Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 28

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Police Rescue Abducted Provost, Boy

The Police in Enugu have rescued the Provost of Federal College of Education, Eha-Amafu, Enugu State, Prof. Ben Mbah, who was kidnapped by gunmen penultimate Tuesday. Seven persons have been arrested by the police in connection with the kidnap of Mbah. No ransom was paid to secure his release, according to the police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed his release. Similarly, members of an Anambra State vigilance group, Monday, arrested a gang of suspected kidnappers and rescued a six- year-old boy in Onitsha. It was gathered that the vigilance group was immediately alerted by a man, who noticed two men snatch the boy; and the quickly swung into action. But it was not joy for the family of a retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Lawrence Oragwu, who was kidnapped on June 2 in Anambra State, as his family appealed to the police to help secure his release.

Navy to Rid Bakassi Waterways of Militants

The Nigerian Navy is ready to clear the Bakassi waterways of elements that are into unwholesome activities there, the chief of naval staff, Ola Sa'ad Ibrahim, a vice admiral, has said. According to Mr Ibrahim, everything was being done to free the entire Gulf of Guinea of those who have no business there since the peace of that zone is necessary to the economic stability of the country. The naval boss said the navy was well equipped to protect Nigeria's territorial waters hence no person or group of persons should test its strength in the arduous task of defending the country from internal and external aggression.

Police Search for Killers of Rivers Businessman

The Rivers State Police Command on Wednesday said it had intensified efforts to unmask the killers of a businessman in Rukpokwu in Obio/Akpor LGA, Mr. Graham Odu. Odu was shot several times at close range in the presence of his wife by gunmen suspected to be hired assassins at his Occasion Night Club. Sources said that the gunmen had tried to drag Odu into a waiting vehicle, but when he resisted them, they shot him to death. The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, confirmed the incident, adding that police had intensified investigation into the killing.

Police in Bayelsa Parade 11 Student Cultists

The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa, has allayed the fears of attack by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram in the state. Musa, who stated this during the parade at the state command of 11 secondary school students who were arrested during an initiation ceremony into a cult by the Operation Famou Tangbei security outfit, said the Bayelsa State Police Command has declared zero tolerance for armed robbery, kidnapping and other vices in the state. According to him, the state police command working in conjunction with other security outfits had put all necessary measures in place to thwart any attack and protect lives and property in the state. Musa noted that those of the suspects below the age of 18 would be sent to the Juvenile Department of the state command for counselling.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Assassins in Kill Patient in Hospital

Tragedy struck at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, the Delta State capital, on Tuesday, as assassins, operating in mobile police uniform, invaded the hospital and killed a 35-year-old patient, Richard Odili, on his sick bed. The assassins also shot and injured a female nurse. The suspects, who took over the hospital for about half an hour, shot sporadically into the air to scare people away. The late Odili was an oil magnet and President-General of Utichi Town Union in Ndokwa East LGA of the state.

Private Plane Crashlands in Benin Airport

Three persons aboard a privately owned aircraft, on Sunday, escaped death as the plane over ran the runway at the Benin Airport after several unsuccessful attempts to land. The 10-seater plane finally made a stop at a grassland several feet from the run way. Officials of the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria refused to comment on what happened. However, some people who craved anonymity attributed the cause to bad weather. The incident led to temporary close down of the Benin Airport as many flights could neither take-off nor land, leaving many passengers stranded for several hours.

Indians Protest at DSC over Salary Arrears

The crisis in the Delta Steel Company at Aladja in Delta State of Nigeria has worsened as the Indian workers in the company, who were protesting alleged non payment of salaries for upwards one year, stormed the Steel Melting Shop of the company to halt production. A source told Vanguard that when their bid to halt production failed, the workers chased away all their senior Indian colleagues, leaving the Nigerian workers who returned to work only when payment of their April and May salaries commenced. It was learnt that due to a financial crunch in the company, it could no longer pay the Indian workers the mouth watering allowances promised them. This infuriated the workers.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Policeman Kills Armed Robbery Suspects

The police orderly attached to the wife of the Lagos State governor, Mr. Oladimeji Adewunmi, last weekend killed two armed robbery suspects in the Ketu area of the state. Adewunmi, a Sergeant, was reportedly on a visit to a sick friend at about 11pm when three armed men approached him and threatened to kill him if he did not heed their demands.  They allegedly forced him into their vehicle, while one of them followed behind on a motorcycle. Adewunmi, who was armed, decided to attack immediately he had the slightest opportunity, and shot the robber seated next to him, and he died instantly. The second robber was injured and died a few hours later. Adewunmi, who had gone to Alapere Police Station to make a report, identified the corpse.

Robber Gets Death Sentence

A Lagos State High Court, on Monday, sentenced to death by hanging, one Idowu Kalejaiye, for armed robbery. The court, in its judgment, said that the prosecution had succeeded in proving its case of the offence of armed robbery against the defendant. Kalejaiye is one of those who robbed the home of PW1 (Morayo Giwa) on February 25, 2008. Although the defendant and his accomplices (two others) escaped, the court will not allow the defendant escape the consequences of his evil deed.

4 INEC Workers Arraigned for Tampering with Ballots

Four staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti State, on Wednesday, appeared before an Ado Ekiti Magistrate’s court on charges of alleged tampering with ballot papers used in the last general election in Ekiti East LGA. They were said to have committed “conspiracy to wit, to alter ballot papers used in the April, 2011 House of Assembly election in Ekiti East Constituency II.” They accused were also alleged to have corruptly received N180, 000 from one Anthonia Omonusi, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate for Ekiti East 11 constituency, in the election to procure her return to the state House of Assembly in a fraudulent manner.

6 Killed in Sango Ota Auto Crash

About six people were, on Wednesday morning, crushed to death and several others injured by a commercial bus whose driver lost control around Iyana Joju Bus Stop, in Sango Ota, Ogun State. The bus involved in the accident reportedly had brake failure around Igbala Bus Stop, while the driver was on a top speed. In order not to crash into vehicles, he swerved to the roadside and crashed into the motorcyclists and the hawker.

Community Accuses Police of Shielding Robbery Suspects

Ijan community in Gbonyin LGA of Ekiti State has accused the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Mr Isa Suleiman of shielding robbery suspects. The traditional ruler of the community, Oba Samuel Oyewole Fadahunsi, alleged that the police officer was shielding some Fulani herdsmen arrested for criminal activities from prosecution. Oba Fadahunsi called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those apprehended by the vigilante group for robbery in the community since December last year.

Courts Sentenced Man, 29, to Death for Murder

Justice Morenike Obadina of a Lagos High Court has found a 29-year-old man, Thomas Dafe, guilty of murder of his girlfriend, Stella Bob-Manuel, whom he stabbed to death with a knife for abruptly ending their long-term relationship in 2008. Justice Obadina held that the prosecution successfully proved its case against the defendant, adding that the fact that the accused had a knife with him and jammed the door when he carried out the act established murder.

8 Killed in Lagos Collapsed Building

A four-storey building in Lagos collapsed on Wednesday, killing at least 8 people and injured several others. The cause of the collapse is suspected to be the use of substandard products in the building. According to the General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Oluwafemi Damilola, eight bodies were extracted from the building, while 35 people were rescued. The LASEMA helmsman also added that after the rescue phase had been concluded, the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure would commence a demolition of the remainder of the building to prevent further collapse of neighbouring buildings.

Lagos Opens Toll-Free Phone Lines for Victims of Domestic Violence

Worried by the rising incidence of domestic violence, the Lagos State Government has established toll-free phone lines for victims of such inhuman acts in the state, urging the citizens to take advantage of medium to report cases of assaults happening around their homes. The Deputy Governor of the State, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire disclosed the move as she received a group on a protest visit to her office over the death of a woman, who was allegedly murdered by her husband. Adefulire expressed government’s sadness over the incident and announced that an action committee would be set up by the state government to monitor on-going investigations and ensure that the perpetrator was brought to justice.

Police Parade 20 for Alleged Kidnapping, Vandalism

Police in Ondo State on Tuesday paraded three foreigners and 17 others including three brothers for kidnapping, ritual murder and pipeline vandalism. Three of the suspects were alleged to have kidnapped a one-year-old girl, Dada Akingboye, while sleeping beside her mother, Mrs Pupa Akingboye in Ikoriho, Igbokoda. The police later found Dada lifeless body with her vital organs allegedly removed by the suspects for rituals. The State Police Commissioner, Sani Magaji said the girl’s right eye, right ear lobe, right side of her lip, the skin of the right side of her forehead and the skin of the back of her right palm were removed. He said the suspects had confessed to the crime along with 12 others.

Movie Producer Remanded in Prison for Fraud

A popular Nollywood movie producer, Ifeanyi Onyeabor, was, on Tuesday, ordered to be remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Prisons by the Lagos High Court over an alleged N8.8 million fraud. Justice Habeeb Abiru gave the order after Onyeabor was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Onyeabor was alleged to have collected a total sum of N8.8 million from Steve-James Nigeria Limited in December 2008, for the purpose of producing two movies. EFCC prosecutor, Mr Anselem Ozioko, alleged that Onyeabor, after collecting the money, failed to produce the movies and diverted the money for other personal uses. Onyeabor pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Customs Impounds N1.2bn Worth of Vehicles

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos, said it impounded 1,516 vehicles, valued at N1.2bn, imported illegally in the first quarter of 2011. The Acting Comptroller of the unit, David Dimka, on Monday, said that 259 persons were arrested in connection with the vehicles and five of them had been sentenced to various jail terms. Dimka said that the NCS would meet its revenue target for 2011 and also ensure effective monitoring of the border posts. Also, the Assistant Comptroller-General, Enforcement and Drugs, NCS, Mr. Sunny Okpurhe, has said that the NCS seized goods worth N3.59bn in the first quarter of the year. Okpurhe said this was achieved through proactive steps taken by officers in the border areas.

5 Trapped, 4 Injured as Building Collapses in Ibadan

About five persons were feared trapped, and four injured when a two-storey building under construction collapsed on Monday in Oleyo area of Oyo State. Eyewitness told Daily Sun that the building caved in at about 10.00am, trapping some workers, while a few others who were outside at the time of the collapse, escaped with bruises. Men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Oyo State Fire Service and sympathisers were seen working at rescuing those trapped in the debris. However, there was little they could do, as there was no equipment to clear the debris.

GENERAL

Boko Haram Kills Council Boss, 11 Others

Suspected members of the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram, struck in Borno State, last weekend, killing the Chairman of Jere LGA, Alhaji Mustapha Ba’ale, and three others. A drinking joint in Wulari area of Maiduguri, was also bombed and 8 people were killed in the attack while 13 others were injured. Soldiers immediately cordoned off the area. The other three people were killed in Bulabilin Ngarnam area of the council. A retired soldier was also wounded in the attack. The head of the Joint Task Force, Major-General Jack Nwaogbo, confirmed the incident. Amid the attacks, top security operatives have accused some politicians in the North and Abuja of fuelling the activities of the Boko Haram.

15 Die Smuggling Fuel from Nigeria

Fourteen Cameroonians and one Nigerian reportedly died on Monday when the truck with which they were smuggling fuel from Nigeria into Cameroon exploded at a border village in Benue state. There was no immediate explanation on what caused the explosion, but local sources disclosed that a passenger on the vehicle had lit a cigarette. Security forces have had difficulties eliminating the illicit trade in petrol between Cameroon and Nigeria in the northern part of the country because of porous borders.

Security Beefed Up in Kogi over Bomb Threat

Following a bomb threat received by security operatives in Kogi State from Boko Haram sect that some bridges would be bombed, security have been beefed up to avoid the disaster. It was gathered that the Boko Haram members who were planning to invade Kogi, Nassarawa and Niger states sent a text message that the Jamata Bridge that links the North Central and the Federal Capital Territory and  Itope Bridge that links the North Central with the South-East and the South-South would be bombed. The sources said that various security operatives had mounted the 24-hour surveillance around the two bridges and also patrolled Rivers. Security agencies also alleged plot by Boko Haram to bomb the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Abuja.

Nigeria Loses 300,000 Barrels of Oil Daily to Oil Theft

The activities of cartels involved in oil theft are costing Nigeria 300,000 barrels per day (bpd). The former Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters, Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah, said that government was aware of the situation and would ensure that those who were involved in the theft were brought to book. Meanwhile the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has expressed the need to search for new oil deposits in order to boost depleting reserves. The DPR had said that Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate reserves had dropped by 1.44 billion barrels. The Director, DPR, Mr. Andrew Obaje, said that the depletion in the reserves was caused by the refusal of the oil-producing companies to make fresh investments.

Boko Haram Attacks Soldiers in Maiduguri

The anticipated clash between soldiers and members of the Islamic fundamentalist group, Boko Haram, began on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno state as some members of the sect reportedly threw bombs at soldiers of the Joint Task Force (JTF). The commander of the JTF, Maj-Gen. Okechukwu Nwaogbo, confirmed the clash.

NBA Faults SSS on Non-Trial of Boko Haram Suspects

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the decision of the State Security Services (SSS) not to prosecute the 100 suspected Boko Haram members for alleged terrorism. The NBA President, Joseph Daudu (SAN), said the decision to prosecute or not lies with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and not the SSS. He said it was not within the statutory purview of the SSS to decide whom to prosecute, adding that it was tantamount to usurping the constitutional duties of the AGF for the SSS to decide for the AGF whom to prosecute. Daudu cautioned that unless the security challenges were tackled Nigeria would not be able to achieve its goal of becoming one of the world’s 20 biggest economies by 2020.

Immigration Boss Warns Men against Extortion

Deputy Comptroller of Immigration Service in charge of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos, Garba Babantalle Abdullahi, has warned against extortion by his officers and men. He says the command will not tolerate any act of indiscipline or misconduct from any of his men in the discharge of their duty. Abdullahi was speaking while playing host to the executive of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC). He said the era of officers conniving with travelers to commit crime was over, warning that any officer caught will be dealt with accordingly. He noted that the impression received by travelers on arrival at the airport goes a long way in making or marring the image of the country.

Customs Rakes in N65b in June

Comptroller-General, Nigeria Custom Service (NSC), Dikko Abdullahi, has disclosed that the Service has become a major player in national revenue generation as it raked in N65.1 billion as tariffs on shipped goods in June alone. Abdullahi attributed the significant increase in revenue collection to the adequate training given to Customs officers on the NSC’s new ways of collecting customs duty. According to the Customs chief, the June tariff haul was more than double the total revenue generated in 2009, which stood at N30 billion.

5 Drown in Benue Boat Mishap

At least five persons have been confirmed dead and 15 others injured in a boat mishap in River Benue on Wednesday. The boat, which was conveying over 20 passengers, mostly market women to a village across the River, was said to have capsized leaving five persons dead, while 15 others were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for medical attention. Confirming the accident, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alaribe Ejike, said that three corpses had so far been recovered. He also explained that the police was still on the trail of the paddler who was said to have escaped as soon as the accident occurred.

Islamists Raid Police Station, Cart Away Arms

Gunmen suspected of being members of an Islamist sect raided a police station on Tuesday night in Bauchi, stealing weapons, police said. Police did not state how many weapons were seized from the station in the town of Toro. Police spokesman, Mohammed Barau, said police suspected the attackers were members of Boko Haram. He said no one was killed or injured in the raid. Toro residents said the gunmen, who outnumbered the policemen on duty, opened fire at the station and emptied it of its weapons.

Senator Tasks SON on Fake Products in the Country

A senator from Ekiti State, Babafemi Ojudu, has admonished the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to be more alive to its responsibility of tackling influx of fake products into the country. Expressing regret that many Nigerians are being killed daily by fake products imported into the country by some businessmen, the lawmaker called on the SON to take proactive measures in checking the menace. According to him, lives of many Nigerians are endangered by fake products that have found their ways into the country. He tasked SON to be more responsive by dismantling the cartel notorious for importing fake products into the country.

Police Raid Boko Haram Hide-out
…Kill 3 suspects, lose 2 men

Seven people including two policemen and three civilians were on Tuesday killed by the Boko Haram Islamic sect in Maiduguri, Borno State. The two policemen were shot dead in Gwange area within three hours. Commander of the Joint Task Force, Maj. Gen Jack Nwaogbo, confirmed the killing. This comes as three members of the Boko Haram were killed by policemen at their hideout in Bauchi, on Tuesday. Several others were injured as security operatives stormed their hideout at Kur in Jahun ward. The police operation was said to have been a pro-active action aimed at smoking out members of the sect in the state. At least three persons were feared killed in the operation. The Police spokesman confirmed the raid.

27 Suspected Pirates Arrested by Copyright Commission

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has arrested 27 persons suspected to be involved in the illegal duplication of audio-visuals and books. Director-General of NCC, Mr. Afam Ezekude, said the arrest was made across the country and warned those still involved in the act to desist or face the wrath of the law. Ezekude pointed out that pirated materials worth millions of naira were impounded from the suspects, adding that they would soon be charged to court. The NCC boss said the main thrust of the commission’s activities remains proactive enforcement regimen, adding that it would stop at nothing to curb the menace of piracy.

FG Deploys Soldiers to Help Displaced Benue Farmers

The Federal Government has deployed troops to assist Tiv farmers from Benue State who were dislodged during the recent Tiv/Fulani crisis to return to their homes. Governor Gabriel Suswam, who announced this, stated however, that Tiv farmers displaced from communities in Nassarawa State are to remain at the camp pending when security arrangements are made for their return to their communities. Suswam advised the farmers not to allow anybody incite them into indulging in violence when they return to their homes

Court Sentences Undergraduate to Death for Robbery

A High Court in Plateau State has sentenced a student of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), to death by hanging for armed robbery. In his ruling, Justice Husseini Othman said the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused, Evarestus Mozie (28), robbed his victims of N15000 and two handsets in Jos. Counsel to the accused, Maxwell Chukwuduma, prayed the court to give lenient punishment as the accused was a final-year student of the university while the prosecutor, Olivia Daziam, an assistant director in Ministry of Justice, Plateau State, informed the court that the accused is a first offender, who has no previous criminal records.

Editors Condemn Wave of Violence in the Country

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the fresh wave of violence and spate of bombings across the country, saying the trend portends danger for the unity of the country. The Guild also bemoaned the near passivity of security operatives in proactively policing and actually apprehension of culprits. The Guild’s President, Mr Gbenga Adefaye and General Secretary, Mr Isaac Ighure, urged the Federal Government in particular to address the root causes of the violence, especially in the Northern part of the country and should be seen to be genuinely interested in addressing perceived injustices that might have been meted out on certain groups in the region.

Boko Haram: Military Urges Public to be Vigilant

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State has called on the public to complement the security measures put in place by being vigilant. It also urged business owners and individuals to report any suspected movements around their business places or residential areas so as to curb the Boko Haram attacks on innocent citizens. The Commander, JTF, Major-General Jack Okechukwu Nwaogbo, while commiserating with families, who lost their loved ones during recent attacks, assured that its troops were set to restore order in the state.

Robbers Kill Four in Borno

About five suspected armed robbers on Monday killed a policeman and three staff of Shani LGA of Borno State and carted away millions of Naira that was meant for the payment of salary. Witnesses said the police had escorted the staff of the finance department of the LGA with money, but were intercepted by the robbers, who opened fire, killing four of them. Chairman of Shani LGA said he had informed top officials of the Borno State government and security agencies. Police spokesman, Lawan Abdullahi, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident and promised that he will get back to this reporter as soon as he get the details.

Auto Crash Claims School Principal, 3 Others

Four persons, including the principal of Government Junior Secondary School (JSS), Naharati, Malam Abubakar Dan Suleiman, lost their lives last weekend in a ghastly motor accident that occurred at Atako village, along the Abuja-Lokoja expressway when a petrol tanker lost control and crashed into their vehicle. He said the truck was trying to avoid a pothole, which caused the accident. The Operational Head of Abaji unit command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Amandikwa O.E, attributed the accident to over speeding by the tanker driver.

INTERNATIONAL

The World Welcomes Republic of South Sudan

South Sudan, on Saturday, formally ceded from the north to stand as a country of its own. Newly-sworn in South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, promised to bring peace to troubled border areas and has offered amnesty to armed groups fighting his government. As the country celebrated its sovereignty, Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan, pledged the support and assistance of Nigeria for the republic and its people. Similarly, US President, Barack Obama, and Sudanese President, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, congratulated South Sudan for its independence. Omar al-Bashir called for good neighbourly relations between the North and South at a ceremony to mark the south's split from Sudan in the north. South Sudan seceded on Saturday, July 9, a separation won in a January referendum that was the climax of a 2005 peace deal.

197 Migrants Feared Dead as Boat Sinks Off Sudan

About 200 people drowned in the Red Sea when a boat carrying migrants to Saudi Arabia sank off Sudan's coast after catching fire, according to reports. An official said the passengers were likely Somalis fleeing the drought. A fire broke out on board the boat, which was trying to smuggle people to Saudi Arabia, the agency reports. It is unclear where the boat had started its journey. The Red Sea is a well-known trafficking route for migrants wanting to reach Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Al-Shabab Lifts Ban on Aid

As the region is hit by its worst drought in 60 years, Somalia’s militant Islamist group, al-Shabab, has lifted a ban on foreign aid agencies. The militant group imposed the ban in 2009, accusing them of being anti-Muslim. Al-Shabab now said all charities, whether “Muslims or non-Muslims,” can give emergency aid as long as they have “no hidden agenda”. The UN welcomes al-Shabab’s announcement, but would need security guarantees for its staff, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, Mark Bowden, said. About a quarter of Somalis have been displaced by the drought, with many fleeing to neighbouring countries. An al-Shabab spokesman, Sheik Ali Mohamud Rage, said the group had formed a committee to deal with the drought and aid agencies would have to liaise with it.

Congo Rape Victims Suffer Reprisals -UN

The United Nations (UN) said that survivors of a mass rape attack in eastern Congo in 2010 have suffered reprisals and a judicial inquiry into the violence has been suspended. About 387 people were raped in the Walikale territory of Congo in July and August last year, including men, children and a month-old baby boy. More than 150 victims and witnesses have been interviewed, but the report by the UN Joint Human Rights Office in Congo said a judicial inquiry had to be suspended because of the reprisal attacks. However, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay urged the Congolese government to do more to stop the violence and called on the international community to better equip the UN mission in Congo.

Seven Dead in Michigan Shootings

A gunman killed seven people, including two children, in two homes in western Michigan on Thursday and then led police on a high-speed chase before finally committing suicide, authorities said. The suspect was identified as Rodrick Dantzler. The standoff followed the discovery of the bodies of five adults and two children in two separate locations in the city, setting off a manhunt that involved police helicopters, state police and local sheriff's deputies.

US House Votes Against Aid for Libya

The US House of Representatives has voted to prevent the Pentagon from supplying weapons, training or advice to Libyan rebels. The House voted to deny funding for direct help to the rebels although a proposal to stop US participation in NATO-led air strikes was defeated. Opponents say President Obama should have sought Congress's approval first. The measure needs Senate approval and to be signed by President Obama before becoming law.

Yemeni Forces Kill 40 Militants in Air Strikes

About 40 militants have been killed in two days of air strikes by Yemeni forces in the southern province of Abyan. Also, two soldiers were also killed as Yemeni troops retaliated against al-Qaeda militants who stormed army camp. The unrest is part of widening chaos in Yemen since protests broke out in February against the 33-year rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. A battle has been raging for weeks in the southern town of Zinjibar, capital of Abyan province. Thousands have fled to neighbouring Aden province. Opposition groups accuse the Sanaa government of failing to secure the area to play up a jihadist threat in an attempt to shore up Western support for Saleh as the guardian of Yemen’s stability.

Protesters in Egypt Attack Police Headquarters

Protesters attacked Suez Police headquarters on Wednesday after a Cairo Criminal Court rejected an appeal against the release of 14 police officers charged with killing protesters during the recent Egyptian revolution. Cairo Criminal court on Monday ordered the release of 14 policemen including high-ranking officers accused of firing live ammunition and deliberately killing protesters during the January 25 revolution. The bail was set at 10,000 Egyptian pounds and the trial was set to resume on September 14. Families of the dead and injured along with hundreds of Suez residents staged a sit-in at the El Arbeen district and stayed overnight. They called for justice and refused to return home until the police officers who "killed their children" are arrested again and returned to prison.

S/Korean Marine Kills Three Colleagues on Duty

A South Korean marine has turned his gun on his colleagues, killing three of them and injuring two others. A spokesman for the defence ministry in the capital, Seoul, said the corporal had opened fire while on duty at Ganghwa Island west of Seoul. The shooter was slightly wounded and has been taken into custody, officials said. The motive for the shooting remains unclear. In Monday's incident, a staff sergeant, a corporal and a lance corporal were killed, while a corporal and a private were injured.

Egypt Gas Pipeline to Israel Explodes

A pipeline that supplies gas from Egypt to Israel exploded Monday in the northern Sinai Peninsula near Bir el-Adb, an Egyptian security official said. The explosion appears to be an act of sabotage, said Gen. Saleh al-Masri, the head of security in Egypt's northern Sinai Peninsula. The explosion has shut off the flow of gas to Israel and Jordan, said Ayman Jahin, a general manager at the gas company.  It is the third such attack on Egyptian pipeline infrastructure since the toppling of Hosni Mubarak's government earlier in the year. The first two attacks resulted in a halt in the flow of gas to Israel, which receives about 40% of its natural gas from Egypt.

Somali Terror Suspect on Trial in US

A Somali man has appeared in court in New York, charged with assisting al-Qaeda and militants from Somalia's al-Shabab group. Ahmed Abdulkadir Warsame was seized in the Gulf of Aden in April and was then interrogated for two months on a US warship before his trial in America. Mr Warsame pleaded not guilty. He is accused of providing support to the Yemeni-based militant group al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and also to al-Shabab militants.

Blast Kills 5 in Pakistan

Five paramilitary personnel were killed and six injured in a blast in Pakistan's volatile Balochistan province on Tuesday, officials said. Murtaza Baig, a spokesman for the Frontier Corps, said the troops were on routine patrol when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in the city of Turbat in southern Balochistan. Security forces in Balochistan province are simultaneously fighting against militants who support the Taliban and tribal elders who are fighting for greater provincial autonomy and an increased share of mineral resources from the gas- and oil-rich province.

UK Pledges Food Aid to Ethiopia

The United Kingdom (UK) has pledged food aid worth £38 million ($61 million) to drought-hit Ethiopia. UK’s International Development Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, said the World Food Programme’s cash would be enough to feed about 1.3 million people for three months as well as treat 329,000 malnourished children and mothers. Ethiopia faces its worst drought for a decade with an estimated 3.2 million people in need of emergency aid, according to reports. The United Nations (UN) has called for international aid across the country where 10 million people are affected.

Russia, NATO get Deadline on Missile Plan

Russia’s NATO envoy, Dmitry Rogozin, has said that Russia and the alliance have until 2018 to find agreement on a prospective United States (U.S.)-led missile defence plan in Europe. Rogozin said the two sides should show creativity in finding a solution that would satisfy both sides before the year 2018, when Washington would like first interceptor missiles to be based in Poland, close to Russia. Moscow considers Washington’s plan as a potential threat to its security. Rogozin stressed that the plan stands a chance of success only if it is implemented with Russia, and not against its interests.

Mexico Arrests Cartel Chief

Mexican police, penultimate Sunday, captured a top leader and founder of the feared Zetas drug cartel wanted in connection with the murder of a US federal agent, authorities said. Police arrested Jesus Enrique Rejon Aguilar, also known as "El Mamito," on Sunday in central Mexico as he was on his way to his mother's house in his home state of Campeche in the south, the Security Ministry said. Rejon Aguilar, the feared cartel's third-ranking leader, is wanted in connection with a February 14 attack that killed US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jaime Zapata and seriously wounded his partner. A day after the capture, 13 gunmen were killed in a firefight with Mexican troops in the volatile northeast.

Blasts Kill 27 in Iraq

Two explosions at a government building on Monday in Taji town in Iraq have killed at least 27 people, officials say. A car bomb and another device detonated in the car park of the municipal building in Taji. Iraq's Deputy Health Minister, Khamis al-Saad, said Monday's blasts in Taji killed at least 27 people. Bombers and gunmen launched a string of attacks against security forces across Iraq, killing at least eight police and soldiers and wounding 20 others on Monday, while a rocket fired from southeast Baghdad struck near a hotel, killing three hotel employees, and setting ablaze three caravans, security sources said. Attacks against Iraqi forces have been increasing as they prepare for the withdrawal of U.S. troops by December.