Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 11

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Pirates Attack Passenger Boats in Bayelsa

Armed pirates, penultimate Thursday, terrorized passenger boats on the Nembe Creek in the Bayelsa East senatorial district dispossessing them of their cash and other valuables. The rampaging pirates it was also learnt snatched and carted away an empty new casket being conveyed to Nembe to an unknown destination. Though no lives were lost in the pirates’ attack it was gathered that the victims who sailed from the Ogbia jetty were heading to Nembe for a burial ceremony when they came under attack from the pirates. The Bayelsa Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr. Eguavoen Emokpae, could not confirm the incident.

JTF Smashes Illegal Oil Refineries Rivers, Bayelsa States

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) has launched a surprise attack on illegal refineries at the Mbiama community in Rivers State. The JTF set ablaze the locally refined products. Eye-witness account said the JTF operation which lasted six hours had over 100 soldiers participating, with two military helicopters and a gunboat. The operation which caused panic along the East/West Road was said to have been provoked by the increasing complaints of kerosene explosion in the country and the need to curb the activities of illegal oil bunkerers. The security outfit recently arrested 30 persons in Igbomotoru and Oporoma communities in the Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State over their involvement in the operation of illegal refineries in the area and seized over 180, 000 litres of fuel.

Two Pupils Crushed to Death

Two pupils of a Primary School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, were on Wednesday crushed to death. It learnt that the driver of the vehicle veered off the road in an attempt to climb a pavement to avoid the traffic jam on Ikwerre Road when the vehicle had a break failure before hitting three children on their way to school. However, the driver drove to the Mile One Police Station and reported the matter to the police. Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Dr. Rita Inoma-Abbey, who confirmed the incident, explained that the third pupil was currently on a danger list.

48 Ex-Militants Arrested in Rivers Protest

Rivers State Police Command on Tuesday arrested 48 protesting repentant militants over non-payment of their allowances. The arrests were sequel to two days of protests by the ex-militants during which some of them allegedly snatched items from members of the public. Trouble started Monday when the ex-militants besieged a branch of the Oceanic Bank in Port Harcourt for their monthly stipends but were not paid. The repentant militants then blocked the adjoining roads and allegedly threatened to burn down the bank. It took the intervention of police teams and some Presidential Amnesty officials to calm the angry ex-militants and get them back to their camp. Police spokesperson in the State, Dr. Rita Inoma-Abbey said that some suspects were arrested and would be prosecuted.

Police, SSS Raise Alarm over Illegal Arms in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Dipo Ayeni, on Tuesday, raised the alarm over arms importation and recruitment of thugs by politicians. The police chief said political violence had led to the death of two persons and destruction of property. Similarly, the Director of State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Okeiyi, said the agency had uncovered a plot by politicians to import arms and recruit thugs ahead of the elections. He said the agency would apprehend and prosecute those planning to disrupt the polls.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Delta Monarch Disbands Vigilante Group

Following allegations that the leader of the Olomu Vigilance Group in Ughelli South Council, Delta State, Friday Hitler, was involved in kidnapping, the monarch of the Kingdom, OvieR.L Ogbon, has sought the immediate disbanding of the group, pending the completion of investigation by the police. The Udu Police Command recently launched a manhunt for Hitler after he was allegedly identified as responsible for the series of kidnappings in Warri. The police subsequently raided his house and arrested his wife and brother Oghenetejiri for alleged complicity.

Mob Sets Man Ablaze for Theft

A suspected thief was set ablaze in Warri, Delta State, last weekend, for snatching the sum of N955600 from a man who emerged from a bank. A second suspect, one Julius Aboy, aged 21, was beaten heavily before he was rescued by policemen, while a third suspect escaped. The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the suspects trailed one Godwin Awuene and Emmanuel Egide from the Bank PHB. They were said to have hit the victims' motorcycle at gunpoint and dispossessed them of the money. The victims raised the alarm, which attracted passers-by who gave the hoodlums operating on a motorbike a hot chase. Luck, however, ran out on the criminals after a few kilometres as their gang was smashed. Police Public Relations Officer, Charles Muka, confirmed the story.

Oshiomhole Wants Tough Sanctions against Erring INEC Personnel

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has canvassed tough sanctions against fraudulent Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials found to have aided election rigging. He made his position known when he granted audience to a delegation from the Institute of Security Studies at the Government House, Benin City. Oshiomhole argued that in a democracy, the people should have a government they deserve, adding: “Those of us who hold offices do so at the pleasure of the ordinary people. Because they are the masters, we must listen to them to have good governance”.

14 Die on Benin-Ore Road Crash

14 persons were feared dead in a road accident involving a commercial bus and an articulated vehicle along the Benin-Ore Road. Five other persons sustained serious injuries in the accident. It was gathered that the driver of the commercial bus, who was on top speed, was about to overtake another vehicle when he ran into the trailer, which was coming from the opposite direction. Edo State commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr. Olatunji Sunday, who confirmed the incident, attributed the cause to “either over speeding or overtaking on the part of the driver of the bus”.

Armed Bandits Rob Christian Cleric in Asaba

Armed bandits, Monday, robbed the Bishop Court of Asaba Diocese, Anglican Communion, Reverend Festus Mogekwu. Mogekwu and his wife were held at gunpoint inside their bedroom by the bandits, who claimed to be militants from Bayelsa State. The robbers made away with the sum of N800000; two laptops, handsets and other valuables. Bishop Mogekwu said the hoodlums, numbering about four, invaded their house at about 1a.m on Monday, after cutting the window protectors. The robbers, it was learnt had earlier tied the two security men with electric wire and threatened to kill them. The Police Public Relations Officer, Charles Muka, confirmed the story, but said arrest had been made.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

NDLEA Seizes 13.6 Tons of Cannabis

The Ondo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Tuesday paraded 23 suspected growers of Cannabis. The command also displayed bags of the hard drugs estimated at 13.6 tons, which were seized from a warehouse. The State Commander of the agency, Mr. Walter Nicholas, who stated this in Akure, described the seizure as the biggest in the history of the command. He said the consignment was impounded in Ute, in the Ose LGA of the state. Apart from this, 24 men were also arrested by men of the command, with one of them arrested for being in possession of 350 grammes of heroine. He said the heroine was imported into the country from New Delhi in India by Mr. Adetola Balogun.

Residents Lament Frequent Armed Robbery Incidents

Residents of Alimosho in Alimosho LGA of Lagos State have raised the alarm over incessant robberies in the area. A resident, who identified herself as Joyce Okon, on Tuesday said that since the beginning of the year, said that the areas mostly affected were Alimosho Road and adjoining streets. The spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Samuel Jinadu, confirmed the development, adding that the state’s Commissioner of Police had directed that the area be properly policed.

Govt Re-arraigns Suspects over Arms Shipment

The Federal Government Monday re-arraigned the two accused persons standing trial for shipping arms from Iran to Nigeria, on fresh four-count charges before Justice Okechukwu Okeke of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. The offences in the new charge were very similar to those contained in the old charge, though the new charge contained more specific facts on the types of weapons seized from the accused persons. The Accused had pleaded ‘Not guilty’ to all the counts in the new charge. At the end of the proceedings on Monday the court ordered that the suspects should be remanded in the Prison custody. The law enforcement agents had discovered the weapons at the Apapa Port, Lagos, in October 2010, hidden inside of 13 containers marked as holding building materials.

GENERAL

More Nigerians Return from Libya

Three more aircraft, ferrying 1,243 Nigerians from Libya arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, penultimate Sunday. The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammad Sani-Sidi, who gave the figures, said President Goodluck Jonathan had directed that all stranded Nigerians willing to return home should be evacuated as soon as possible. So far, he said 2,278 Nigerians had been evacuated in the operation. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Odein Ajumogobia, disclosed that about 3,000 others have indicated their desire to be evacuated.

Labour Orders Shut Down of Port Operations

The leadership of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Monday directed members to shut down port operations across the country over the refusal by terminal operators to review upward the wages of Dockworkers since the subsisting condition of service elapsed last year. The industrial action follows the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued by the union to port operators in the nation's seaports. It was gathered that the directive will however not affect Onne Ports in Rivers State, as the union affirmed that terminal operators in the state had complied with its demand. Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) said it cannot review the wages of dockworkers under the prevailing economic conditions, noting that it will be impossible to implement any such review.

Police Remove Tinted Glasses on Vehicles

The police in Abuja were, on Monday, forced to remove the artificial tint on cars that failed to obey the order restricting the use of tinted glasses. The use of tinted vehicles is contrary to the provisions of the Prohibition of Tinted Glass Act, 1999. The Minister of Police Affairs, Humphrey Abah, had directed policemen across the states and the FCT to commence the enforcement on February 28, 2011, four days after handing down the directive. But the recalcitrant motorists were jolted by teams of policemen, who commenced the enforcement as they mounted positions at various junctions and routes in Abuja. Cars, belonging to Senators, House of Representatives members, ministers and other high-ranking officials were parked and stripped.

Jonathan Disowns Political Killings

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday said his ambition and that of Vice President Namadi Sambo did not take priority over the death of Nigerians during the stampede at the Peoples Democratic Party‘s (PDP) presidential rally at the Port Harcourt stadium. Jonathan, who spoke in Uyo, said any politician that advocated violence and destruction during elections did not mean well for the country.

Police Arrest Two for Assault on Senator’s Wife

Two persons, suspected to be political thugs, who allegedly vandalised a vehicle belonging to Senator Bode Olajumoke, and molested his wife, Remi, have been arrested. The police public relations officer in charge of the command, Mr. Adeniran Aremu, confirmed the attack and said that one person had been arrested. Aremu added that the matter had been transferred to the state Criminal Investigations Department for further investigation.

SSS Arraigns CPC Candidate over Suleja Bombings

The State Security Service (SSS) on Monday arraigned a candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Mr. Lado Abdullahi, before the Chief Magistrates’ Court in connection with the bomb blasts that rocked a rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Suleja, Niger State. Abdullahi was brought to the court on a five-count charge of homicide, assault, disturbance of public peace, criminal intimidation and being armed with deadly weapons. The commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Minna, Niger State, Abdul Abdullahi, paraded one Zakararaya Garba, who was arrested with metallic substances suspected to be bomb a few kilometres from the scene.

Lead Poisoning Kills Over 400 Children

Lead poisoning linked with illegal gold mining has killed a further 400 children in Zamfara State since November, the National Emergency Management Agency said on Monday. The latest figures suggest the death toll from the crisis in the state is rising after the United Nations said lead poisoning in the region had killed at least 400 children between March and October last year. A UN report earlier this year, on a joint assessment mission, said high levels of lead pollution were found in soil and mercury levels in the air were nearly 500 times the acceptable limit in some villages in Zamfara State. The report said many children under five and adults tested in the affected areas had “extremely high levels of lead in their blood”.

One Feared Dead as ACN, PDP Clash in Jigawa

A clash between supporters of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has claimed one life in Babura Local Council of Jigawa State. The clash, last weekend, was orchestrated by a misunderstanding between supporters of the parties at the reception of the ACN governorship candidate, Muhammad Badaru Talamiz. According to eyewitnesses, trouble started when some PDP supporters allegedly started throwing stones at the candidate during the reception. The action did not go down well with supporters of the ACN who opposed it, resulting into fisticuffs. Hundreds of ACN supporters took over the streets that led to the residence of the PDP state chairman, Aminu Ahmad, ransacked his house and killed a PDP member in the house. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abdu Jinjiri, confirmed the unrest.

Army Parleys Police, SSS against Political Violence

To curb escalating violence at political rallies, the Army, the State Security Services (SSS) and other security agencies are now to collaborate with the Police. Inspector General Police, Hafiz Ringim, invited chairmen of all political parties to a meeting on election security and safety of lives and property during campaign rallies. Force spokesman, Olusola Amore, said that the inter agency collaboration would assist to nip insecurity, bomb blasts and electoral violence in the bud. Ringim also expressed confidence that the level of collaboration among security agencies is practical and viable to bring to book the perpetrators of the Suleja bomb blast.

Judge Threatens to Send IGP to Prison for Contempt

Justice Ajoke Adepoju of an Abuja High Court on Tuesday threatened to send the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim, to prison over contempt of court. The judge premised her decision on the refusal of the IGP to comply with orders directing him to produce one Dahiru Yakubu Aliyu in court. The suspect has, since January 7, been in detention without being charged to court. Justice Adepoju ordered the police to release him unconditionally pending when it was ready to charge him to court, declaring the arrest and continuous detention of the suspect without prosecution as “wrong, unconstitutional, and a violation of the applicant’s rights to personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of movement.

Security Agencies Removed from Pension Scheme

The Senate on Tuesday amended the Pensions Act (2004) to provide for the exclusion of the Armed Forces of the Federation and members of the intelligence and secret services from the application of the pension scheme. Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, in the lead debate, said the exclusion of the agencies would eliminate the problems associated with the contributory pension scheme as it concerned military personnel and members of the intelligence and secret services in line with international best practices. Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremandu, who presided over the plenary, added that the present Pension Reform Act breached the principle of non-visibility and non-public disclosure of the identity of members of the intelligence or secret services.

FG Raises Panel on Security

The Federal Government has established a presidential committee on public awareness on security and civic responsibilities. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, in on Tuesday, said the committee would, among others, “re-appraise the existing strategies on raising awareness on potential security threats in the country”. The 19-man committee is chaired by the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Lateef Adegbite. There will also be representatives of the National Security Adviser, and the military and other security agencies. The committee is also to advise the President and take action to strengthen crime prevention effort of security agencies.

21-Year-Old Remanded in Prison over Illegal Arms

An Abuja magistrate court, Tuesday, remanded in prison custody, one 21-year-old Chidiebere Matthew, brought before it by the police for illegally carrying one locally made pistol and four rounds of live ammunition. The presiding magistrate, Binta Mohammed, said that in view of serious implication of the charge, the accused was denied bail and remanded in prison custody until a written application with sworn affidavit is brought and argued by the accused. The accused was arrested on December 23, 2010 at CBN junction Karu Abuja, with one locally made revolver pistol, four rounds of live ammunition and an army camouflage fez cap by the member of Special Anti-Robbery Square, SARS.

FG Rules out Sabotage in Bauchi Near-Mishap

The Federal Government has ruled out sabotage in the near-mishap that befell the campaign team of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Bauchi on Tuesday. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has also categorically said there was no sabotage. A chartered aircraft conveying party chieftains, including vice-presidential candidate, Fola Adeola, landed at the airstrip as animals invaded the runway when it was about to land. The Nuhu Ribadu campaign organisation spokesman, Alhaji Ibrahim Modibbo, had alleged sabotage, while Adeola called for investigation Wednesday while reliving the near-tragic incident. Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. Labaran Maku, said government regretted the incident but was grateful to God that it was not fatal.

Senate President Decries Gun Attack on ACN Candidate

Senate President David Mark has decried Tuesday’s gun attack on the Benue South Senatorial District’s candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Gen. Lawrence Onoja. Onoja was shot on Tuesday evening on his way to Otukpo-Icho for a campaign. The director of Publicity of Mark Campaign Organisation, Adakole Elijah, expressed shock at the gun attack. He dissociated PDP supporters from the attack, saying that all through Tuesday, they were with the David Mark and Governor Gabriel Suswam, who were on tour of two councils in the state. Elijah called on the Police to investigate the incident and allegation that the attack was political. The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Opaluwa Aku, confirmed the shooting.

Army Solicits Partnership with Media

The Nigerian Army on Thursday in Kaduna solicited the partnership of the media for the successful conduct of the April general elections. Lt.-Col. Abubakar Edun, the new Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Mechanised Division, made the plea during a familiarisation visit to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) office in the state. Edun said the partnership was vital to the success of the upcoming elections because of the roles the two institutions had to play. Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Onyeabo Ihejirika, has called on the officers and men of the Nigerian armed forces to be vigilant. Ihejirika also asked the military to be on their guards and shun being manipulated by any political or interest group to scuttle the forthcoming general elections in the country.

Bauchi Attacks Claim Three Lives

There was palpable tension and apprehension in Bauchi Thursday with the reported killing of no fewer than three persons with several others injured and scores of houses destroyed in a reprisal attack by the Fulani in   Tafawa Balewa LGA of the State. The state Police Commissioner, Mohammed Indabawa, said that situation has retuned to normal and the “whole place is now calm”. However, the Secretary of the Sayawa Council of Elders and Traditional Rulers in Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa, Mr. Bukata Zhadi said the fresh crisis was connected with Governor Isa Yuguda’s recent statement announcing that he would demolish the entire area and give it to Fulani people for grazing.

18-Year-Old Nigerian Rescued from Mali

The National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) on Thursday in Abuja said it had rescued an 18-year-old female victim of human trafficking from Bamako, Mali. The spokesperson of NAPTIP, Orakwue Arinze, said the victim was allegedly deceived and trafficked by a former colleague, Joy Godwin, under the guise of securing her another job, but instead transported her to Bamako to work as a sex slave. The Executive Secretary of NAPTIP, Mr. Simon Egede, who disclosed the incident, said the agency received the report when the victim’s father reported the loss of his daughter and subsequently received a call from her through a woman in Bamako. According to him, NAPTIP arrested the two suspects, Joy Godwin and Gloria Isibur.

Accident Claim 13 in Katsina

A motor accident on Tuesday killed 13 people and left 11 others in critical conditions along Batsari road in Katsina state. The mishap involved a Mitsubishi bus and a tipper lorry coming from opposite directions, which had a head-on collision. The eye witnesses further hinted that the 13 occupants in the Mitsubishi vehicles died instantly while 11 sustained serious injuries, including the drivers of both vehicles. Sector commander of the FRSC, Katsina state, Mallam Habu Dauda, said blamed the accident on reckless driving on the part of the bus driver. He complained over the rampant cases of accident and assured that the commission would continue to introduce measures aimed at reducing such occurrence.

NJC Denies Suspending CJN, Salami

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has debunked insinuations that it has suspended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, from participating in its activities pending when the allegations of corruption raised against them are properly investigated to its logical conclusion. The legal body, however, admitted that it had indeed mandated a five-man probe panel to conduct a holistic investigation into the lingering feud between the duo vis-à-vis the staggering allegations of judicial misconduct levelled at them by various petitioners. Secretary to the NJC, Mr. Danladi Halilu, added that the petitioners failed to back their allegations with cogent and verifiable evidence.

240,000 Policemen for April Polls

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim, yesterday disclosed that no fewer than 240,000 policemen and women would be deployed for next month’s general elections. Ringim also cautioned his men against partisanship, stressing that any policeman linked with the act would be made to face the law. He said each of the 120,000 polling units would have at least two policemen. In a related development, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, Taiwo Lakanu, pledging that the Police would ensure free and fair polls in April, called on Nigerians to work together with the police to ensure a peaceful election.

NAFDAC Decries High Rate of Fake Products
…Charges Consumers on Alertness

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has decried the high rate of counterfeit and fake products across the country. The Director-General of the agency, Dr Paul Orhii, charged Nigerians to always reject any product which its expiry date had been tampered with. The NAFDAC boss advised Nigerians to always check the full manufacturer’s name and address on products before buying, assuring that the establishment would not relent in its efforts to eradicate fake and adulterated products.

INTERNATIONAL

EU Extends Sanctions on Gaddafi

In a move to isolate the Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, the European Union (EU) has widened financial sanctions on his regime, while France has recognised the opposition’s Interim Governing Council and plans to exchange ambassadors with it. Also, Russia has banned all weapons sales and suspended its arms contracts with Libya. The German government ordered a freeze on Thursday on bank accounts in the country held by the Libyan Central Bank and the Libyan Investment Authority. The German economy ministry said the move responded to a European Union decision to clamp down on Libyan state banks controlled by Gaddafi.

Mexican Mayor Fires Police Chief

A 20-year-old female student who became the police chief in one of Mexico's most dangerous drug war towns was fired by the mayor on Monday for not showing up to work after Mexican media reported she received death threats. Marisol Valles, a criminology student in Mexico's violent city of Ciudad Juarez, took charge of the police force in the neighbouring municipality of Praxedis G. Guerrero near El Paso, Texas, in October. Valles reportedly fled Mexico after being threatened by drug gangs. She has allegedly sought asylum in the US.

Turkish Journalists over Alleged Coup Plot

A Court in Turkey has ordered two leading investigative journalists jailed pending the outcome of a trial into an alleged plot to topple the government, raising further concerns over media freedoms in the country. Nedim Sener and Ahmet Sik were charged with links to the alleged conspiracy to overthrow Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government in 2003. Police had raided their homes, seized hard disks and notes as evidence and detained them along with six other journalists on last week. One of the six was released without charge, while the others were still being questioned. About 400 suspects are already on trial for membership in the alleged hard-line secularist network, called Ergenekon, which prosecutors say plotted to create chaos in Turkey and overthrow the government.

Colombian Oil Workers Kidnapped

Assailants have kidnapped at least 23 Colombian oil workers in the eastern region, officials say.  The employees, subcontracted by Canadian oil firm Talisman, are thought to have been seized by the Farc rebels, who have a strong presence in the area. The workers, based at an oil camp in Vichada Department, were reported to have been taken deeper into the jungle by canoes.  Colombian troops have been deployed to the area to search for them. Vichada Governor Juan Carlos Avila said all of those kidnapped were Colombian nationals.

20 Feared Killed in Pakistani Car Bomb Explosion

At least 20 people have been killed and 100 injured after a car bomb tore through a gas station in the Pakistani city of Faisalabad. Police said the device caused several gas cylinders at the station to explode, destroying cars and buildings. Officials believe the nearby offices of Pakistan's ISI intelligence agency may have been the target. The city of Faisalabad - a key hub for Pakistan's textile industry - has rarely been targeted. This is thought to be the first attack on a security establishment in Faisalabad.

Libya's Main Oil Terminal Goes Ablaze

Libya's main oil terminal was in flames on Wednesday night after Muammer Gaddafi's loyalists bombed the complex. The attack on the Es Sider terminal, in the country's rebel-controlled eastern region, was the first against a critical oil facility since unrest in the North African nation erupted. Rebels retaliated with rockets as a fireball exploded from four of the oil tanks. Earlier in the week, Forces loyal to Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, reportedly detained and beat up a BBC news team who were trying to reach the strife-torn city of Zawiya. The men were detained on Monday and held for 21 hours, but have now flown out of Libya. The BBC strongly condemned the "abusive treatment", but vowed to continue to cover the evolving story in Libya.

Mexico Arrests Drug Cartel’s Financier

Mexican officials have arrested an alleged financier of the Zetas drug cartel linked to the murder of a US federal agent in Mexico in February. The police detained Mario Jimenez Perez, also known as "Mayito" on Sunday in central San Luis Potosi State. Two US agents came under fire while driving from San Luis Potosi City to Mexico City on February 15. Mexico's military has made some arrests in connection with the gun attack. Sixteen suspected drug gang hit men were also detained in Sunday's operation, a statement said. Meanwhile, gun battles between rival gangs in a north-eastern Mexican town have left 18 people dead, police say. The Tamaulipas state government said shooting erupted in the town of Abasolo but gave few details.

Six Killed in Iraqi Oil City Basra

A roadside bomb targeting a U.S. military convoy exploded near a civilian bus in the Iraqi oil city of Basra last weekend, killing six people and wounding a dozen others, Deputy Governor Ahmed Hamid said. According to him, most of the casualties are civilian. US troops surrounded the scene of the blast along with Iraqi security forces. A second bomb exploded near a U.S. convoy in another area of northern Basra on Sunday but no one was hurt.

Protests Reach President’s Stronghold in Yemen

Yemeni protests demanding an end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's 32-year rule spread to a tribal area considered his political stronghold on Tuesday, and military vehicles deployed in the capital. Around 10,000 protesters marched in the city of Dhamar. Burgeoning protests fuelled by anger over poverty and corruption, and a series of defections from Saleh's political and tribal allies, have added pressure on him to step aside this year even as he pledges to stay on until his term ends in 2013. Weeks of fierce clashes across the country between government loyalists and protesters have killed at least 27 people.

35 Held in Anti-Mafia Raids in Italy

Police in Italy and Germany have arrested 35 people in an anti-mafia operation, with warrants also issued in Canada and Australia. The operation targeted the ‘Ndrangheta, one of the most powerful global crime syndicates, which specialises in trafficking illegal drugs. One of those arrested was found hiding in a bunker near his house in Calabria, Italian police said. The Calabria-based syndicate is believed to be the most powerful mafia in Italy and has carried out many vendetta killings in recent years including the massacre of six men in Duisburg, Germany, in August 2007. Those arrested on Tuesday are suspected of crimes including robbery, murder, drug trafficking, protection rackets, money laundering and possession of arms and explosives.

13 killed in Egypt’s Sectarian Clashes

Thirteen people were killed and 90 wounded in clashes between Coptic Christians and Muslims in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday after Copts took to the streets to protest last week's burning of a church. Coptic Church spokesman, Father Abdelmaseeh Baseet, had earlier reported six deaths.  The Egyptian military has launched an investigation into the violence, said Mohamed Askar, armed services spokesman. Those involved in "the incitement of sectarian hatred or involved in the acts of violence" will be held accountable "to the full extent of the law," he said.

Jury Indicts 14 in Pirate Attack

A federal grand jury has indicted 13 suspected pirates from Somalia and one from Yemen in the February hijacking of a yacht that left four Americans dead, the U.S. Justice Department said Thursday. Department spokesman, Peter Carr said the men face piracy, kidnapping and firearms charges. The boat's owners, Jean and Scott Adam of Marina del Rey, Calif., along with Bob Riggle and Phyllis Macay of Seattle, were shot to death after pirates took them hostage several hundred miles south of Oman. U.S. naval forces were tracking the Americans' captured yacht with unmanned aerial vehicles and four warships, and negotiations were under way when the pirates fired a rocket-propelled grenade.

Mayor, Police Chief Face Charges over Illegal Arms Deal

The mayor, police chief and a village trustee in the New Mexico border town of Columbus have been charged along with eight other defendants with buying firearms for illegal export to Mexico, federal authorities said on Thursday. U.S. Attorney, Kenneth J. Gonzales, of New Mexico, said authorities seized 200 such firearms, allegedly purchased illegally using "straw" buyers, and intended for sale in Mexico. He added that 1,500 rounds of ammunition were also seized. Authorities say much of the Mexican drug cartel violence is carried out with weapons originating from the United States.

NATO Records More Civilian Casualties

A relative of Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been mistakenly killed by NATO troops in southern Afghanistan, officials say. Yar Muhammad Khan was at his home in Dand district near Kandahar city when he was shot dead in an overnight raid. NATO says it is investigating the incident. Hundreds of Afghans took to the streets of the capital, Kabul, last week to protest about civilian deaths at the hands of foreign forces. It comes just days after President Karzai lashed out at US-led forces over the recent accidental killing of nine boys in eastern Kunar province. US President Barack Obama, Gen Petraeus, the commander of international troops in Afghanistan, and US Defence Secretary Robert Gates have all apologised for the incident.

17 Killed as Army, Rebels Clash in Sudan

Darfur rebels attacked a Sudanese army supply convoy in the insurgents’ mountainous Jabel Marra stronghold, leaving at least 17 people dead, the military said. No one was immediately available for comment from the rebels group named by the military -- a faction of the Sudan Liberation Army loyal to Abdel Wahed al-Nur which walked out of peace talks in 2006 and has refused to return. “The Sudanese army was attacked by a force of Abdel Wahed in Rokoro on Tuesday and about 15 of them were killed and two from the Sudanese army,” said military spokesman, Al-Sawarmi Khaled. Khaled said the army had been taking military equipment to its base in Rokoro in Jabel Marra, a territory in the centre of Darfur that is one of the main remaining strongholds of the SLA.

Tsunami Wrecks Havoc in Japan after Earthquake

A powerful tsunami spawned by the largest earthquake in Japan's recorded history slammed the eastern coast Friday, sweeping away boats, cars, homes and people as widespread fires burned out of control, killing at least 15 people. The magnitude 8.9 offshore quake was followed by at least 19 aftershocks. In China, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake caused the death of at least 16 on Thursday, with more than 160 injured, officials say. The earthquake collapsed houses in the remote Yingjiang County in Yunnan province. Aftershocks continued to jolt the area as firefighters and other rescuers helped the people trapped, Li Zhiren, the deputy county chief said. A tsunami warning was issued for the entire Pacific, including areas as far away as South America, the entire U.S. West Coast, Canada and Alaska.

Man Detained for Swedish Bomb Blast

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in Glasgow in connection with a suicide bombing in Sweden. Police detained the foreign national under the Terrorism Act during an intelligence-led raid in the city’s White inch area. Two people were hurt in two blasts in Stockholm in December. A man was later found dead with an explosive device. The Stockholm bomber was named as 28-year-old Iraqi-born Taimour Abdulwahab al-Abdaly, who lived in Luton. The attack was believed to be the first suicide bombing in Sweden’s history. Detectives in Britain and Sweden have been investigating whether Abdulwahab was supported by others or acted as a lone attacker.

34 Killed in Deadly Attack at Funeral

At least 34 people were killed in a suicide bombing at a funeral procession in Pakistan. Officials said the funeral was for the wife of a pro-government ethnic Pashtun tribal elder in Adezai village in the troubled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It was being attended by many anti-Taliban militiamen in the region. Several anti-Taliban tribal groups are based in the area and they are often targeted by the insurgents. A spokesman for the Taliban confirmed that they carried out the bombing. He said it was in retaliation for the support by local tribal militia of the ongoing anti-Taliban operation by Pakistan's security forces. It is the second major bombing in as many days in Pakistan.

65 Killed in Southern Sudan Clashes

More than 65 people have been killed in two days of clashes between rebel groups and soldiers in Southern Sudan's Upper Nile state, an army spokesman said. Philip Aguer, spokesman for the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) said that forces loyal to a militia leader named Oliny attacked the village of Uach west of Malakal in Upper Nile state. Oliny, Aguer said, is a former member of Southern Sudanese politician Lam Akol's militia. However, Sudan's dominant National Congress Party (NCP) in the north denied having any involvement. The south is expected to secede on July 9 after southerners overwhelmingly voted to declare independence from the north in a January referendum.

Three Killed in Cote d’Ivoire

Fighting flared again in Cote d’Ivoire's main city of Abidjan, with three killed and houses set alight, as battles in the west sent scores fleeing their homes, officials and residents said Monday. The African Union meanwhile awaited a reply from Laurent Gbagbo to an invitation for talks with his rival for the presidency, Alassane Ouattara, to end a dispute that has descended into deadly clashes. Four other were shot dead, after a march to protest the killing of seven female demonstrators last week. The shooting has been blamed on rogue army officers supporting disputed President Laurent Gbagbo. He refuses to cede power although his rival Alassane Ouattara is internationally recognised as the winner of last year's poll. The protesters wanted to mark International Women's Day.

Seven Children Killed in US Farm Fire

Seven children, aged from seven months to 11 years old, have died in a fire at a farmhouse in Pennsylvania. A girl, three, who survived the fire, alerted her mother to Tuesday night's blaze, Trooper Tom Pinkerton said. Fire officials are investigating the cause of the blaze. The children - six girls and one boy - died of smoke inhalation, the Perry County coroner ruled. The house is one of a cluster of homes near a road junction in Blain, a stretch of farm land about 20 miles (32km) north of Harrisburg.