Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 48

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Kidnappers Force Closure of Bayelsa Schools

Several schools were forced to close down on Friday in Bayelsa State, as the wave of child abductions becomes alarming. Although the Police said it was on top of the situation, many parents and schools were not convinced. Attempt to kidnap a boy was foiled on Thursday by a vigilant parent, while a second attempt in another school was successful. Security sources said the upsurge in the crime wave was associated with the approach of the yuletide.

JTF Arrests 18 Illegal Bunkerers

Operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) have arrested 18 persons suspected to be illegal oil bunkerers at Gbaratoru Natural Liquefied Gas Site in Bayelsa State. The JTF spokesman, Lt Col. Rabe Abubakar, said that the illegal oil bunkerers were intercepted and arrested on board two locally made 'Cotonuo' boats conveying large quantities of bunkered oil suspected to be condensate.

JTF Arrests Militant over Ammunition

Operatives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) on Monday arrested a 34-old man, Osaisai Digieneni Timi in Yenagoa with five boxes of 7.62mm special ammunition of 750 rounds contained in each box. The soldiers also found on him a cell phone containing the phone numbers of other militants' leaders in Bayelsa who the JTF had been tracking. The coordinator Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC) Lt. Col. Rabe Abubakar, who disclosed this, called for the cooperation of the general public in giving adequate information that will help the JTF in fighting criminality in the region.

Gunmen Seize Scottish Oil Worker

Gunmen in Port Harcourt, Thursday, kidnapped a Scottish named Bruce S.I, working for an oil service firm. Spokesman of the Joint Task Force Operation Flush III, Lt. Colonel Sagir Musa confirmed the kidnap but said there was no information on the possible whereabouts of the victim since his captors were yet to make contact or make demands. He however said their formations have been alerted and that they have mobilised their men with a view to ensuring his early release.

Police Kill 5 Suspected Kidnappers

Efforts to checkmate kidnappers in Abia State have continued to yield good results, as the state police command succeeded in killing five suspected kidnappers in separate incidents during the week and rescued a hostage, Comfort Erondu.

Gas Flaring: Oil Companies Pay N15bn in 3 Years

Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on Wednesday told the Senate Committee on Gas that N15 billion were paid as penalty for gas flaring by oil companies in the last three years. DPR officials who spoke at the Senate Public Hearing, also said oil companies were yet to commence paying the new $3.5 per million standard cubic feet (scf) fine prescribed for gas flaring which commenced in April, 2008.

Navy Claims Victory n N/Delta

Despite the monumental risks associated with maintaining peace and order in the Niger-Delta, the Nigerian Navy boasts that it is winning the war against the militants in the region. This was disclosed by Commodore David Dung Nabaida, the new Director of Information for the Nigerian Navy. Commodore Nabaida says "the spate of militancy and oil bunkering has reduced in recent times, and it is only a matter of time before we put a complete stop to the problem in the region".

UN Unfolds Plan for Bakassi Returnees in Cross River

The United Nations (UN) has promised to help the Cross River State government in resettling the displaced people of Bakassi which was ceded to Cameroun in August. The UN Representative on Cameroun-Nigeria Mixed Commission said that the UN has prepared concrete grounds to intervene in the resettlement of displaced persons, to give them succour. He pointed out that as soon as the resettlement needs of the displaced persons were made available to him, intervention process would commence immediately to give the people a sense of belonging.

Kidnappers Target Bankers

A new twist has emerged in the kidnapping saga in the Niger Delta as militants in the area now target bankers. It was disclosed that a stream of the female bankers have been taken captive in succession in the last few days.  The new dimension in the saga, sources say, is due to the heavy security around expatriates and at other occasions the paucity of them on the streets of the once cherished "garden city".

Gov Obi Expresses Concern over Spate of Kidnappings in Anambra

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra has expressed worry at the spate of kidnapping in the state and said new measures would be introduced to curb the menace. The governor said that the security of the state hinged more on politics and urged the Town Unions and Traditional Rulers to warn those behind these problems to desist from such activities. He called on all indigenes of the state to join hands with the government to bring lasting peace to the state.

Nigeria Army Not Source of Our Sophisticated Weapons -MEND

Militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has hailed the public denial by the Okah family that the gun-running soldier, Sunny Okah, is the brother of detained Henry Okah. MEND also reiterated that the army had never been the source of its weapons, as it denied involvement in the Nembe creek attacks on naval ship, saying that it still stands by its cease-fire declared weeks ago. Meanwhile, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Yola, has defended governments quest to prosecute leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, Henry Okah in camera, saying there was nothing wrong with it, and that it is done in to guarantee national security.

74-Year-Old Widow Kidnapped in Delta

A 74-year-old widow was recently announced kidnapped in Delta state. It was gathered that the kidnappers are demanding a seven million naira ransom for her release. The woman was said to have been abducted since on the 24th of September this year but was concealed until last weekend. As at the time of this report the woman is yet to be released and was said to be kept in a hideout somewhere in Benin City, Edo state.

Three Arrested over Death of 18-Year-Old Girl

Three persons have been arrested in connection with the death of an 18-year-old girl in Sagbama, Bayelsa State. The victim whose name was given as Seiyefa Tambou was said to have gone to the River to have her bath when she disappeared. It was gathered that the family members of the deceased suspected fowl play when the three arrested persons brought the two children of the deceased to the house without their mother. The family members then invited the Police and upon interrogation, it was learnt that one of the suspects pushed Seiyefa into the river.

4 Dead as Militants Invade A-Ibom

Suspected militants from neighbouring Andoni in Rivers State last week attacked and invaded some major towns in Akwa Ibom State and killed four mobile Police men in Ikot Abasi. The militants numbering more than fifteen took the town by surprise, shooting sporadically, while their alleged plans to rescue their Andoni kinsmen of Eastern Obolo kept in prison custody for wrecking havoc on Ikot Akpan udo village during the boundary dispute was foisted.

MEND Calls for Open Re-Trial of Jailed Soldiers

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has called for an open re-trial of the soldiers recently convicted by a General Court Martial for illegal sale of arms to militants in the Niger Delta, saying their conviction was a set up to nail its assumed leader, Henry Okah. MEND called on the public and human rights groups to rally for these soldiers by calling for an open re-trial.

Akpabio Reads Riot Act to Militants, Others

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, has vowed to make militants, kidnappers and other bandits uncomfortable in the state if they failed to turn a new leaf. Akpabio said his government was committed to the protection of lives and property, stressing that cases of kidnappers infiltrating from neighbouring states would be checked.

Lawmaker Agrees Paying N5m Ransom to Regain Freedom

The member representing Anaocha II constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Chief Joseph Dimobi, who was kidnapped a fortnight ago, admitted that he paid N5 million ransom to regain his freedom, saying that with what is happening, even the state governor is not safe from the kidnappers.

386 Prison Inmates Awaiting Trial at Awka Prisons

Three hundred and eighty six prison inmates out of a total of 443 at the Awka prisons are awaiting trial, with some of them said to have already spent more than the number of years they would have spent if convicted when the offences were committed. Assistant Controller of Prisons in Anambra State, Sir Adah Nat Adams, disclosed this. The prison was built in 1904, to accommodate only 238 inmates.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Robbers Kill Four Policemen in Edo

Four policemen were on Friday killed when suspected armed robbers swooped on them while on duty in two separate areas of Edo state. It was also gathered that the robbers after killing them, zoomed off with their guns. No arrest had been made by police.

Gas Flare Out: Oil Producing Communities Insist on Dec. 31 Deadline

Oil producing communities in the country are insisting on the December 31, 2008 deadline for gas flaring in the country or, in the alternative, oil companies which are unable to meet up with the deadline should be made to vacate the areas in order to stop further degradation of the environment. The communities sent in a strong delegation to the Public Hearing conducted in Abuja last week by the Senator Osita Izunaso-led Senate Committee on Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Punishment) Bill 2008, where they posited that unless proactive legislations were put in place, the oil producing areas may soon witness a “tsunami.”

N310b Escravos-Lagos Pipeline Gas Project Stalled

Indications emerged, Wednesday, that the Escravos-Lagos pipeline project awarded to produce adequate gas for completed power plants to generate, transmit and distribute electricity was stalled due to an alleged conflict between the management of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum (Gas) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The project was awarded at the cost of N310 billion.

Seven Die in Auto Crashes

The Edo Zonal Command of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) has reported the loss of six lives from two road accidents in the Delta state last weekend. Also, a ghastly auto crash, which involved some members of Delta State contingent to the National Cultural Festival, (Abuja NAFEST 2008) saw the death of a female member of the contingent.

Murder of Udu Fisherman: Urhobo, Itsekiri May Clash

Following the alleged Killing of an Urhobo  fisherman at Sapele, Delta State, by some Itsekiri youths, the Urhobo National Youth Council (UNYC) issued a three-days quit notice to Itsekiris resident in all Urhobo land. An Itsekiri group had, three weeks ago issued a similar ultimatum to Urhobos in Okpe council to produce an Itsekiri man identified as Richard Tuedoneye allegedly kidnapped by some Urhobo youths.

Man Kills Mother, Hangs Self in Delta

A Sixty-five year-old woman last weekend, beaten to death by her son, Samson Ayoro, who later hanged himself to death in Uvwie Council area of Delta State. The woman was allegedly beaten to death by her son, Samson Ayoro, who sources said has become slightly unstable for quite sometime. Police authorities at the Ekpan Police station confirmed the incident.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

3 Policemen, Others Killed in Oshodi OPC Clash

There was bloodbath amongst members of the O’Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) at Mafoluku area of Lagos on Friday. About three policemen who allegedly went to make peace between two warring factions of the OPC were killed and their bodies burnt and dumped in front of their station. Three other members of the warring groups also lost their lives in the fight while several others were seriously injured. The main issue in the crisis between both factions was not immediately known.

Four Policemen, Two Others Killed In Ibadan Robbery

Four policemen, including an Assistant Superintendent of Police, were shot dead on Thursday in a bloody encounter with armed robbers during a raid on the Idi-Ape, Ibadan, branches of the Intercontinental Bank Plc and the United Bank for Africa. The police also killed one of the 15 robbers while another one was arrested in Akobo, an outskirt of the city. Two magazines of AK 47 rifles were said to have been recovered from the hoodlums. The slain armed robber was said to have assorted amulets on his body. Meanwhile, Police authorities in the State cried out over lack of equipment, saying it was responsible for the death of their men.

Trailer Crushes 25 Persons in Ondo

About 25 people were crushed at Ikare-Akoko, Ondo state when a trailer rammed into a market square located in front of Olukare's palace. The driver of the trailer was said to have lost control of the vehicle while descending a hill. Four motorcycles were burnt, while hundreds of people were injured. The Public Relations Officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission in Ondo State, Mr. Olugbenga Mohammed confirmed the accident.

Oyo May Get Joint Military/Police Patrol

The Oyo State government, Friday, canvassed for a joint military/police patrol to control the increasing crime wave in the state. The governor’s Special Adviser on Public Communications, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stated that recent armed robbery attacks had reinforced the need for the joint patrol. The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 11, Mr. Tunji Alapinni expressed the readiness of the force to abide by the wishes of the state government to restore peace in the state.

Production of Fake Driving Licence: FRSC top Official Implicated

Luck ran against one of the syndicates that specialize in producing fake drivers licence recently when two of their members were arrested by a surveillance team from the zone two Police Command, Onikan Lagos. The suspects confessed to have successfully carried out the deed with the connivance of a senior official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).   In fact, he claimed he actually produced them for the senior officer who issues such to unsuspecting drivers.

Two Ministries Burgled In Osun, Vital Documents Carted Away

Unidentified persons, Friday morning, burgled two ministries within the Osun State Government secretariat, Abere and carted away vital documents and some valuable items from the ministries. The affected ministries include Ministry of Informational and Youth Development and Ministry of Women Affairs. Three offices were burgled in the Ministry of Information and Youth Development while another one was affected in the Women Affairs Ministry. The Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Information and Youth Development, Dr. Olumide Babatunde, had reported the matter to the police.

Robbers Kill DPO in Ekiti

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in charge of Gboyin LGA of Ekiti state, was on Monday killed during a shoot out between police and armed robbers.  The robbers numbering about six, while trying to fix the tyres of a stolen vehicle, noticed a police van and immediately opened fire on them killing the DPO. The robbers escaped from the scene by snatching another car. The State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Mike Akindipe, confirmed the death of the DPO.

AC Decries Alleged Rise in Violent Crimes in Ekiti

An alarm was, Monday, raised by the Action Congress (AC) in Ekiti State over the increasing spate of armed robbery in the state, warning the government to live up to its duties of protecting lives and property. But the state Governor, Segun Oni, has said the state government was collaborating with security agencies to reduce the crime rate in the state.

Lagos Honours Gallant Police Officers

Honour came to 15 police officers on Monday for their gallantry in combating crime in Lagos State. This was as the Lagos State government publicly acknowledged the courage of the 15 officers who distinguished themselves in three different encounters with men of the underworld. Governor Babatunde Fashola said any society that did not reward performance would not improve.

Robbers on Rampage in Akure

A popular Club in Akure, Ondo state was raided by armed robbers, who dispossessed guests of valuables and cash, penultimate weekend. The same group was believed to have robbed motorists in another part of the city earlier. The robbery incident occurred beside the residence of the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Charles Dawodu. No arrest was made.

Globacom’s Top shot Killed in Police, Robbers Gun Duel

The Chief Operating Officer of Glo Broad Access, Mr Martins Olowonihi is dead. Olowonihi died from gun shot wounds sustained from a cross fire between the police and armed robbers in Lagos. He was said to have left his office to see if he could render help when sounds of gun shots was heard from the premises of a new generation bank across the road.

GENERAL

300 Killed in Jos LG Election Riot

Over 300 people were feared dead on Friday owing to skirmishes in the Jos North LGA of Plateau State over the result of the council polls. But other reports indicated that the crisis escalated to a religious confrontation between Christians and Moslems. To stem violence and rising death toll, the state government imposed a dusk to dawn curfew starting at 6pm to 6am in the city, with the federal government expressing concern and condemning the incident in totality.

Court Declares Arrest of American Illegal

A Federal High Court sitting in Benin yesterday said the arrest of a Nigerian and three American filmmakers by men of the Joint Military Taskforce is illegal and a breach of the constitution. It also awarded the sum N5 million as damages against the Federal Government. Men of the Joint Military Task Force had arrested Joel Bisina and three Americans who were in Nigeria for a documentary on the Niger Delta and took them to Abuja by road in the night before handing them over to men of the State Security Services who held them for about six days.

Local Content Policy Failure: $6.2bn Oil Investments at Risk

Oil investments in excess of $6.2 billion are now at risk following indications that the Nigerian content policy of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has failed as a result of systemic problems in the National Petroleum Investment, Management Services (NAPIMS). Mr. Odein Ajumogobia (SAN), Minister of State for Energy (Petroleum), said the local content issue was complicated by the fact that it was driven by policy that was enunciated by the NNPC.

FG Moves to Tackle Erosion, Approves N11.5bn
• Okays N7.75bn for farm produce

The Federal Executive Council presided has approved contracts valued at about N11.5 billion for the control of erosion and other environmental degradation in 24 states of the federation. This consists of 31 projects as part of the major trust of the administration to confront flooding, erosion and environmental degradation across the country.

Briton Sentenced for Murdering Nigerian Wife, Children

A Briton, Neil Crampton, who murdered his Nigerian ex-wife, their two children, and her brother, was, Wednesday jailed for life in a court in United Kingdom. Crampton, 36, admitted killing them all in a frenzied attack. He fled afterwards and made several attempts to kill himself before he was arrested hours later outside his parents’ house, where he was living.

Agency, Police to Use Biotechnology for Crime Control, Others

The application of biotechnology to fight crime, settle paternity tussles and generally improve health care in the country may gain ground next year if modalities being worked out by the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) and the Nigeria Police are fruitful. Director-General, NABDA, Prof. Bamidele Solomon, said that the Police Inspector-General, Mike Okiro, is eager to have the project get off the ground. He also said qualified Nigerians are being recruited for training in this aspect of biotechnology and technology transfer.

NAPE Seeks Incentives on 40b Barrels Oil Reserve

For the country to attain her dream of having 40 billions barrel oil reserve by 2010, government and oil industry regulators must provide incentives to Explorationists and production companies to enable them explore locked-up resources. With the right incentives in place, the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) believes that production of hydrocarbons would be enhanced, thereby increasing the nation's reserves.

DPR Launches ESI Centre for Effective Monitoring of Oil, Gas Sector

As part of its efforts to effectively supervise and monitor activities in the oil and gas industry, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has launched an Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI). ESI is a mapping standard for the petroleum industry in Nigeria.  The Acting Director, DPR, Mallam Aliyu Sabonbirni said that the launch was coming on the heels when there had been some lapses in the gathering of accurate data to detect pipeline vandalism, sale of crude, seismic wells and concessions field in the country.

Seller of Killer Chemical Arrested, 28 Babies Dead

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday said it had traced and arrested the chemical dealer who sold propylene glycol chemical to Barewa Pharmaceuticals, makers of My Pikin Paracetamol, which was allegedly contaminated with diethylene glycol that killed about 28 Nigerian babies. NAFDAC had on Wednesday alerted the nation on the killer drug in three locations across the country.

Again, Fire Razes Rimi Market

Again the largest and most popular central market in Kano, the Abubakar Rimi Market, is gutted by fire. The same market was consumed in an earlier inferno three weeks ago. The inferno started at about 2:00 am last Saturday and raged for quite some time before the fire-fighters succeed in overcoming it. Over 100 temporary structures were said to have been destroyed in the incident.

Nigeria May Reject Further Cut in Oil Production

Unless other member-countries of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) effect the cuts earlier agreed on by the body, Nigeria may not carry out any further cut in its daily crude oil production. Nigeria had, following the last output cut by OPEC, reduced its daily crude oil production by 113,000 barrels per day (bpd). Minister of State for Energy (Petroleum), Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, said that Nigeria's position is stemmed from the realization that a lot of countries did not comply with the cut, which was agreed upon at the last OPEC meeting.

Police Ask Ribadu to Resume in Edo
•FG orders NIPSS to give certificate to ex-EFCC boss

The embattled former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has been posted to Zone 5, Benin, Edo State as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of administration, while the Presidency instructed the authorities of NIPSS to immediately issue certificate to Ribadu, who has just completed the Senior Executive Course 30 at the institute.

FG Secures $780m Loan from World Bank

The World Bank’s total loan portfolio to aid projects in Nigeria from 1999 to date has hit $3.5 billion. The revelation came to light on Monday as the Federal Government sealed a deal to borrow $780 million for the Third National Fadama Development Project (NFDP- III), Federal Road Development Project (FRDP)  as well as  Community and Social Development Project (CSDP).

Assault: Uzoma Fails to Appear Before Panel -Says She is Being Frustrated

The lady recently assaulted by naval ratings attached to Rear Admiral Harry Arogundade convoy, Miss Uzoma Okere, has accused the board of enquiry set up by the authorities of the Nigerian Navy to investigate the incident of frustrating her efforts to testify before the panel. She made the allegation following the claim by the panel that she had shunned all entreaties to appear before the panel. Uzoma said she made desperate attempts to appear before the panel on three occasions, adding that her efforts were frustrated by the panel.

Discrimination against Disabled Persons to Attract Jail Term

Worried by the plight of over fourteen million disabled Nigerians discriminated against everyday, the House of Representatives has proposed jail terms of between one year and six-months or options of fine of between N100,000 to 250,000 as penalty for anyone who discriminates against disabled persons.

Soldiers Kill One in Benue

One Adikwu Ako was allegedly shot dead by one of the soldiers on the joint army police patrol team in Benue state. The son of the deceased through his attorney, Chief S.O. Agbo and Co, had written a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, over the killing of his father.  He said men of the team, invaded their house and began beating his father before they dragged him into their vehicle to an unknown destination.

Gunmen Kill Bizman in Benue

Pandemonium broke out in Gwer LGA of Benue State, Monday, when a group of unknown gunmen stormed the home of a forty year old business man, Peter Aba, at the late hours of the night, shooting him to death.  The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Aliade Police station, Mallami Nini DSP, confirmed the incident.

NDLEA Moves against Cannabis Cultivation in S/West

Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),  Ahmadu Giade, on Monday  in Abeokuta,  Ogun State called for public support to halt cannabis cultivation and trafficking in the South-west region of the country. Meanwhile, a total of 196.5 acres of cannabis farmlands had been discovered and destroyed in the South-west region since January 2008.

House Committee to Probe Fuel Importation, Crude Oil Lifting

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee probing the activities of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiaries between 1999 and 2007 has said it will direct its investigations and public hearings to the importation of petroleum products into the country. It also said it would beam its searchlight on the allocation of petroleum products to marketers and the lifting of crude oil, which it claimed had over the years being plagued by a lot of sharp practices.

Kutigi Warns Judicial Officers against Abuse of Power

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, has said judicial authorities in the land would not condone abuse of power by judicial officers in the dispensation of justice and application of the law. Kutigi, who spoke at the opening of a five-day All Nigeria Judges’ Conference of Lower Courts at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, yesterday, said the issue of abuse of power by judicial officers is of great concern to the authorities. According to him, such act is another negative development in the judiciary, which had the capacity to undermine its integrity.

Judicial Workers Resume Strike Monday

For the second time this year, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on Friday gave notice that it would embark on a nationwide strike on Monday, December 1.The Union told reporters that they would be embarking on strike following the inability of government to sign and implement the agreed unified scheme of service salaries.

Businessman Killed In Minna by Suspected Assassins

An Abuja-based business man was killed by bullets of suspected assassins, on Friday in Minna. The name of the deceased was given as Shehu. He is said to be an indigene of Kogi State. The suspected assassins also killed a policeman at the scene of the crime. The Police authorities confirmed the incident

Aviation: US Partners Nigeria

A new vista in the bilateral relations between the United States (US) and Nigeria was opened on Wednesday in Abuja with the introduction of a new Airline, Cita – Triax Aviation, into Nigeria’s aviation industry. The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Renee Sanders commended the initiative. Sanders said that the introduction of the airline with its renowned expertise and advanced technology would complement the efforts of the Nigerian Government in upgrading and modernizing its aviation infrastructure.

Channel Oil to build a 50,000mt Fuel Depot

As part of its ongoing expansion programmes in the downstream sector of the nation's oil and gas industry, Channel Oil and Petroleum Limited has concluded plans to construct a mega fuel depot in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Managing Director of the company, Ebibomo Timitimi, said the proposed tank farm would include a jetty with 10 metres depth at low water level. The depot, according to him, is designed to store automotive gas oil (AGO), dual purpose kerosene (DPK) and base oil.

Power Generation Drops by 1000mw

Alleged non-supply of gas is again taking its toll on electricity supply in the country as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Monday, announced a drop of about 1000 megawatts (MW).

Govt Recovers N46b from Sale of FCT Houses

The Federal Government has recovered N46 billion, which were the proceeds from the FG-owned houses sold by the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo. The money was yet to be remitted into the Federation Account. The fund had since been warehoused in 15 banks in the country and is alleged that some government officials had enriched themselves through a deal struck with the banks.

Gun Running: Court Ends Trial, Jails 2 More Soldiers

The general court martial trying officers and soldiers involved in illegal sale and possession of arms, penultimate Saturday, concluded its sitting, sentencing two soldiers, Private Caleb Bawa and Lance Corporal Alexander Davou to life jail terms for selling another 101 G3 rifles. Both soldiers were part of the six army personnel earlier jailed for life by the same Military Court for arming militants. Also included is an officer, Major Suleiman Alabi Akubo, who bagged additional 15-year jail term for another charge of illegal possession of prohibited firearm.

35m Nigerians Face Threat of Desertification

No fewer than 35 million people in about 10 states in northern Nigeria are facing threats of hunger and extreme weather conditions due to desert encroachment. This is because the Sahara desert is said to be moving southwards at the rate of 0.6 kilometres per annum, just as the rate of deforestation has been about 350,000 hectares per annum. Director of Desertification, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr Ononina Nkem, disclosed this.

Gas Flare Fine Meager, Says Mark

Senate President David Mark has decried the fine of $3.50 per 1,000 standard cubit feet (scf) of gas flared imposed on oil companies as too meager to act as a deterrent to the companies which have continued their act with impunity. He also admitted that the government itself lacked the political will to enforce the gas flare ban, leaving the companies the rein to degrade the environment.

INTERNATIONAL

160 Killed in India

Indian commandoes fought Thursday to wrest control of two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre from suspected Muslim militants, a day after a chain of attacks across Mumbai, India left at least 160 people dead and over 300 injured. The well-planned attacks began Wednesday night and lasted for two days. A group calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attack. Intelligence officials from India and beyond are trying to determine who the attackers really were and what their motivation was.

Mugabe, Rivals Agree on Power-sharing

Zimbabwe's political rivals, Friday agreed on a draft constitutional amendment to allow them to form a power-sharing government, but obstacles remain, the opposition said. On-off talks between President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF and opposition leader Negotiators from ZANU-PF, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and a breakaway MDC faction have been meeting with mediator Thabo Mbeki in South Africa to discuss the amendment, under growing regional pressure to finalise their deal.

ECOWAS Commission Condemns Attack on Guinea Bissau President

The Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned in totality recent attack on the Residence of the incumbent President Joao Bernardo Vieira by section of Guinea Bissau army.

20 Die as Triple Blasts Rock Baghdad

A female suicide bomber, Monday, blew herself up near an entrance to the U.S.-protected Green Zone and a bomb tore through a minibus carrying Iraqi government employees in separate attacks, killing at least 20 people. A third attack on an Iraqi police patrol in Baghdad killed two civilians, police said. The violence came as Iraqi lawmakers prepared for a vote on Wednesday on a security pact with the United States.

Pakistanis Protest Suspected U.S Strike

Fresh protests were, last weekend, held in Islamabad over a suspected American missile strike that killed a British citizen, saying their Western-allied government must stop the cross-border attacks. The rallies occurred as British lawmakers urged the government to reveal whether it knew in advance about the United States (U.S.) missile attack in Pakistan which killed the alleged mastermind of an airplane bombing plot, British-Pakistani Rashid Rauf.

Burundi Abolishes Death Penalty

Lawmakers in Burundi have abolished the death penalty in the country, as a requirement for establishing a United Nations (UN)-led truth and reconciliation committee and tribunal in the country, after a 12-year civil war that claimed more than 300,000 lives. Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is working with Burundian authorities to protect albino children after the brutal killing of a six-year-old girl. Albinos are being killed because of rumours that their blood can be used to prospect for gold and their body parts can be used to promote fishing.

North Korea Halts Train Services to South as Row Deepens

Amid plans by South Korea and China to set up military hotlines, North Korea has halted train services to and from the South because of Seoul's "confrontational" policy toward the communist nation. North Korea's army was also reported as saying that it would expel some South Koreans from a joint industrial zone in Kaesong. Monday's announcement marked a new escalation of tension between the two countries still technically at war.

Russia, Georgia Feud Heightens over Shooting at President's Convoy

Russia and Georgia on Monday exchanged accusations over an alleged shooting incident near a convoy carrying Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili penultimate Sunday. Russia's foreign minister suggested that the incident was planned by Georgia to discredit Moscow and its separatist allies, while Georgia accused Russian troops of opening fire as a convoy carrying Saakashvili and Polish President Lech Kaczynski drove by.