Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 13

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

One Killed as JTF Battles Mercenaries

Men of the Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta shot dead one person on Saturday in Bayelsa, the force’s spokesman, Lt-Col Timothy Antigha, has confirmed. Antigha, said that the deceased, suspected to be a hired mercenary, was shot when the JTF came under an attack. He said that the attack was masterminded by some youths from Ekeremor LGA. Antigha said items recovered from the suspects included one speed boat, one burnt speed boat, one 75-horse power Yamaha engine. Others were one walkie-talkie handset, two magazines, three locally-made bottle dynamites, 56 x 5.56 mm and 5 x 7.62 mm ammunition, among other items. The JTF believed that the suspects might have been hired by certain people to subvert the electoral process.

Soldiers Nab Politician’s Aide over Gun Possession

An aide to a senator from Enugu State was last weekend, arrested for possession of a gun in Igbo-Eze North LGA of the state. The aide had reportedly left the residence of the senator when soldiers at a checkpoint accosted him and after a thorough search found a gun on him. The soldiers immediately apprehended him and took him to the 82 Division Army Headquarters in Enugu.

Security Agents Search for Sponsors of Bayelsa Bomb Blast

Security agents have begun a manhunt for those behind the bomb explosion that rocked Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital on Tuesday. The blast suspected to be from dynamite; was thrown into the premises of Latik Hotel along INEC Road. The hotel is owned by former deputy-governor of Bayelsa State and Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate for Bayelsa West District, Peremobowei Ebebi. The blast from the explosion destroyed some portions of the hotel but no live was lost. The explosion caused pandemonium in the area with few guests in the hotel hurriedly checking out while shops immediately closed and traffic became chaotic as motorists struggled to drive out of INEC road.

Police Arrest Political Thugs in Okigwe

A combined team of security operatives intercepted seven buses and arrested youths suspected to be thugs last Saturday during the botched National Assembly election. According to Mathew Omegara who represents Okigwe North in the House of Representatives, it was part of frantic effort by the ruling party in the state to rig the election. He thanked the combined team of security operatives for rising to the occasion by arresting the irate youths. The Unit Commander in charge of the team stated that the suspects had been taken to the Force CID, Owerri for interrogation.

Court Orders Release of Arrested Governorship Candidate

The Federal High Court, Abuja Division on Wednesday issued a mandatory order directing the police to release unconditionally the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for Akwa Ibom State governorship election, Chief James John Akpanudoedehe. The order was given sequel to an application by Akpanudoedehe, praying the court to give force to its earlier order admitting him to bail. The court presided over by Mr. Judge Adamu Bello had on March 30, 2011 granted Akpanudoedehe bail, but the police denied him the benefit of freedom by immediately re-arresting him under controversial circumstance and have continued to detain him since then.

Police Arrests Suspects over Attack on ACN Candidate in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of an unspecified number of political thugs in connection with the abduction and assault of a candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the general elections. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Emeka Chukwuemeka, said investigation into the matter was in progress. He also confirmed the arrest of some suspects over the incident.

Eight Killed in Imo, Bayelsa States

Seven people, including an ex-commissioner and an LG chairman, lost their lives on Friday in Imo State. Former commissioner for youths and sports, and aspirant to the Federal House of Representatives, Chief Tony Uzoukwu ran into a moving trailer and was killed instantly as he was rushing to meet the distribution of election materials. In another incident, the Chairman of Nwangele LGA, Chief Chukwukere and five others are killed in a shoot out in his country home when unknown gunmen opened fire on them. Police spokesman, Linus Nwaiwu, confirmed the shooting but denied knowledge of any deaths. Meanwhile, one   person was killed in Brass, Bayelsa state following attempt to over-run INEC office, while a member of the House of Representative, Nelson Belief, and Labour Party candidate, was arrested for election offences.

Police Arrest 7 Thugs in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven armed thugs who terrorized would-be voters last weekend in Ibesikpo-Asutan LGA. There were however rumours that some influential politicians from the area had influenced the immediate release of the thugs. However the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Onyeka Orji refuted the rumour stressing the suspects were still with the Police.

Rivers PDP Accuses ACN of Kidnapping Deeyah

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has accused the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) of orchestrating and masterminding the abduction of PDP House of Representatives member, Emmanuel Deeyah. Chairman of the PDP in Rivers State, Chief G.U. Ake in a statement insisted that the kidnap was part of the ACN’s ploy to make the state look unsafe. He also stated that the ACN had hoped to cash in on the loot from the abduction to raise money for their election. House of Representatives member, Emmanuel Deeyah, was recently kidnapped from his hometown, Gwara, Khana LGA. The kidnappers of Deeyah had demanded over N60 million as ransom.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Task Force Rescues Abducted Victim

The Anti-Kidnapping Task Force of the Delta Waterways Security Committee (DWSC) in Warri, Delta State, has rescued one kidnapped victim, who was taken from residence by gunmen. The committee also arrested two of the suspected kidnappers. The DWSC got wind of the kidnap of the victim, Mr Adoghe and with the aid of the tracking device in his car, were able to trace the movement. Three of the kidnappers were located along the East-West Road and traced to a checkpoint, but one of the three kidnappers, escaped, while the victim was found tied in the booth of his car.

14 Die in Edo Road Crash

No fewer than 14 persons, including four members of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), were said to have lost their lives in a road accident along Ewu, Esan Central LGA of Edo State penultimate Friday. The accident, which happened along the Benin-Auchi Highway, was as a result of head-on collision between a tanker, carrying bitumen, and 18-seater bus. A witness account said the accident occurred when the articulated vehicle failed brake and crashed into the oncoming East-bound bus from Abuja. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Iruekpen unit, attributed the accident to over speeding and brake failure by the driver of the tanker.

Gunmen Kill Delta Lawmakers Brother

Gunmen, Monday, shot dead the younger brother of the deputy speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Sixtus Ganagana, at Ughelli. It was gathered that the local vigilance group intercepted the assassins after the killing, resulting in the death of one of the assassins and one member of the vigilance group. The Delta State Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of various suspects over the killing. Those arrested according to the Police spokesman in the state, Mr Charles Muka, included a prominent community leader and two police orderlies attached to a candidate for the state House of Assembly. Meanwhile, over 1020 rounds of AK47 ammunition concealed in a bus was on Wednesday intercepted by the Delta State Police Command Asaba.

Police Seize Large Cache of Arms in Delta, Gun Manufacturer Nabbed

The Delta State Police Command has intercepted a large cache of arms. The seizure comes on the heels of the recent interception of a KIA car conveying arms and ammunition by the police at Patani. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Charles Muka, who confirmed the discovery, gave the breakdown of the ammunition as 1,020 rounds of AK47 ammunition, which were carefully concealed in a mini-bus owned by a transport company. Policemen at the checkpoint in Kwale on the Ogwashi-Uku–Ughelli Road who stopped the vehicle, uncovered the hidden ammunition. The driver and one other person were promptly arrested. Meanwhile, a local gun manufacturer was arrested on Monday at Abraka. Operation tools found in factory include chisels, hammers including eight gun butts.

NASS Polls: Two Attempted Ballot Box Hijackers Lynched

Delta State Police Command has confirmed two deaths during Saturday’s National Assembly election in the state. The command’s spokesman, Charles Muka, said that two persons died in Ndokwa West LGA during reported clashes between supporters of two rival parties. Muka could not confirm reports of other deaths said to have occurred in Orogun and Oleh. Angry youths had reportedly burnt a vehicle at Orogun used by hoodlums to make away with snatched electoral materials. One of the suspected thieves was allegedly lynched by the mob. Similarly, two persons were reported killed penultimate Sunday, in a clash between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) in Sapele. Security sources disclosed that the violence was a reprisal of what happened during the April 2 botched polls during which one person was shot dead. Armed security men were deployed in the town to maintain peace.

Tension in Edo over Troops Deployment

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has raised the alarm over the rising tension in the state following alleged brutality unleashed on the people by troops during the botched National Assembly elections. Oshiomhole further alleged that the actions of the troops were on the instance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But a group s, Edo Youth Vanguard (EYV), accused the governor of training and camping 600 youths to be used as thugs for the polls. According to Oshiomhole, by the early hours of Saturday, the troops had been unleashed on leaders and members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), ordinary voters and members of the public across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Armed Thugs Arrested in Edo

Men of the Nigeria Army have arrested 41 suspected armed thugs at Otuo, Owan East LGA of Edo State. The suspected thugs were alleged to have been recruited by a candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to cause chaos during the postponed National Assembly (NASS) election. Meanwhile the ACN has criticised the security agencies on their approach to security matter in the local government during the aborted NASS election. While denying that those arrested were thugs hired by the party, the ACN also accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of trying to deliberately cause confusion and frighten voters from the polling units.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Boat Mishap Claims 10 Lives

No fewer than 10 persons drowned on Saturday when their boat capsized on the waterways between Oriba village and Epe, Lagos State. Six dead bodies have been recovered while four others are still missing. It was gathered that some travellers from Oriba village who were trying to beat the restriction of movement, penultimate Saturday, met their death in the middle of the river. It was gathered that the small boat which has the capacity for about 12 passengers was overloaded. A police officer blamed the boat operator for the tragedy. He said preliminary investigation showed that there was rush by passengers but the operator would not have exceeded the capacity of the boat.

Two Arrested for Importing Army Bulletproof Vests, Uniforms

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Wednesday, arrested two persons over the illegal importation of Army uniforms and bulletproof vests into the country. Area Comptroller, NCS Kano, Usman Sanusi Azare, disclosed this while displaying the seized items at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). Azare disclosed that the military wares were smuggled into the country via flight number 0573 from Beirut. The uniforms were concealed in eight cartons, which contained 22 pairs apiece, totalling 190 pieces, aside from the bullet-proof vests that are of lesser quantity. Azare stated that both men were being questioned by security personnel.

Police Uncover Cache of Arms in Osun

The Osun State Police Command, Wednesday, paraded 19 brand new pump-action guns allegedly imported by some politicians in readiness for the general elections. Eight persons suspected to be political thugs, believed to be working for a top politician in the area, were also paraded at the state police headquarters. The State Police Commissioner, Peter Gana, who displayed the cache of arms, said a team of policemen acting on a tip off, stormed the house where the weapons were kept. Also recovered were 14 live cartridges, three 7.62mm expended ammunition, two expended cartridges and a cutlass. He said four persons, who acted as witnesses to the police, had offered useful information to enable the police track down the suspects.

Kidnapped Party Spokesman Found Alive

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Accord Party (AP) in Egbeda LGA of Oyo State, Mr Julius Olaoye, who was alleged recently kidnapped, has been found alive. The victim, who was allegedly kidnapped at the party’s office in Ibadan, was found, on Wednesday, on the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road half naked. Initially, he found it difficult to talk but after a while he spoke gently on his hospital bed. Olaoye said he spent almost 15 days in a detention camp and was severely tortured by his captors, who were always threatening to kill him unless he told them the whereabouts of Honourable Temitope Olatoye.

NYSC to Drag Monarch to Court over Rape Allegation

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga, has resolved to take legal action against a traditional ruler in Osun State, who allegedly raped a 23-year-old serving corps member. Brigadier-General Tsiga said that the NYSC management would take all necessary legal steps to bring to book the traditional ruler who allegedly committed the act and to avert future occurrence. According to him, the corps member was invited to start a computer appreciation lesson in the community by the traditional ruler, who later cashed in on that opportunity to rape her.

Man Kills Girlfriend’s Son

A middle-aged man in Oyo State, Adesile Ogooluwa, has been arrested for allegedly killing five-year-old Ayo Tunde, last weekend. The suspect, who is a motor spare parts seller in Lagos, was said to have committed the offence before escaping to Lagos. The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Olatunji Ajimuda, who confirmed the incident in Ibadan on Thursday, said the matter was still under investigation. A source said that the suspect killed the boy because his mother refused to marry him.

Party Supporters Killed in Ife

Five supporters of the Action Congress of Niger (ACN) in Ife Federal Constituency of Osun State were killed on Saturday. They were said to have been killed by assassins allegedly sponsored by a politician in the town when the supporters of the said politician attacked the ACN candidates in the area, Rotimi Makinde, and Jide Omoworare. A guard in Makinde’s house, and four others were said to have been shot dead by the assassins. Police spokesman, Taiwo Olugbemileke, confirmed the incident. In a related incident, a supporter ACN in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Isiaka Ademola, was killed and four others seriously injured when rampaging hoodlums believed to be supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state attacked them. The state Police Command confirmed the attack.

Kwara Arrests 23 Political Thugs

The Kwara State Police Commissioner, Tsafe Mamman, on Sunday said, about 23 suspected political thugs were arrested during the just concluded national assembly poll in the state. Mamman said that the suspected thugs were arrested from different points during the poll and were alleged to have come from Lagos. He said that, the police command has commenced full investigation into their arrest and as soon as the investigation is completed, they will be arraigned in court. Similarly, the Ogun State Police Command arrested three persons over a plot to cause violence during the April 2 botched elections. The three were said to have been in possession of charms, guns and ammunition at polling units in Ilaro. The items found with the suspects included four pump action rifles with 37 live cartridges, charms and other dangerous weapons.

Thugs, Traders Clash in Ibadan

At least six persons were hospitalized after fighting broke out between some political thugs and traders in the popular Araromi market at Agodi/Gate area of Ibadan on Wednesday. The two parties had clashed over attempt by the hoodlums to abort a campaign rally billed to be addressed in the sprawling market by former governor of Oyo State and Accord Party governorship candidate, Senator Rashidi Ladoja. Trouble started when the thugs arrived at the venue and began dismantling the platform erected for the AP candidate. The hoodlums, who were said to be heavily armed with guns, cutlasses, broken bottles and charms, reportedly came in a bus. The development forced many of the traders to close shops, while others returned to battle.

Mechanic, 30, Kills Self in Ibadan

A 30-year-old mechanic, Saheed Raji, on Monday, committed suicide by hanging himself at the Sapati area of Ibadan, Oyo State. Raji, according to his father, Pa Lasisi, did not show any sign of troubled mind before everybody went to bed on Sunday night, only to be found dangling from a rope in his room the next morning.

GENERAL

Corp Members Killed as Blast Rocks INEC Office

The office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Suleja, Niger state was on Friday rocked by a blast, which killed at least 20 people dead and injured several others. It was learnt that most of the dead in the Suleja blast are members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were contracted by INEC as ad-hoc staff for the polls. The spokesperson of the State Security Service, Ms Marilyn Ogar, confirmed that most of the casualties are members of the NYSC. INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega visited the injured in the hospital and promised that they will be given proper care. Calm seemed to have returned to Suleja after the bomb blast.

Ten Killed in Bauchi, 6 in Borno Attacks

At least 10 persons were feared killed in Bar Arewa village in Bogoro LGA of Bauchi State when the village was attacked by about 800 unidentified men, armed with guns and machetes, at midnight Thursday. The killing came just as Governor Isa Yuguda ordered the suspension of the Chairman of the LGA, Marcus Bitrus Lusa and the District, village and hamlet heads in the area. In Borno state, 6 persons, including the ANPP Chairman in Jere LGA, Fannami Ngarnam, his son, and a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), lost their lives in separate armed attacks on Friday night. Seven persons were also injured in an explosion that occurred at a polling station in Maiduguri on Saturday.

NASS Polls Described as Peaceful

The National Assembly polls held in various senatorial districts and Federal Constituencies across Nigeria have been widely described as peaceful with pockets of violence and irregularities recorded in few areas. Voters and observers have commended the process and the results so far announced as reflecting the true opinions of Nigerians. The speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole, who lost the election, has conceded defeat and commended the voting process. Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, on Thursday, postponed elections 15 senatorial districts and 48 federal constituencies across 27 states.  Elections into the affected areas, he said, would hold on April 26.

NCAA Acquires Aircraft Tracker

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has acquired an aircraft-tracking system to further promote air safety. Investigation revealed that the tracker, now installed at the NCAA headquarters in Ikeja, is the first of its kind. It would allow the regulatory authority, airlines and other operators to locate the whereabouts of aircraft at anytime with precision. Director-General of NCAA, Dr Harold Demuren, confirmed the acquisition of the tracking system and said that with the system, cases of missing aircraft would be a thing of the past.

Three Die in Bauchi Inferno

Three people, including a woman and her five-month-old grandson, have lost their lives following an outbreak of fire at VIP Lodge Extension in Gwallameji area of Yelwa in Bauchi metropolis. The fire, according to report started from the room of the deceased while she was asleep with her grandson and a seven-year-old girl believed to be a baby-sitter. Neighbours made efforts to rescue the victims to no avail. By the time fire-fighters eventually arrived, the entire 15-room building had been razed completely. Caretaker of the affected house, Mr. Adegoke Adeyinka, said the fire was caused by explosion from a power-generating set kept inside the room of the deceased.

IG Orders More Police Transfers

In order to ensure police neutrality in the April 2011 elections, the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim has ordered the immediate transfer of all the 58 mobile squadron commanders nationwide. Meanwhile, for effective policing and security of lives and property during the election exercise, the Oyo State Police Command has swapped the area commanders and divisional police officers across the state. It was learnt that no fewer that 1,000 people were arrested for alleged electoral fraud in the state during the botched election. It was gathered that most of the people arrested by military personnel were handed over to the state police command for necessary action.

Outbreak of Lassa Fever in Adamawa Kills Doctor

A Lassa fever outbreak has claimed the life of a medical doctor in Adamawa State. But two other doctors survived the deadly disease owing to the quick intervention of medical officials at the Federal Medical Centre, Yola. Investigations showed that the symptoms of the disease were discovered among the three doctors, all employees of FMC, late March. Sources at the centre said it was unclear how the doctors contracted the fever. A highly-infectious viral disease, the commonest modes of transmission of Lassa fever are rodents living with humans in homes. Following the outbreak, all the medical personnel of the centre, including nurses and laboratory technicians, who came in contact with the three doctors, had been screened for the disease.

Benue Businessman Shot Dead

A Gboko-based businessman was shot dead by unknown gunmen last weekend in Benue State. The businessman, Kuma Akiishi, was found dead in the pool of his blood in his hotel room. Confirming the incident, the DPO ‘A’ Division Gboko, Abubakar Sambo, said the robbers stole over N20000 from the late Kuma before snuffing life out of him. He said Kuma was rushed to the TBT hospital in Gboko where the doctors confirmed him dead. The DPO stated that the police had swung into action and promised that the culprits would be fished out.

Gunmen Kill 2, Injure 7 Children in Maiduguri Attack

Two men were killed and seven children injured on Monday in Maiduguri following an attack by unknown gunmen. An eyewitness alleged that the two young men were targeted and killed by the gunmen. According to reports, one of the victims had, two days earlier, after the cancellation of the National Assembly election, foiled attempt by some gunmen to attack the shed of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) in the area. The state Commissioner of Police, Mike Zuokumor, confirmed the incident, but said no arrest had been made. He however, urged the people in the area to go about their normal activities, saying that the police would ensure protection of lives and property of citizens.

20 Nabbed with Ballot Papers in Zamfara

The Zamfara State police command arrested 20 people found with ballot papers during the botched National Assembly election last weekend. Investigation revealed that the suspects were arrested at Fagoje village of Kaura Namoda LGA of the state. The suspects were arrested in a hideout. The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Jinjiri Abubakar, said the suspects had no business to be in custody of the ballot papers. He urged voters to abide by the rules of the 2010 Electoral Act, and said the police were ready to take full responsibility of maintaining law and order during the elections.

US Naval Ship Arrives for Training with Nigerian Navy

The U.S. African Command (AFRICOM) says sailors from the guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) and Naval Forces Africa staff members have arrived in Lagos for training with the Nigeria Navy. A statement by AFRICOM said the crew, including Africa Partnership Station West international staff members arrived in Lagos on Monday. The APS initiative, facilitated by the U.S. naval forces is aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

Two Policemen Dismissed for Illegal Duties

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Hafiz Ringim, on Wednesday approved the dismissal of two policemen who were found to have engaged in illegal duty during the penultimate Saturday’s botched election. A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olusola Amore, said the men were formerly attached to 44PMF Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Woman Arrested over Alleged Scam

Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) have arrested a middle-aged woman, Mrs. Chioma Achor, for allegedly aiding fraud in a solar power project in Bayelsa State. Achor, who was recently arrested in her Gwagwalada home in the FCT, was implicated in a petition from an alleged victim that had been hoodwinked into paying about N3 million into an account that was later used to trace the accused. Resident Consultant with ICPC, Mr. Folu Olamiti, confirmed her arrest. She was said to have been conniving with other suspects based in Aba to deceive unsuspecting victims. She was also reported to have specialised in hoodwinking victims with phoney lucrative contracts ostensibly on an electrical project in Otuoke.

States, LG to Pay New Minimum Wage

The Federal Government has declared that it is constitutionally mandatory for both state and local governments in the country to comply with the minimum wage Act, which mandates that workers employed by at all levels of government in the country will be paid N18, 000. It explained that the bargaining process that led to the new minimum wage law was constitutional and involved state governments. Apart from the state and local governments who were under obligation to pay, the FG also emphasised that private sector employers with more than 50 employees must pay the new minimum wage to their workers.

INTERNATIONAL

60 Killed, 700 Fishermen missing in Namibia, Myanmar

A three-day wave of storms in Myanmar has left 700 fishermen missing while 60 persons have been killed in central and northern Namibia floods. Over 20,000 people have been displaced, according to disaster management Chief, Japhet Iitenge. He added that helicopters, boats and four-wheel drive vehicles had been deployed to evacuate communities and distribute emergency relief. Weather forecasters said water levels in the North, near the border with Angola, were on the rise again. Authorities in the tightly ruled country tend to not immediately report the effects of natural disasters and have been criticized in the past for being slow to send help and humanitarian aid.

32 Killed as UN Plane Crashes in Congo

One person survived the crash of a U.N. plane that killed 32 others in the Congo on Monday, U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said. The aircraft, which carried 33 people, crashed early Monday afternoon while attempting to land at the Kinshasa airport after a flight from Goma. The Kinshasa airport reported strong thunderstorms and sustained winds of 37 kph (23 mph) at the time. U.N. Peacekeeping Director Alain Le Roy said the aircraft missed the airstrip likely because of the wind, but he cautioned the investigation was in its early stages.

UAE Forces Rescues Hijacked Ship

United Arab Emirates Special Forces stormed a cargo ship hijacked in the Arabian Sea, freeing the crew and detaining the pirates, last weekend. Anti-terrorism forces acting in coordination with the U.S. Fifth Fleet were involved in the operation, which led to the surrender of the pirates, a UAE military official said. The 37,000-tonne bulk carrier had been sailing from Australia to Jebel Ali, in the emirate of Dubai, when it was attacked penultimate Friday. The vessel was operated by shipping arms of the government-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

Ouattara’s Forces attack Gbagbo’s Bunker

Forces loyal to Ivory Coast presidential claimant, Alassane Ouattara, launched a heavy attack on Wednesday on the bunker where Laurent Gbagbo was hiding, residents said. Gbagbo has been in the bunker defying efforts to force him to cede power. France, the former colonial power, said fighting was under way around Gbagbo’s residence, but that French troops in the city were not involved. A spokeswoman for Ouattara’s forces said that Ouattara’s fighters were storming Gbagbo’s residence, where Gbagbo has been holed up since Ouattara’s forces swept into Abidjan backed by helicopter strikes by the UN and France.

Three Shot Dead in Acapulco

Three people have been killed in a shoot-out between the security forces and gunmen in the Mexican resort town of Acapulco. Officials say police and soldiers surprised a gang as they were setting fire to a shopping centre. In the two-hour gun battle which followed, a soldier and two of the alleged gunmen were killed. Acapulco, a popular holiday destination, has seen a marked increase in violence this year. Acapulco is in an area of Mexico where the drug trade is controlled by La Familia Michoacana, one of the country's most violent cartels.

Migrant Boat Mishap Leaves 15 Dead, 130 Missing

A boat accident in heavy seas near the southern Italian island of Lampedusa has claimed 15 lives while 130 people are said to be missing. Rescuers picked up 50 people from the sea after the boat carrying migrants from North Africa sank, but high winds and rough seas made it difficult for coast guard boats and a police helicopter to operate. Lampedusa, roughly midway between Sicily and Tunisia, has become the focal point for a growing immigration crisis set off by the unrest in North Africa and the removal of previously strict border controls.

Top Female Cop Sworn-in as President of Kosovo

A 36-year-old woman police commander, Atifete Jahjaga, was on Thursday sworn in as Kosovo's new president, ending weeks of political crisis. A virtual political unknown, Jahjaga -who has never been a member of any political party- pledged to work towards securing Kosovo's much coveted membership in the European Union. Jahjaga's election ended a period of political turmoil after Kosovo's top court ruled last week that the previous presidential election of Behgjet Pacolli was unconstitutional. The deadlock threatened to send the country again to snap polls, before the government and the leading opposition party reached consensus on Jahjaga's candidacy late Wednesday.

Hamas Declares Ceasefire with Israel

Islamist group, Hamas, says it has brokered a deal for Gaza's militant groups to stop firing on Israel, after another day of violent exchanges. The militant wing of Hamas earlier hit an Israeli bus with an anti-tank shell, injuring two people. Israeli forces replied with air strikes and tank fire, killing four and wounding 30, Palestinian doctors say. The bus had been dropping off school children near the Nahal Oz kibbutz, and was carrying only one passenger when it was hit. Both Hamas and Israel have recently said they wanted a return to calm. After the missile slammed into the bus, the Palestinians lobbed at least 45 mortar rounds into southern Israel, hitting a house, and the army responded by staging multiple raids across the enclave, one of which hit an ambulance, Palestinian medics said.

Gunman Kills 11, Self at Brazilian School

A Brazilian gunman killed 11 children at a Rio de Janeiro school and then himself, police said on Thursday. The attack by the 24-year-old Wellington de Oliveira was the first serial killing of its kind in Brazil. Oliveira was a former student at the school but his motive was not clear. Police said he did not have a criminal record. They said Oliveira entered the school carrying two guns and a suicide note. Oliveira told officials he was there to deliver a speech and then opened fire on students. Several of the 13 wounded children fleeing to the street called a police patrol, which rushed to the school. A police officer shot Oliveira in the leg as the gunman was attempting to reach the third floor of the building. Oliveira fell onto the stairs and shot himself in the head.

Death Toll Rises in Pakistani Shrine Attack

Suicide attackers have killed at least 41 people and wounded many more at a shrine in Pakistan. The explosions struck near the Sakhi Sarwar shrine in Punjab as Sufi Muslim devotees gathered for an annual three-day festival. Sufis, a minority Muslim group who follow mystical beliefs, are regarded as heretical by hardliners. A Taliban fighter, Ehsanullah Ehsan, said that his group carried out the attack in revenge for the government's offensive against militants in Pakistan's north-west.

Afghan Protest Koran Burning

Stone throwers scuffled with police on Monday as more than 1,000 Afghans took to the streets for a fourth day to denounce the burning of a Koran by an American pastor, witnesses said. Mohammad Aziz Gharanai, the police chief of Laghman province east of the Afghan capital Kabul, said that officers had not opened fire with guns. Angry protests in Afghanistan against the burning of a Koran by Florida pastor Terry Jones began in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif last week Friday and have spread in all major cities. The violence has killed at least 22, including seven foreign UN staff.

Russia Sacks Policeman for Assault on Journalist

For hitting a woman television journalist in a parking dispute, a police major in the Moscow region has been sacked. The attack came after President Dmitry Medvedev sacked a number of high-ranking police chiefs last week as he seeks to cut the bloated service and raise salaries. Police said in a statement that the acting chief detective of the town of Moskovsky, Major Alexei Klimov, struck journalist Natalya Seibil in an unprovoked attack on Sunday night. Seibil ticked off Klimov for parking his personal car illegally and he responded “with inappropriate behaviour, hitting her,” the regional police said.

Gunmen Attack Police Base in Afghan, Kill Six

Militants have killed six security personnel in an attack on a police training centre near the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, officials say. At least three gunmen were also killed in the gun and bomb attack, which the Taliban say they carried out. Kandahar has experienced some of the worst of the violence in Afghanistan in recent years and is seen as the spiritual homeland of the Taliban. The gun battle inside the police training and recruitment centre lasted an hour and involved three attackers, say police. A Taliban statement said four of their fighters carried out the raid.

Japan Stops Radioactive Leak into Pacific

Workers have stopped a highly radioactive leak into the Pacific off Japan's flooded nuclear complex. With the plant far from stabilized, engineers prepared an injection of nitrogen to deter any new hydrogen explosions. Nitrogen can prevent highly combustible hydrogen from exploding. Nuclear officials said there was no immediate threat of more explosions.

Gaddafi Using Humans as Shields to Curb Air Strikes –Report

NATO air strikes in Libya are being hampered by Muammar Gaddafi’s forces hunkering down near civilians. The head of Libya’s rebel army accused NATO of being too slow to order air strikes to protect civilians, allowing Gaddafi’s forces to slaughter more people.  French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said NATO operations were becoming more complicated in having to deal with the fact that Gaddafi’s forces had frequently deployed close to civilians as tactical protection against air strikes. Meanwhile, four more Tornado fighter planes will be deployed to an air base in Italy to help enforce the no-fly zone over Libya, UK Prime Minister, David Cameron has said.

Three Die in Yemeni Clashes

Three people died and 15 were wounded on Tuesday when supporters of Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh clashed with protesters. The protesters are demanding his ouster and an army unit defending them, the defence ministry said. The general has thrown his weight behind a pro-democracy movement calling for Saleh’s resignation. They ran into armed men and Saleh supporters, who fired shots as the protesters hurled rocks but it was not clear who started the clashes, the reporter said.

Women Repel Armed Islamists in Indonesia

Angry Indonesian women fought off armed Islamists after they tried to evict a mother and her newborn baby from a house. According to reports, dozens of aggrieved housewives forced the Islamists to flee for safety and attacked their leader’s vehicle during the incident near Medan, northern Sumatra. The melee erupted last weekend when the women rushed to the defence of their neighbour, Nurhayati, and her two-week-old baby. A group of about 12 stick-wielding men from the Islamic Defenders Front -a violent vigilante group -had attacked her house over a land dispute. Provincial Front leader Darma Bakti Ginting claims ownership of the land on which his cousin Nurhayati’s house was built.

France Finds More Bodies in Plane Crash wreckage

After nearly two years, undersea robots have located bodies, motors and a “large part” of an Air France jet that plunged into the Atlantic Ocean, but have not yet found its black box flight recorders. All 228 people aboard the plane were killed when the flight, en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, slammed into the ocean June 1, 2009. Investigators have said without the recorders, the cause may never be determined. Fifty bodies were found during the first phase of the search. No bodies or debris have been found since.

Irish Policeman Killed in Bomb Attack

A Catholic police officer was killed when a bomb exploded under his car in the town of Omagh in Northern Ireland last weekend. Ronan Kerr, 25, was blown up when the device was detonated under the vehicle outside his home. Kerr is the second officer to die in a suspected terrorist attack since the PSNI was formed out of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 2001. No group claimed responsibility for the explosion, but dissident republicans have planted dozens of booby-trap bombs under the private cars of police officers since 2007.