The PENGASSAN President, Comrade Babatunde Ogun, said the amnesty granted the militants would amount to nothing except one of the root causes of the crisis, which was infrastructure enhancement, was resolved. According to him, for government to sustain the peace in the area and have unhindered access to the oil and gas, there should be sincerity on the part of the government to develop the area.

Kidnappers Demand N20m as Ransom for Teacher

Kidnappers who abducted the headmistress of Iyereku Primary School, South Ibie, near Auchi in Edo, have demanded a ransom of N20 million for her release. Mrs Agnes Akwuabu was on Tuesday abducted in the precinct of the school where she is the head. Akwuabu, whose husband is the Acting Bursar of the Auchi polytechnic, was said to have been whisked away in her car by the gunmen. The Area Commander of the police, Mr Andy Amiengheme, said the police had spread their dragnet across all nooks and crannies of Auchi and its environs.

LAGOSAND ENVIRONS

Robbers Kill 98 Cops In 2 Years –Lagos CP

At least 98 policemen were killed in Lagos by armed robbers in the last two and a half years while the police killed 342 robbery suspects, according to statistics from the State Police Command. Within the period, the command also recovered about 18,470 arms and ammunition from armed robbers. A breakdown shows that 127 robbers were killed in 2007 as against 59 policemen killed in the same year by robbers, and 135 robbers were killed, while 33 policemen were killed in 2008. Between January and July this year, 80 armed robbers were killed, and six policemen were gunned down by robbers.

Woman Found Dead in Hotel Room

Operatives at the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos, have begun investigation into the death of a 45-year-old woman whose lifeless body was found on Monday in a hotel room in Mushin area of the state. The deceased, identified as Mrs Modinat Alabi, was said to have checked into the hotel in the company of a man identified as Ladipo Hezekiah, Sunday night. Investigation also revealed that the deceased who lived with her husband and seven children, informed her family that she was going to NASFAT vigil that fateful day. The command’s spokesman, Mr Frank Mba, confirmed the incident.

N2m for Information on Ohu's Killers

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ogbonna Onovo, has disclosed that two suspects are already in the custody of the security agents over the murder of Bayo Ohu, Assistant News Editor of The Guardian. He also announced a N2 million reward for anybody who could volunteer information on the killers of the journalist. Ohu was assassinated on September 20, in his residence in Lagos. The IG also paraded some suspected kidnappers and explained that on assumption of duties, he was confronted with incessant cases of kidnapping in the South-East. According to Onovo, the strategy of police worked out with the arrest of one Emeka Eze, a suspected armed robbery and kidnapping kingpin in Asaba, Delta State. The suspect, he said, confessed to have been the brain behind many armed robbery and kidnapping cases in the southern part of the country.

Kidnap of 8-Yr-Old Boy Foiled

An attempt, penultimate Sunday, to kidnap an 8-year-old boy, Akorede Adebanjo, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, was foiled by people in the neighbourhood. The incident occurred when a man asked the boy to pick the N50 note he dropped on the ground. When the boy refused to pick the money, the man tried to force him, making the boy to call for help. But the man took to his heels and the mob pursued, apprehended and took him to Igbesa Police Station. The suspect mentioned a popular herbalist in Molipa town, Ijebu-Ode. The herbalist has been arrested.

Soldier Shoots Man Dead over Money

A soldier, penultimate Friday, allegedly has shot dead a bureau de change operator, Friday Ojeh, at Ikeja. It was gathered that Ojeh died instantly, with brain splattered on the floor. The victim’s brother, Harrison, narrated that there was a trouble on that day when a lady who came to change currency said she was short-changed by someone else.  But that had been resolved, but as Ojeh tried to explain to them, the soldier who shot him did not listen. He pushed him back and shot him on the forehead. The soldiers and the woman have been arrested and later taken to Area ‘F’ Police Command Ikeja.

Robbers on Rampage in Oyo, Kill 2

Armed robbers in Ibadan, Tuesday, went on rampage, killing two persons, including a policeman. The incident occurred when the robbers, after a robbery operation, sighted a policeman in uniform and pursued him. The policeman, Corporal Augustine Otebolaje, attempted an escape but overwhelmed by the robbers who shot him dead. The armed men also invaded the popular Kollington Shopping Plaza area of Oke Ado, where a security man was shot dead.

Appeal Court Sacks Omisore from Senate

Osun State governorship aspirant and Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has been sacked from the Senate by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan. Omisore, representing Osun East Senatorial District will now vacate his seat until a fresh election is conducted to fill the vacancy. The appellate court ordered the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh poll in the district within 60 days of the judgment. Omisore’s election had been challenged by his main rival, the Action Congress (AC) candidate in the April 21, 2007 National Assembly election, Babajide Omoworare.

GENERAL

UN Warns On The Danger Of Being Sidelined Amnesty to Niger Delta Militants

There are indications that the United Nations is disappointed over its non-inclusion in the amnesty deal by the Federal Government of Nigeria with Niger Delta militants. Sources within the organisation cautioned that such sidelining could be counter-productive for the country. But the Minister of Defence, Major General Godwin Abbe (rtd), said the FG will not internationalize the problem, but added that it would however accept the support of foreigners who wish to assist. A source disclosed that the UN had always wanted to supervise such areas of the amnesty as disarmament, demobilisation and rehabilitation. The UN, through its Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Mr. Farhan Hag, raised its voice against its non-inclusion in the amnesty pact.

NDLEA Detains Two Suspects, Laments Use of Govt Vehicles for Trafficking

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two drug suspects who allegedly tucked 550 grammes of cocaine inside oil filter used by trucks. The drug was sent through courier to the Abuja Post Office. NDLEA Commander of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs. Omolade Omole, said that the suspects were arrested on a tip-off. Omole promised to collaborate with stakeholders in the anti-drug enlightenment campaign. The Command also raised alarm that the perpetrators were using government vehicles in order to beat security. She said that four suspects, three males and a female were recently arrested by men of the Command with 255.9kg of Indian hemp.

Reps Vote for Life Jail for Kidnappers

In response to the growing insecurity across the country occasioned by the activities of kidnappers, the House of Representatives on Thursday voted in favour of a bill prescribing a life jail term for any person who indulges in the crime of   kidnapping and hostage taking. The bill, which seeks to prohibit kidnapping and hostage taking in Nigeria, came on the heels of similar legislations enacted by some state legislatures particularly in the Niger Delta region where kidnapping and hostage taking assumed some frightening dimensions in recent months. The bill also states that any person who attempts any of the offences will be liable to imprisonment for a term not more than ten years without option of fine.

3-Year-Old Girl Beheaded in Jigawa

The head of 3-year-old Zainab Tanimu Ayuba was found on Monday in Gwaram, Jigawa State, and was taken to the residence of the Gwaram LGA chairman, Alhaji Bala Sule. The late Zainab was left at home with one Abubakar, a stranger, who had been in the house for about a month before the incident. Police spokesman, Abdul Jinjiri, said three people including a 12-year old, Shehu Inuwa, took the deceased’s head to the chairman’s wife. Former Gwaram LG Chairman, Alhaji Auwalu Sule Kila, is accused in the murder, according to the state police commissioner, Abdullahi Fana, who confirmed the arrest of three, including Abubakar. Auwalu is currently at large according to the police commissioner.

Army Responds to Security Threats, Addresses Poor Intelligence Response

The Nigerian Army has said it is seeking for ways to address current threats and intelligence response to issues in a democratic dispensation. Director of Military Intelligence, Brig. Gen. Azagaku Tsotan Umaru, said this at the opening of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC) Seminar, adding that the role of intelligence in policy formulation and the contending issues, psychological operations and the role of the citizenry in national security especially, are critical to the survival of any nation. He expressed regrets that the aforementioned have not been given the deserved attention in Nigerian strategic security calculations.

Bode George Sentenced to Jail

Chief Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and five others were on Monday sentenced to the prison. Bode George was sentenced to 28 years jail term  by Justice Joseph Oyewole of the Lagos High Court, will spend two-and-a-half years, for corruption and misappropriation of public funds. Reports say they were allocated beds in the ‘Important Personalities’ block of the prison yard. Besides, two of his personal assistants, counsel, family members, friends, relations and political associates who thronged the prison were not allowed to see him.

Armed Robbers Kill Security Guard in Kano

One person was confirmed dead after armed robbers attacked a Pharmacy opposite the Mallam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano, penultimate Sunday. The deceased, Ahmed Yaro, was said to be at the gate of the chemist along with two other security guards when the robbers got inside the shop, got wind of what was happening and quickly made effort to demobilize the robbers by attempting to shut them inside, but the robbers resisted by opening fire, hitting Ahmed. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Baba Mohammed, confirmed the incident.

Gunmen Kill Police Officer, Two Civilians

A mobile police officer attached to Keffi division, Mr. John Peter and two civilians were killed in a robbery operation on some shops last Saturday in Keffi LGA of Nasarawa State. Eyewitness said that the police officer was unaware that the armed robbers were operating in one of the stores when he went in to buy recharge card, minutes later, he was gunned down while struggling with the robbers who wanted to collect his gun.

NLC Laments Illegal Use of Security Agents

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has petitioned the Defence Minister and the Inspector-General of Police over alleged use of armed soldiers and policemen by the owners and management of Obajana Cement Company Plc, Kogi State to settle industrial dispute with organised labour. A petition by the General Secretary of NLC, Comrade John Odah, demanded a probe into the circumstances under which armed soldiers and policemen were used against unarmed workers and whoever authorised the abuse be brought to book.

Six Drown in Sokoto Boat Mishap

Six people reportedly died in a boat mishap last weekend in Gangam Village, Shagari LGA of Sokoto State. The incident occurred as a result of heavy windstorm. Councilor of Gamgam Ward, Mallam Mohammad Danfari, who confirmed the incident, said an intensive search conducted in the area to rescue the victims was futile, as they drowned before any help could reach them. He lamented the regular loss of lives in the river and appealed to the state government to assist in curbing the trend.

Labour Protests in Abuja, Wants Referendum on Deregulation

The last lap of the nationwide protest rallies by Labour and civil society groups held in Abuja on Thursday with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Abdulwaheed Omar, calling on the Federal Government to subject the deregulation policy to a national referendum to test its popularity among Nigerians. Labour, he said, was opposed to the deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry because it would only bring further hardship to the masses, as the indications were that the pump price of petrol would jump to N104 per litre. According to him, the spiral effect would be devastating as there is no social security to cushion the effect of the resultant inflation.

DPOs Liable for Extra-Judicial Killings in their Jurisdiction

Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Parry Osayande, on Wednesday warned that policemen linked with misconduct, especially extra-judicial killings, are to be sanctioned. He said that henceforth, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) would be held responsible for cases of extra-judicial killings in their areas. Osayande warned that corruption, brutality, unlawful acts and shabby dressing would no longer be tolerated in the police, and to properly equip the 377,000-men of the Nigeria Police about N420 billion is required. He charged the men and officers to uphold the rule of law.

3 Policemen, 5 Others Killed in Kogi Bank Robbery

Armed robbers operating in two buses stormed a first generation bank in Kogi State on Wednesday, killing three policemen and three vigilante members. Two of the robbers also died. The 15 armed robbers, witnesses said, entered the bank, shooting sporadically for about 35munites. The three vigilante members led by their chairman, Salisu Rambo, confronted the robbers inside the bank but were killed. Two of the robbers in an attempt to recover their AK 47 rifle left in the bank were also killed by a police reinforcement team which recovered two laptop computers and some vital documents stolen from the bank. The Acting Commissioner of Police in Kogi State Abdulahi Magaji confirmed the incident.

FG Halts Fuel Importation

The Presidency and the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) have withheld the approval and licence for the importation of petroleum products into the country for one month. Group Executive Director of NNPC, Aminu Babakusa, made the disclosure on Thursday at a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) in Abuja. According to him,   the Federal Government withheld approvals to products importers for a month because it was waiting for the government to commence the deregulation of the petroleum sector.

BenuePolice Rescue Kidnapped Pregnant Woman, Child

Policemen, on Thursday, rescued a pregnant woman and her five-year-old child, who were kidnapped from Kebbi State Wednesday night, in Makurdi, Benue State. Benue State governor, Honourable Gabriel Suswam, who was thrilled, posited that the successful rescue of the victims was due to the newly introduced security measures in the state. He said the victims and their abductors would soon be handed over to the Kebbi State government.

Four Nigerian Banks for Sale

Four of the eight troubled banks – Afribank, Union, Oceanic, and Intercontinental – are being put up for sale by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in continuation of the cleansing of the sector that has cost the treasury a total N620 billion in bailouts. All the Managing Directors of the four banks, and those of FinBank, Bank PHB, Equitorial Trust, and Spring Bank, were fired by CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi, over allegations of mismanagement that threatened the Nigerian economy. The CBN has begun moves to encourage the takeover of the weak banks by those adjudged strong by the audit that led to the overhaul.

FG, Oil Companies Set Up Special Post-Amnesty Committee

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation together with international and indigenous oil companies on Tuesday established a special oil industry committee for the implementation of the Federal Government’s post-amnesty programme. The captains of Nigerian oil and gas industry, resolved to ensure that the gains of the amnesty was sustained. The meeting also saw the appointment of the Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters, Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah, as chairman of the Special Oil Industry Committee on Post- Amnesty. Other members of the committee are drawn from the NNPC, IOCs and indigenous oil companies.

Police Warns Troublemakers, Recover Threat Leaflets in Jos

The Plateau State Police Command has recovered some leaflets that contain plans to ferment fresh crisis in Jos and environs. The State Commissioner of Police Mr Gregory Anyanting disclosed on Monday that it was contained in the leaflets that there were plans to attack, burn and bomb certain places within Jos and environs. Mr Anyanting warned producers of the leaflets to change their minds and join hands with the police and people of Plateau in their effort to maintain law and order because they would not succeed.

Trinidad and TobagoDeports 28 Nigerians

Twenty-eight Nigerians deported from Trinidad and Tobago arrived in Lagos last Friday. An immigration officer told newsmen that 26 of the deportees were deported for immigration offences, while the remaining two were deported for drug-related offences. Another 58 deportees from the Republic of Ireland arrived in Nigeria from Dublin last Thursday.

121 Soldiers at Promoted Zaria Depot

The Nigerian Army has promoted 121 soldiers to various ranks at the Zaria Depot. Five Staff-Sergeants were promoted to Warrant-Officers, two Sergeants to Staff-Sergeants, 33 Corporals to Sergeants, 44 Lance-Corporals to Corporals and 37 Privates to Lance-Corporals. Speaking after decorating the soldiers, the Commandant, Brig-General Afandi Shehu urged them to reciprocate the gesture through hard work and dedication to duty. Shehu urged the soldiers to see the promotion as a testimony to their hard work, stressing that the army expected much more from them.

INTERNATIONAL

Bomb Explosions Kill 136 in Iraq, Iraq arrests top officers

Two suicide car bombs exploded in downtown Baghdad, Iraq last weekend, killing at least 155 people, officials said. There have been no claims of responsibility so far. Authorities in Iraq have arrested dozens of military and security personnel over the attacks. Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi said that 11 army officers and 50 security officials had been taken into custody over penultimate Sunday's bombings at the Justice Ministry and the Baghdad Provincial Administration. Al-Moussawi did not say if those detained were suspected of involvement in the blasts or negligence in carrying out their duties in protecting Baghdad.

Iraqis, Nigerians, Top List of Asylum Seekers

Nigerians are among the top nationalities fleeing their own country and seeking asylum in industrialized nations, according to the United Nations (UN). Although Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia were three most affected countries, Nigeria was still grouped among the other "main countries of origin of asylum seekers" in mostly western nations as at the second quarter of this year, 2009. A report by the UN agency, the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), disclosed that 13,200 asylum claims came from Iraqis, making it the top country of origin for the fourth successive year, and 12,000 came from Afghans.

UN Deploys 26,000 Troops to Sudan

Twenty six thousand troops have been deployed to Sudan for peace keeping and aid in the integration of African states through conflict-resolution. This number is reported to be the largest single ever deployed by the United Nations. Chairman of the African Union and President of the Pan- African Parliament, Mr. Jean Ping, disclosed this on Tuesday. According to him, the decision to position the huge number of troops was informed by the desire to prevent the killings, and maintain the peace objectives. Ping urged the warring parties to dialogue, since the crisis, according to him, “cannot be solved militarily but politically.”

Train Crash Claims 18 in India

The death toll from penultimate Saturday's train crash south of Cairo, Egypt has reached 18, the Health Ministry said disclosed. The accident involved two passenger trains, and 39 people were injured. A first class train, filled with passengers, rammed into a nearly empty stationary train on the same track, security sources said.

EgyptPromises to Destroy Gaza Smuggling Tunnels

Government forces in Egypt have located two tunnels used to smuggle goods and weapons into the Gaza Strip and have planned to destroy them, according to a security official. The Gaza Strip, under a tight blockade since the Islamist Hamas seized power in the Palestinian enclave in 2007, relies on international aid and products smuggled through a network of tunnels linking it to Egypt. Israel says the tunnels are also used to send in weapons. Egypt, under pressure from Israel and the United States, has taken robust measures to crack down on smuggling into the impoverished and densely populated territory.

Israeli Forces Raid Jerusalem Shrine

Israeli forces last week stormed Jerusalem's holiest shrine, firing stun grenades to disperse hundreds of stone-throwing Palestinian protesters in a fresh eruption of violence, sending many protesting young men running for cover into the black-domed Al-Aqsa mosque. The Israeli forces did not enter the building and police said they had no plans to do so. There were no serious injuries. Israel's national police chief, David Cohen, accused a small group of Moslem extremists of trying to foment violence.

Nine Missing in Plane, Helicopter Collision

A search was on, Thursday night, for nine people missing after a Coast Guard plane collided with a Marine helicopter over the Pacific Ocean near Southern California, officials said. FAA officials said a Coast Guard C-130 plane carrying seven people collided with a Marine Corps AH-1 Cobra helicopter carrying two people. U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Josh Nelson confirmed that the collision and said a large rescue team from the Navy and Coast Guard were in the area.

Five Die in India Oil Blaze

A massive fire at an oil depot in the western Indian state of Rajasthan has killed at least five people and injured 150 others, officials say. The Army joined fire fighters to put out the fire and rescue trapped persons. The depot stocks gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuel for state-owned oil companies. It is unclear what caused the fire, which broke out on Thursday evening.

UN to Boost Afghanistan Security

The UN Security Council has backed a call by UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, for more protection for UN staff and facilities in Afghanistan. The move followed Wednesday's attack by militants on a guesthouse in Kabul, in which five UN employees were killed. Ban Ki-moon said the mission in Afghanistan would continue. The Taliban has vowed to disrupt next week's presidential election run-off, which is being overseen by the UN, but the Security Council said the violence should not be allowed to derail the vote.

AU Panel, Sudan Meet on Darfur Crisis

Measures needed to attain peace in Sudan's troubled Darfur region were outlined and examined as the African Union's (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) meeting got underway yesterday in Abuja. President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua presided over the meeting as host chairperson of the PSC. Former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, presented the AU high-level panel on Darfur (AUPD) report which stated categorically that reliance on criminal justice as the backbone of bringing the long sought after normalcy to Darfur would turn out to be insufficient in the days ahead. The PSC was also called to take vital decisions on Guinea and Niger that are currently enmeshed in political turmoil.

U.S Extends Sanctions on Sudan over Darfur Crisis

United States (U.S.) President Barack Obama has formally renewed sanctions on Sudan under a new strategy of keeping up pressure while offering incentives to the government. The one-year extension followed Obama’s announcement earlier this month of a new carrot-and-stick policy aimed at ending violence in Sudan's Darfur region and the semi-autonomous south. The move came after a U.S. lobbyist was charged with violating Sudanese sanctions regulations, acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign power, money laundering, passport fraud, and making false statements.

112 Killed in Afghan, Pakistani Blasts

At least 112 persons were killed on Wednesday in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Taliban militants wearing suicide vests and Police uniforms stormed a guest house used by United Nations staff in the heart of the Afghan capital, Kabul, killing 12 people. Six of the dead were UN staff. And as the United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, was visiting Afghanistan, a car bomb tore through a busy market killing 100 persons. A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the assaults in Kabul. President Hamid Karzai condemned the attack as "an inhuman act" and called on the army and Police to strengthen security around all international institutions.

EU Imposes Sanctions on Guinea

The European Union (EU) has imposed an arms embargo on Guinea over the killing of anti-government protesters and said it would restrict the travel and freeze the assets of individuals involved. The decision, according to Reuters, steps up pressure on Guinea's military junta over a crackdown in which a local rights group said more than 150 people were killed on September 28. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has already imposed an arms embargo on Guinea, the world's biggest exporter of bauxite, the raw ore used to make aluminium.

IranMaintains Nuclear Activities, Defies Global Concerns

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran has reiterated the country's quest to continue its nuclear programme despite international concerns and as the world awaited their response to a nuclear deal that could ease tensions with the West. The plan envisages Iran sending out most of uranium abroad for enrichment, which would reduce its stockpile and limit Iran's ability to make a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, France said it was increasingly exasperated with Iran's strategy in international negotiations on its nuclear programme, and pressed for a quick answer as to whether Tehran will accept the UN proposal aimed at defusing tension.

Ex-French President's Son, Others Sentenced over Angola Arms Deal

A Paris court on Wednesday convicted the son of ex-French President, Francois Mitterrand, and an ex-government minister for their roles in illegal arms sales to Angola. Jean-Christophe Mitterrand was given a two-year suspended sentence, and ex-Interior Minister Charles Pasqua was jailed for one year. They were convicted of accepting bribes to facilitate arms deals to Angola over the period 1993-98, in breach of French law. Prosecutors accused Israeli-Russian billionaire Arkady Gaydamak and French magnate Pierre Falcone of being the key figures in the arms trafficking worth $790 million.