Weekly Security Report Weekly Report week 50 week 50
PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS
Ex-Militants Arrested over Threat to NDDC Chairman
The Bayelsa state police command has announced the arrest of 11 persons including seven ex-militants over alleged threat to the life of the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), AVM Larry Koiyan and other criminal activities in the state. The repentant militants are alleged to have, on Wednesday, barricaded the road in Kpansia community in Yenagoa and terrorised residents. Some of the suspects attempted to defraud the NDDC chairman by sending a threat messages, asking him to drop a sum of money at a location. The chairman reported to the police, which eventually resulted in their arrest.
Police Deny Claims of Bomb Attack on Bayelsa Deputy Governor
Preliminary report by a police investigation team into the alleged bomb attack on the filling station owned by the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Peremobowei Ebebi, has dismissed the claim that an explosive was thrown into the area. The team said regular work was going on at the filling station. It was gathered that the Commissioner of Police, Elder Onuoha Udoka, had, on Monday, raised an investigative team of detectives and bomb experts attached to the command to visit the filling station and determine the extent of damage and type of dynamite used.
Imo Speaker Charges Ex-Militants on Peace, Dialogue
Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Goodluck Nanah Opiah, has urged former militants to maintain peace and refrain from crimes, as the repentant militants took a protest to his lodge. Opiah advised them not to take the law into their hands as that could jeopardize the intention of government for them. The lawmaker enjoined them to embrace dialogue in settling disputes, adding that their leaders should be mandated to discuss issues on their behalf.
DPR, Rivers Ministry Team to Tackle Fuel Crisis
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has faulted the shutting down of some fuel stations by Rivers State Ministry of Energy and Natural Gas, saying that the ministry does not have power to seal any station, noting that such power is vested in the DPR alone. But a representative of the Ministry, Dr. Sonye Asawo, noted that there were several sharp practices witnessed in the state by the ministry, which has brought hardship to the people. The DPR and the ministry, however, agreed that a joint effort of both is essential to bring sanity and transparency to the industry.
RSG Promises Exit of JTF by February 2010
Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Ameachi, has said operatives of the military Joint Task Force (JTF) in some areas of the state will leave the state by February next year. He said that the withdrawal of the JTF would provide the right atmosphere for successful re-integration of repentant militants.
Court Restrains Police from Arresting Kalu
An Abuja high court, Friday issued an interim order stopping the police from executing the warrant of arrest made against former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu by the Imo State House of Assembly pending the final determination of the motion on notice filed before it. The court also granted leave to Dr. Kalu to enforce his fundamental rights to personal liberty and others. Imo lawmakers, had on November 17, issued a warrant of arrest against Kalu for his failure to honour its invitation to give evidence on allegations of financial impropriety he allegedly made against Governor Ikedi of Imo state.
Ex-Bakassi Fighters Lament Post-Amnesty Programme
Former members of the Bakassi Freedom Fighters (BFF) have called on the Cross River State Government to take more than a passing interest in their welfare and the resettlement of the displaced people of the region to keep them off the creeks where they had fought the Camerounian gendarmes over the Bakassi Peninsula. The group, which had earlier accepted the Federal Government’s amnesty, complained that the Government was not living up to the terms of the post-amnesty agreement on the welfare and the resettlement of the displaced people. But the Security Adviser to the state government Mr. Bassey Okim, said while waiting for the formal rehabilitation package from the FG, the state was doing its best to assist them.
A'Ibom Lawmakers Summon CP Over Lawmakers Death
Worried by the gruesome murder of a former state legislator, Umo Udonwa, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has summoned the State Police Commissioner, Mr Walter Rugbere over the security situation in the state and how to unmask those behind the killing. The Speaker of the House, Obong Ignatius Edet, who described the ex-lawmaker's killing at his petroleum station recently as tragic and pathetic, promised that the House would not abandon his family.
Anambra Police Warn Against Use Of Fireworks
Ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Anambra State Police Command on Friday issued a stern warning to the public reminding that the ban on the use of fireworks "Knockouts" is still in force. This is as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in the State, Mr Ayobami Omiyale, painted a gloomy picture on the rate of accidents in the state, which he linked to bad roads. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Emeka Chukwuemeka warned that whoever runs foul of the order banning firing knockout this period would be fished out and be seriously dealt with.
Imo Monarch Advocates Death Penalty for Kidnappers
The Eze Kwesiri of Umuna Isiaku in Imo State, Eze Gerald Achisim, has advocated the death penalty for kidnappers. He said capital punishment was necessary to tackle kidnapping which he noted had become the order of the day. He called on youths to desist from criminal acts, saying unemployment did not give anyone the right to indulge in criminal activities. The traditional ruler said government should create job opportunities for youths.
Businessman Arrested over Woman’s Death
A middle-aged businessman, identified as “Ubanese,” has been arrested by Imo State Police Command for alleged involvement in the death of a young lady. The deceased lady was allegedly pushed out of the suspect’s fast moving car along the Nekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze road. An eye witness said that the villagers quickly organized themselves, gave the man a hot chase and apprehended him. Ubanese is currently telling the police all he knew about the lady’s death.
Two Drown in Bayelsa Boat Mishap
Two persons reportedly drowned in a boat mishap on the Amatolu axis of River Nun, Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa state. Ten others on board of the ill-fated boat sustained varied degrees of injuries. The boat carrying the victims, who were allegedly returning from a wedding ceremony, ran into a storm, making the driver to lose control. Local divers were able to rescue most of the passengers, except the two deceased. Police Commissioner, Onuoha Udeka, could not confirm the incident.
BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS
Chevron Vows to End Gas Flaring in 2011
American oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has pledged to halt gas flaring in all of its operational locations. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State hinted that the oil firm had agreed to stop flaring of gas in the first quarter of 2011, with a promise to render necessary assistance in litigation and adaptation. Uduaghan stressed the need to urgently tackle headlong the environmental problems generated by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
LAGOS AND ENVIRONS
Army Releases Proceedings of Court Marshal on 27 Soldiers
The military has released the record of proceedings to enable counsels to the 27 convicted soldiers file appeal on the seven years imprisonment imposed on them by the military, according to a counsel to the soldiers, Mr. Peters Ike Adonu. A court martial in Akure had found the soldiers guilty of treason for protesting over their unpaid allowances during their peace keeping mission in Liberia. The army authorities later commuted their sentence to 7 years. But the 27 soldiers want to appeal the sentence.
Lagos Launches Helicopter Patrol
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Monday, launched two Bell 412 EP Helicopters with a promise to commit the state’s resources to securing the lives and property of residents. Fashola reiterated that the state government would outspend, outrun and overwhelm the competition that criminals offer. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, expressed optimism that the helicopters would enhance security surveillance.
Woman, 70, Arrested over Theft of Baby
The police in Lagos State have begun investigations into an alleged theft of a three day-old-baby by a woman in her seventies. The septuagenarian was, penultimate Saturday, dragged to Akinpelu divisional police station by passengers in a bus who felt uncomfortable with her handling of the baby as the baby cried relentlessly, and she was unable to pacify the baby. It was gathered that she could not give proper explanation of her relationship with the baby as she reportedly gave contradictory statements of how she got the baby.
Court Sends Two Drug Traffickers to Life Jail
Two drug traffickers were on Monday sentenced to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos. The convicts Nweke Chibueze Francis (27) and Adedeji Adesanya (25) were arrested with 1.416 kilogrammes of cocaine on May and 2kg of cannabis on July, respectively. Both convicts pleaded guilty and will spend a combined term of 50 years in prison. The Chief Executive, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, commended the judge for "his historic and courageous judgment".
Three Feared Killed as Drivers, Police Clash in Osun
Three persons died on Tuesday when commercial drivers and anti-riot policemen engaged in a clash at Ifedayo LGA of Osun State. Two of the victims were said to be mobile policemen and the third was Chairman of the local branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) simply identified as Chief Sajemo. It was gathered that the two unidentified policemen died during a counter attack after one of them shot the NURTW boss dead. Trouble started when a commercial driver refused to give money allegedly demanded by the policemen posted to the border town which led to a hot argument between the two parties.
17 Policemen Arrested over Ijebu-Ife Crisis
Seventeen 17 police officers have been arrested over the violence that engulfed Ijebu-Ife town in Ogun state, penultimate weekend. To ensure that normalcy returns to the town, top hierarchy of the police, led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Mohammed Abubakar, have arrived the town. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the officers came to the town to assure residents of peace and order, not for a reprisal attack. Adejobi also confirmed that 30 people have been arrested. But a resident lamented that the police are dreadful as they have threatened to arrest the men if they tried to get into the town.
Man kills Neighbour over Girlfriend
A man, Udoka Ibemesi, was on Tuesday, killed in Lagos during a fight over a girlfriend, while his assailant, Okechukwu Agbanama, has been detained by the police. The suspect and the deceased were neighbours. According to sources, the suspect saw the lady with Ibemesi and was jealous. An argument ensued and Agbanama stabbed the deceased.
NDLEA Seals Warehouse of Indian Hemp
A bungalow used as an Indian hemp warehouse at Adewolu Village in Egbeda LGA of Oyo State has been sealed up by the state Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). A total of 5.520 tonnes of cannabis packed in 421 bags were recovered from the warehouse. The state Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Suleiman Jadi, said the owners of the drugs were at large, but efforts were being made to track them. Jadi said the Indian hemp was valued at N8.4million because according to him, a bag is now sold at about N20, 000.
Ogun Bank Managers Lament Insecurity
Managers of commercial banks operating in Ijebu area of Ogun State Wednesday met with Governor Gbenga Daniel over insecurity of banks in the area. The banks Tuesday embarked on strike to protest incessant robbery attacks. The managers lamented that the security arrangement on ground was not enough because the robbers always came with sophisticated weapons and drilling machines which they used to break into the banks. At the end of the meeting, the managers said they were satisfied with the assurances given to them.
Supreme Court Reinstates Sacked UNILORIN Lecturers
The Supreme Court, Thursday, nullified the dismissal of 41 lecturers of the University of Ilorin eight years ago. The court also ordered their immediate reinstatement to office. The lecturers were sacked for participating in an industrial action called by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The court also held that the three of the lecturers who died before the judgement, are deemed to have died in active service and ordered that their salaries and allowances should be paid from the day they were dismissed from service to their respective dates of death.
Customs Confiscates 30 Containers of Goods
The Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday said it had confiscated 30 containers laden with furniture valued at N153 million. Customs Area Comptroller (CAC) of the command, Alhaji Hassan Aliyu, said importers had taken advantage of the rush period to bring in prohibited goods without weighing the implications. The total value of the seized goods was put at N127million, while the duty payable was also put at N26 million whileN153 million was recorded as the Duty Paid Value.
GENERAL
Reps Pass Local Content Bill
The National Assembly has finally passed the local content bill, which aimed to promote indigenous participation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum, Mr. Bassey Otu, said the National Assembly is determine to do a through job in passing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) for prosperity and benefit of all Nigerians. The local content bill has consideration for Nigerian operators and Nigerian service companies in the award of contracts, the provision for Research and Development to be domiciled in-county for most projects and training opportunity for Nigerians, amongst others.
Taraba Lawmakers Debate Death by Hanging for Kidnappers
A bill prohibiting kidnapping of persons in Taraba State, Monday, passed the second reading before the state House of Assembly. The bill seeks the death penalty by hanging for convicted kidnappers. The lawmakers lauded the initiators of the bill, saying it would go a long way to discourage kidnappers from the criminal act through the stiff penalty it proposed. Deputy Speaker, Bishir Marafa Abba, linked kidnapping to the rising unemployment in the country and charged government at all levels to address the problem.
FG to Establish Investigation Laboratory for Air Mishaps
Delay in analysis of causes of air accidents in the country has compelled the Federal Government to seek establishment of an investigation laboratory in the country. Reports of crashes in Nigeria take as much as four to five years to be released due to absence of a laboratory. Aviation Minister, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba, who disclosed this said since the essence of accident investigation was to avert a recurrence, the delay in releasing reports of accidents due to lack of facilities makes nonsense of the essence.
Nigeria Want Interpol to Arrest Ribadu, El-Rufai
Nigeria has officially asked the International Police Organization (INTERPOL) to arrest and return to Nigeria former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nasir el-Rufai and former head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai is believed to be in the US, while Ribadu is in London. Police spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu, justified the arrest warrant, saying that both former officials failed to appear in court to answer corruption charges. Ojukwu said the action was ordered by a competent court in Nigeria.
FG Vows to Strengthen Border Security
The Federal Government has pledged not to compromise on the integrity of its border security and will do anything legally possible to protect them. President Yar'Adua said the government is fully committed to the security and development of the nation's border areas, and the provision of basic rights to all Nigerians. Represented by Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, Yar'Adua gave the assurance while inaugurating the Governing Board of the Border Communities Development Agency. He charged the board to be alive to its foremost responsibility of ensuring the development and security of the nation's border areas. Maiduguri Airport to Close for Maintenance
As soon as the airlifting of 6,286 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Borno and Yobe states is completed by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCOM), the Maiduguri International Airport is to be shut to air traffic and passengers for six weeks. This, according to the Aviation Minister, Babatunde Omotoba, is to enable repairs of the airport runways, which is currently a threat to safety of air traffic and passengers. The minister said the closure of the airport to air traffic and passengers has become inevitable as the runways have fallen below the international minimum safety standards.
29 Die during Hajj
Twenty seven Nigerian pilgrims have died of various ailments, two by auto accident in Saudi Arabia since the commencement of this year’s hajj, head of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s medical team, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, has said. The death figure is far below what was recorded last year when 57 Nigerian pilgrims died, he said.
Govt Threaten Oil Firms over Power Target Miss
The Federal Government on Monday identified failure of oil multinationals to supply gas to some power plants in the country as the reason it could fail to meet the electricity generation mark. Consequently, it resolved to sanction the oil firms involved if the power target is not achieved at the end of December. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Odein Ajumogobia, had charged the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Mohammed Barkindo; Minister of State for Power, Rilwan Babalola and the multinational firms to expedite action on gas supply to the plants.
Libya Deports 325 Nigerians
Libya during the week deported 325 Nigerians over immigration-related offences. They were deported, according to an immigration source, as a result of immigration offences ranging from expired visas, illegal documentation to fake visas. The Libyan government was said to have taken the decision to rid its country of illegal residents with the aim of creating jobs for its citizens to survive the global economic meltdown.
Navy Gets New Rear Admirals, Army Decorates Eight Generals
The Nigerian Navy on Tuesday released names of senior officers that were promoted to the rank of rear admirals. The Director of Naval Information, Commodore David Nabaida, said that the new rear admirals would be decorated with their new ranks soon. This is just as the Nigerian Army decorated eight senior officers with their new ranks of Major Generals. The army officers were decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, who charged them to contribute their quota to the enthronement of a highly professional Army that is rooted in the military values of loyalty, discipline and integrity.
SSS Parades Fraud Suspect
A man, believed to be in his early 30s, identified as Sanjo Moronkola Adeyemi, was on Monday paraded by the Kano State Security Service (SSS) on allegations of granting loans ranging between N100,000 and N10 million to peasant farmers at a specified interest rate. The Assistant Director of Operations of SSS in Kano, Usman Abubakar, stated that investigation into the mode of operations of the suspect’s company is yet to be concluded.
3-Year-Old daughter of Adamawa NLC Boss Abducted
A three-year-old daughter of the Adamawa State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Dauda Buba has been kidnapped, police disclosed on Tuesday. The kidnappers have demanded N1 million as ransom for her release. Aisha was kidnapped in Yola on Sunday by someone who posed as a friend of her uncle, sources said. The family quickly notified the police and began efforts to locate her.
NAPTIP Rescues 2,000 Trafficking Victims
Over 2,000 victims of human trafficking, mostly women and children were rescued this year by the National Agency for the Protection of Trafficking in Persons’ (NAPTIP) Sokoto and Kano zonal offices. The Chief Intelligence Officer of the agency, Patricia Odokwu, said trafficking in persons was more prevalent in the 11 southern states of Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Imo and Rivers. She said 80 percent of the female victims were from polygamous homes.
Police, MTN Partner on Security
As part of efforts to ensure effective protection of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Police is partnering with MTN, a mobile telecommunication company. The FCT Commissioner of Police (CP), John Haruna, said the service provider would assist the command by improving services required by the police to perform better. According to police commissioner, the partnership would aid the command in addressing the problem of communication which, he said, had been a hindrance in their effort to fight crime in the FCT. Drug Trafficking Fuels Terrorism, Crime -UN
The head of the United Nations drugs agency (UNODC), Antonio Maria Costa, has disclosed that huge amounts of heroin and cocaine were being traded by "terrorists and anti-government forces" to fund their operations. According to Costa, widespread drug trafficking is transforming Africa into a major crime hub. He called for a trans-Saharan network to be set up to tackle criminal groups. He said 50 to 60 tonnes of cocaine were trafficked every year across West Africa.
Amnesty Alleges Gross Extra-Judicial Killing in Nigeria by Police
The Nigeria Police kill hundreds of suspects annually while in detention, Amnesty International (AI) alleged on Tuesday, and called for the abolition of Order 237, which allows the police to shoot detainees who try to escape. AI also alleged that the police torture some suspects to death, according to Erwin van der Borght, Director of Amnesty International’s Africa Programme. In his reaction the Force Public Relation Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, discountenanced, saying that the organisation failed to give details of people allegedly killed by the Police.
Senate Alleges N10b Budget Irregularities in Petroleum Ministry
The Senate on Tuesday discovered irregularities, duplications and ambiguous provisions in the 2010 budget proposals of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources amounting to N10bn naira. Chairman of the committee, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, described the discovery as “Scandalous repetition of projects in the ministry’s budget proposals for over the past three years”. The 2010 budget proposal of the ministry shows that N600m is budgeted for the construction of Gas Master Plant (GMP) whereas the same amount was duly appropriated and released to the ministry for the same project in the 2009 budget.
Court Orders Arrest Of Kenny Martins, 3 Others Over PEF
An Abuja High Court, Friday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Chief Kenny Martins, Ibrahim Dumuje, Joni Icheka and Cosmos Okpara. The arrest warrant nullifies an earlier decision of a Magistrate's Court which discharged Chief Martins and three others of allegation of defrauding the Police Equipment Fund (PEF). Barrister Festus Keyamo filed the case against the four via a special fiat (authorisation) of the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute the accused persons. A Magistrate's Court in Abuja discharged the accused for lack of diligence by the Police in prosecuting them, but did not acquit them. INTERNATIONAL
Al-Qaeda Group Claims Responsibility for Bombings in Iraq
A militant group linked to al-Qaeda has said it carried out four connected suicide bombings in the Iraqi capital on Tuesday that left scores dead. The Islamic State of Iraq posted the claim on a website used by militants. The attacks on government-run buildings in Baghdad killed at least 127 people and wounded 400, according to police sources. The group claimed attacks in August and October which killed 240 people. It threatened further attacks to uproot the government.
Guinea Junta Accuses French Minister over Camara Shooting
France's Foreign Minister, Bernard Kouchner, has been accused of involvement in a plot to kill the leader of Guinea's ruling junta. Guinea's Junta spokesman, Idrissa Cherif, said that Mr Kouchner had "activated some networks" in order to "change the situation" in the country. France's government said the claims were "completely groundless". Junta leader Capt Moussa Dadis Camara is recovering after one of his soldiers shot him in the head last week.
Soldier Arraigned over Plot to Assassinate Obama
An attempt to assassinate President Barack Obama by an American marine has been thwarted by the Secret Service. The Marine, Kody Brittingham, a 20-year-old lance corporal, allegedly wrote that he had taken an oath to protect against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. In a signed letter of intent, tucked away in his barracks, he identified a “domestic enemy” he planned to eliminate as President Obama. The accused pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing on charges of threatening to kill the president and attempted armed robbery.
Somali Govt Uncovers Plots for Suicide Attack
Somalia's government, Monday, warned that militants are planning suicide attacks against key installations in the capital, Mogadishu. The warning comes as hundreds of students marched in protest against the recent suicide bombing that killed 24. Somali authorities report that suicide bombers plan to target Mogadishu's airport, seaport and the presidential palace. According to police spokesman, Abdullahi Hassan Barise, members of al-Shabab, a militant group, plan to disguise themselves as army generals to carry out the attacks. Barise added that officials don't know of a timeframe for the planned attacks.
Iranian Police, Opposition Clash
Following the warning by Iranian authorities to use force against protesters who might take advantage of commemoration students' day in the country, police on Monday clashed with opposition supporters in central Tehran. The reported clash came as Iran was to hold an annual commemoration for the killing of students in 1953. Iranian security forces, including the elite Revolutionary Guards, had warned that they would step in to prevent any attempt to use the event to stage opposition protests.
Philippine Armed Forces Pursue 3,000 Rebels
Philippine armed forces and police say they are pursuing at least 3,000 armed men loyal to the Ampatuan clan in the southern province of Maguindanao. The authorities have accused the clan of ordering the recent massacre of 57 people and fomenting rebellion. Officials said gunmen fired on troops in the first violence since martial law was declared in the province near Datu Unsay, the town controlled by the chief suspect in the massacre, Andal Ampatuan Jr. Troops have cordoned off the province, confiscated weapons caches and arrested scores of alleged gunmen.
Times Square Shooting Suspect Dies
A shootout Thursday between a police officer and a street peddler in busy Times Square left the suspect dead, New York police said. Police Department Deputy Commissioner, Paul Browne, said gunfire was exchanged after a police sergeant confronted two men who were selling CDs on the street. The sergeant believed he recognized one of the men as using "aggressive" sales tactics, Browne said. One of the men fled, pulled a Mac-10 pistol and fired two shots at the officer, Browne said. The officer returned fire and hit the suspect, a 25-year-old man who was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The gun was reported stolen from the Richmond, Virginia, area in October, Browne said.
North Korea Accepts Co-Operation with US on Nuclear
North Korea says it will continue to co-operate with the US on ending its nuclear programme and agrees that stalled talks need to resume. The announcement comes following a visit to North Korea by US President's special envoy Stephen Bosworth. This was the country's first official reaction after three days of talks.
54-Year-Old Asian Radio Broadcaster Murdered
Detectives are investigating the murder of a radio presenter at her home in Glasgow. Nasim Jamil, 54, was discovered by family members at her flat in Byres Road on Wednesday night. Mrs Jamil worked on Asian radio station Awaz FM. Strathclyde Police said she had last been seen earlier in the day. Forensic and door-to-door inquiries are under way and a post-mortem examination has taken place.
12 Killed in Rocket, Bomb Explosions
A rocket and a suicide car bomb attack on the office of Pakistani intelligence agency in Multan city have killed at least 12 people, police disclosed on Monday. More than 25 others were injured in the attack. The blast comes just a day after two bombs exploded in a busy market in Lahore, killing at least 48 people. Escalated bomb attacks in recent times coincide with ongoing army offensive targeting the Taliban stronghold in the country's north-west. No-one has yet said they were behind the attack.
U.S Citizen Suspected in Mumbai Attacks
A U.S. citizen has been charged with involvement in planning last year's terrorist attack in Mumbai, India, the Justice Department said on Monday. David Headley, 49, was born in Washington, D.C. The Justice Department alleges he helped plan the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which killed 160 people, including six Americans. The Justice Department said Headley attended terrorism training camps in Pakistan and conspired with members of the group Lashkar-e-Tayyiba to carry out attacks in Denmark and India.
Guinea Junta Arrest Civilians over Failed Assassination Plot
Commando units loyal to the wounded leader of Guinea's military junta, Capt. Moussa "Dadis" Camara, have swept through neighbourhoods near the capital, arresting civilians believed to be involved in plans to assassinate Camara. The arrests came late Monday, as the ruling junta tried to reassure that Capt. Camara was recovering from surgery. Residents said that three military trucks with soldiers arrived on the streets, looking for a local witch doctor, rumoured to have performed spells for Lt. Abubakar "Toumba" Diakite, the former head of the presidential guard, who opened fire on Camara last Thursday.
112 killed in Baghdad's Car, School Blasts
At least 112 people were killed and 435 others wounded on Tuesday in a series of car bombings in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, authorities said. The attacks, according to reports, shattered a two-month period of relative calm in the capital since October. Among the dead were children and students, said Brig. Gen. Qassim Atta, of the Baghdad Operations Command. Meanwhile, Iraq authorities have finally set a date to elect a new parliament, the head of the country's independent electoral commission said.
Philippines Police Release Names of 161 Massacre Suspects
Police in the Philippines say they have identified 161 suspects wanted in connection with the massacre of 57 people on Mindanao Island last month. Among the wanted people are government militiamen and members of the powerful Ampatuan clan in Maguindanao province. Police alleged that clan leader and local mayor, Andal Ampatuan Jr, organised the attack and killed many of the victims himself. The government has declared martial law in the province to quell what it said was a rebellion by the Ampatuan clan.
SPLM Allege Threat to Sudan Peace Deal
Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) on Tuesday declared that the fragile peace deal that brought an end to two decades of north-south civil war in the country is in serious crisis. The Secretary General of SPLM, Pagan Amum, who was arrested at a rally on Monday, said that President Omar al-Bashir's NCP party wanted to stop the south's bid for independence. Both sides agreed to a referendum on southern secession and a national poll as part of the 2005 peace deal. But tensions have been rising between the SPLM and their power-sharing partners.
South Korea to Dispatch Soldiers to Afghanistan
South Korea has vowed to press ahead with plans to send troops back to Afghanistan despite a Taliban threat of retaliation. South Korea said it would send up to 350 soldiers next year to protect its civilian aid workers working in the province of Parwan, north of the Afghan capital of Kabul. The new troops are to be deployed from July 1, 2010, to December 31, 2012. The ministry was expected to submit a request to the National Assembly later for its approval.
Greek Shipping Firm Pays Ransom to Somali Pirates
A Greek shipping company said it had paid a ransom to Somali pirates holding one of its freighters for the past seven months, and the ship's release was expected soon. The ship was seized on May 1 southwest of the Seychelles islands, carrying a cargo of soya from Brazil to Iran. Alloceans Shipping General Manager, Spyros Minas, said the ship's 24-member Ukrainian crew was in good health. A self-proclaimed pirate, who gave his name as Ahmed Gedi said his group had been paid $2.8 million to free the Ariana. It was not possible to independently verify the amount of ransom paid.
Gunmen Hold Dozens Hostage in Philippines
An armed group has reportedly seized dozens of hostages from a school and a village in the southern Philippines. The kidnappers belong to a gang of former government-armed militia on the island of Mindanao, police said. About 15 gunmen took part in the abductions on Thursday. Negotiators have secured the release of 17 students and one adult. At least 55 adults remained hostages, police said. Police chief, Marco Archinue, said the men had earlier demanded the dropping of charges against them, including murder and robbery. But reports have traced no sign of a link to the killing of 57 people on the island last month.
Severe Weather Wallop Kills 3 in U.S
Much of the United States was braced for severe winter weather on Monday, as a major storm hit California while an unrelated first round of wintry conditions snarled commutes in the Midwest. The storm hitting California Monday afternoon was expected to affect weather across the country through Wednesday. The wintry weather, caused by a weak disturbance over the Midwest, caused the deaths of three people in weather-related traffic accidents Sunday and Monday. var currExpandable = "expand1"; var currExpandableHeight = 360; Forecasters warned that the approaching storm could cause widespread power outages through Wednesday and make travel nearly impossible in some areas. It may spread arctic air southward by midweek.</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;">Authorities Confirm Somalia Suicide Bomber was from Denmark
A suicide bomber who killed at least 22 people at a graduation in Somalia was brought up in Denmark, officials say. Somali Information Minister Dahir Gelle said that the bomber's parents, who live in Copenhagen, identified their son's body from photographs. He reportedly joined the hard-line Islamist group al-Shabab. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service also agree the bomber was from Denmark, according to reports.
Pakistan, FBI Confirm Arrest of US Muslims Militants
The US and Pakistan have confirmed that five suspected militants arrested during a raid on a house in Pakistan are US nationals wanted by the FBI. FBI officials said they were the same men who disappeared from their homes in the US state of Virginia last month. Their families reported them missing after finding a farewell video message, showing scenes of war and calling for Muslims to be defended. Police said the men were arrested after offering their services for attacks.