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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

week 21

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Explosion Rocks Commercial Bus in PH

Residents and traders around the Rumuokoro area of Port Harcourt were, on Thursday, thrown into panic when a commercial bus exploded, leaving one dead and three others injured. But the state government and the police command have ruled out any possibility of a terrorist attack. The police linked the incident to suspected armed robbers on a failed robbery operation. A suspected armed robber was killed when explosives his gang was transporting accidentally went off, police said. Four AK-47 rifles and a large amount of ammunition were recovered, Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Indabawa, said. He noted that the impact of the explosion would have been more if it were an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Indabawa said samples had been collected from the site and would be investigated.

Raging Windstorm Claims Four, Sacks Communities in Cross River

Four persons lost their lives in a raging windstorm in Calabar, Cross River state. The storm also destroyed buildings and sacked communities. The rainstorm swept through 13 out of the 18 LGAs of the state. Three of the victims were said to have been killed either by branches of trees which broke and hit them, or collapsing walls of buildings knocked them down to death, while one was said to have been struck down by thunder.  Assessing the disaster, the Director-General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Vincent Aquah described the destructions caused by the storm as monumental. The south-south states had earlier been warned to brace-up for heavy windstorm in the coming weeks.

Soldier Shoots Police Corporal in Aba

An army captain has allegedly shot and wounded a police corporal while another sustained bruises over an argument in Aba, Abia State. It was gathered that one Corporal Sunday Adamu of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), who was in mufti, had gone to a phone booth when an argument was said to have ensued between Adamu and another young man who was later identified as an army captain. The army captain, who was also in mufti, was reported to have slapped the policeman. A bewildered Adamu retaliated the slap and at the behest of the said army captain, a soldier on uniform who mounted a nearby military armoured personnel carrier (APC) and was watching the incident, jumped down with his gun and allegedly shot the policeman and injured another.

SSS Parades 9 Suspected Robbers in Anambra

The State Security Service (SSS), on Wednesday, in Awka, Anambra State, paraded nine persons over alleged robbery in parts of the state. The suspects included a 23-year-old female, Blessing Orji. The state director of SSS, Alex Okeiyi, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended during a search in their hideouts in Awka. According to Okeiyi, the girl was arrested along with her boyfriend in the hotel. He added that during the raid, 25 handsets, many Sim cards, internet modems and laptops, arms and other dangerous weapons were recovered from them. He added that the suspects belonged to the Vikings Confraternity.

6-Year-Old Abducted in Enugu

Unknown gunmen have abducted a six-year old girl, Kosisochukwu Akilo, from her family house in Enugu. The mother of the girl, Mrs Ebele Akilo, said that the gunmen broke into their house, last weekend, and demanded for money and her trinkets but she told them that she did not have any as her trinkets were stolen barely a month ago. Akilo said they later asked for her children and she showed them where the four of them were sleeping, adding that they quickly grabbed her second daughter, collected her phone and left the house on a bike. Akilo, who works with the state Ministry of Lands, said the kidnappers had yet to contact the family. The State Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said that the police were working on the rescue of the child.

Cult Clash Claims 1 in Bayelsa
…CP Gives Cultists 72-Hour Amnesty to Surrender

Two notorious cult groups in Bayelsa state, Greenlanders and Icelanders, engaged in violent confrontation which left one dead and several others injured Gbamatoru, Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. The clash comes after Governor Seriake Dickson, signed the Anti-Secret Cult Bill into law. The law stipulates that anyone caught risks a 10-year jail term without an option of fine. The Commissioner of Police, Chris Olakpe, whose men had been placed on red alert to smoke out cultists, had also cried out recently that sponsors of cultists in the state had been sending threat messages to his phone. Olakpe, who confirmed the development, said he had earlier granted 72 hours amnesty to cultists to enable them surrender their arms and shun violence.

River Basin Director Killed in Anambra

A deputy director with the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority, Sir Basil Ejezie, was, penultimate Sunday, murdered in his house at Umunze in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State. It was gathered that Ejezie was already in church when he received information that his attention was urgently needed at home. He was said to have left immediately in apprehension but barely 20 minutes after, the story changed and he was reported dead. A relation of his was said to have rushed back to inform the Church that Ejezie had a confrontation with his brothers-in-law and in the process, a scuffle ensued that led to his death.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

7 Policemen, 5 Robbers Killed in Delta State

Suspected armed robbers went on rampage in Delta state and killed at least seven policemen, including a DPO and a soldier at different locations. The security personnel were reportedly killed by gunmen adorned in Nigeria Police uniforms, along major roads between Ibusa, Agbor and Abraka. The Delta State Police spokesman, who confirmed the killings, also revealed that five of the robbers were also killed. Three of the hoodlums were arrested. The police listed items recovered from the hoodlums to include 94 loaded magazines of AK 47 rifle, three bullet proof vests, one rocket launcher, one rocket propelled grenade, five AK 47 rifles, one 9mm zastave pistol and 11 rounds of live ammunition, 3550 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Also recovered was the sum of N2 million, a Toyota Hummer Bus, a Toyota Hiace bus, one Lincoln Navigator SUV, two HP CPU, one network PVR and assorted charms.

Another Reporter Killed in Edo

A crime reporter with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) (Bronze FM), Sashua Edeghagba, was shot dead on Tuesday night by unknown gunmen in Benin City. Investigation revealed that Edeghagba was shot when he went to fix his car, but met a robbery operation. The Controller News of Bronze FM, Olufemi Fulani, said there was a robbery operation which took place near the place where Edeghagba went to repair his car. It was further learnt that in a bid to escape, the robbers were said to have shot sporadically to scare people away, and in the process shot a policeman and Edeghagba. The policeman sustained injuries.

MASSOB Threatens Nationwide Demonstrations over Convicted Members

Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) says its members would embark on nationwide demonstration should the conviction of its members in Asaba, the Delta State capital, not be quashed.  Six members of the organisation, were, last Tuesday, sentenced to six months imprisonment by an Asaba magistrate court for belonging to MASSOB. The administrator for Aba region, Fred Onyenucheya, said it was wrong for the court to have convicted the men based on the fact that they were MASSOB members.

Vigilante Nabs 3 over Theft of Lunatic’s Baby

Okpara Vigilante group in Ethiope East LGA of Delta State, last weekend, arrested three women for allegedly stealing a day-old baby boy from his lunatic mother. The women were arrested after the lunatic, known as Yenrowon Akpotare, raised alarm over the snatching of her baby. Chairman of Okpara-Inland vigilante, Mr Ovoke Ubuara, alleged that the women conspired to steal the child from the lunatic. One of the suspects, who confessed to the crime, however, said her intention was to take the baby to where she resides for proper upbringing and not to steal him.

Ex-Militants Protest Exclusion from Amnesty Programme

More than 2,000 ex-militants in the Niger Delta, Wednesday, protested their alleged exclusion from the Federal Government’s amnesty training programme and threatened to go back to the creeks if urgent steps were not taken to include them in the programme. The former militants said they accepted the 2009 Federal Government’s amnesty proclamation and submitted their arms and were issued certificates but that they had not been included in the amnesty programme. The leader of the group representing Edo State, Abiodun Edah and the Secretary, Tam Odogwu, called on the National Assembly to prevail on the government to fulfill its promise to them. The ex-militants who protested in Benin City said their inclusion was needed for the nation to continue to enjoy peace in the region.

1 Killed in Edo ACN Protest

Internal crisis among the supporters of Edo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), on Monday, turned bloody, as one of the supporters was beaten to death with several others injured in Benin. The Conflict was said to have erupted from opposing members of the Edo State Drivers’ Welfare Scheme whose members were among those who barricaded the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to protest an alleged attempt by the INEC to connive with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to rig the forthcoming July 14, governorship election. The conflict degenerated to a free-for-all resulting in the death of one Wilfred Omonigho.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Lagos Police Nab Suspected Kidnappers

The Lagos State Police Command, Wednesday, said it had arrested seven persons said to have masterminded the kidnap of one Ayodele Olaye, who was later released after N5million ransom was paid in April. The suspects were made up of five males and two females. The Police Public Relations Officer, Joseph Jaiyeoba, said the suspects were caught following intelligence reports supplied to the police after the victim was released. Jaiyeoba lamented that the incident was only brought to police notice after the ransom had been paid. Jaiyeoba said all the suspects had already confessed to the crime. He said they have all been moved to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Ikeja, pending further investigations.

NSCDC Arrests 117 Suspected Fuel Thieves

Ondo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Isa Akanbi Shuabu, disclosed, last weekend, that the command had intercepted seven adulterated fuel laden trucks and arrested 17 suspects arrested since his assumption in the state four months ago. Shuabu identified the state as one where illegal bunkering is very rampant, stating that the seized trucks contained 156,600 litres of adulterated fuel. The commandant, who said the command, had declared zero tolerance for illegal bunkering added that the interception and arrest were made at the riverine areas of the state.

Couple Nabbed for Kidnapping

A couple suspected to be serial kidnappers of international dimension has been nabbed by the men of Lagos State Police command. Mr. Nwangwu Emmanuel and his wife Beatrice Nwangwu were arrested recently by the operatives of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) after a long search. The suspects, according to police source, were arrested in Abuja where the husband was working as a driver to a retired military officer. Before their arrest, the couple had thrown several families into trauma, pains and tears by kidnapping their children and carried them across the border to Ghana where they demanded and received ransoms in millions of naira. Speaking on the arrest, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko who described the couple as notorious noted that most of their victims were children of the families where the wife had served as housemaid.

UNILAG VC Slumps, Dies at 62

Gloom enveloped the academic community of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) following the sudden death of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olatokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe. Sofoluwe, 62, slumped in his office and died, penultimate Saturday. Tributes started pouring in immediately the news of his death filtered out, with president of the Senate, Senator David Mark and former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, among others, expressing grief at his death. The late Sofoluwe, the third UNILAG alumnus to head the university, was born on April 15, 1950 and graduated with a Second Class Upper Division Honours in Special Mathematics in June 1973 from the university.

NDLEA Finds ‘Creamy’ Cocaine at Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded the first seizure of creamy cocaine in Nigeria. The 9.500kg cocaine, which looks like ice cream, was being smuggled into the country in four big coolers by suspected drug trafficker who is currently facing trial over unlawful importation of a kilogramme of cocaine from Brazil in 2010. The suspect, Martin Ikechukwu, was caught with 9.500kg of creamy substance that tested positive for cocaine on his way from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Operatives of the NDLEA detected the drug following suspicion on the four giant size water coolers.

Police Arrest Robbers, Cable Thieves

Men of the Lagos State Police Command, on Tuesday, said it had arrested some armed robbery suspects and cable thieves within Victoria Island, Surulere and Satellite Police Stations, recovering arms, ammunition and stolen cables respectively. The state Police spokesman, Joseph Jaiyeoba, said a team of policemen in Victoria Island intercepted an armed robbery operation in their jurisdiction. He said the robbers had attempted to rob a man of his vehicle before the police chanced on them, arresting a suspect with a toy pistol. Also, another armed robbery suspect was arrested and arms recovered from him by police operatives from the Satellite Police Station. Five persons were also arrested at Alaka Bus Stop by operatives attached to the Surulere Police Station in connection with NITEL cable vandalism.

Driver Drowns in Ibadan River

A bus driver was said to have drowned in a river on the Secretariat-University of Ibadan road, during the rain that fell on Monday night. It was learnt that a section of the road was washed away, while the bridge collapsed. An eyewitness said that at the time of the incident, only the driver and his conductor were in the commercial vehicle. The driver, was however, feared dead, while his conductor was badly injured. The scene of the accident was a bridge under construction along the Bodija-Secretariat Road. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olabisi Okuwobi, confirmed the incident. Meanwhile, the state government has ordered the closure of the road to ensure its speedy completion.

Clashes Erupt in Lagos

Pandemonium broke out at Mile 12 area of Lagos, last weekend, when rival youth gangs in Owode Orile and Mile 12 clashed. The clash claimed one person, while many others were injured. According to eyewitness account, the clash erupted after members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), stormed the area to tax the youths at the Mile 12 bus stop over collection of money. Witnesses said the timely intervention of the police prevented the clash from degenerating. The state Public Relations Officer, Joseph Jaiyeoba, confirmed the clash.

GENERAL

308 in Killed in 118 Sectarian Attacks -FG

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, disclosed that no fewer than 308 persons have been killed in the northern states of the country since the Boko Haram insurgency began. Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (retd), made this known in Abuja at the ongoing ministerial platform to mark the 2012 National Democracy Day and first anniversary of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. He said the victims lost their lives in about 118 attacks carried out by the sect in Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Niger, Yobe and Plateau states, and Abuja. He disclosed that about 33 suspects were arrested. Olubolade, however, assured that the Nigeria police had the capacity to sustain the nation’s nascent democracy.

JTF Uncovers Terrorists Hideout

A Joint Task Force (JTF) operation recorded a major breakthrough Wednesday in Kogi State as a key hideout of terrorists was discovered and dismantled with different kinds of dangerous items recovered. The state Director of SSS, Mike Funbara, confirmed the discovery. Funbara said the command was able to recover 14 locally made hand grenades, eight anti-tank improvised explosive devices (IEDs), one firing cable, three 9 volts power sources, ten AK 47 rifles, two revolver pistols, one berretta pistol, one sub machine gun, one SMG magazine, 545 live ammunition, 55 rounds of 9mm ammunition for pistols, four bondalia bags for carrying magazines, and a Nissan Pathfinder.

FG Approves N1.73bn Surveillance Aircraft for Customs

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, approved the purchase of surveillance aircraft worth N1.73 billion for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to strengthen its anti-smuggling operations. Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said the procurement of the aircraft would enhance the effective surveillance and management of Nigeria’s borders to eliminate economic sabotage and cross-border crimes. The approval followed the ratification of the president’s anticipatory approval after the Council considered a memo presented to it by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

8 Persons Killed in Zamfara Robbery Attack

Eight persons, including four policemen, were feared killed in a shootout between the police and a gang of armed robbers at Dansadau in Maru LGA of Zamfara state, penultimate Sunday. Sources said that two vigilance group members, who were on the spot to assist the police, also died, while five other policemen were missing. The robbers allegedly laid ambush for the police patrol team and opened fire on them. The Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara Police Command, Amiru Sanusi, who confirmed the incident, said he had no details of the number of casualties.

25 Journalists Die in 5 Months

About 25 Nigerian journalists are reported to have died within the first five months of this year. President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mallam Garba Mohammed, disclosed this at the May 2012 Congress of the Lagos State Council of the NUJ.  Giving a breakdown of the causes of the deaths, Mohammed said all the journalists died under the age of 50. He said 19 of the dead journalists died from natural causes while the remaining died either through road accidents or were assassinated.

Gunmen Attack Schools in Kano

Suspected gunmen, on Wednesday night, attacked Ja’en Primary and Farawa Islamiyya Schools in Kumbotso LGA of Kano State. Eye witnesses said the gunmen went to the primary school around 9:00 pm and ordered the security guards to leave the premises before planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the school. The blast affected about 10 vehicles that were parked in the school and two houses around the area. It was gathered that the police were able to defuse the bomb planted at the Farawa Islamiyya School before it detonated. Spokesman of the joint military task force (JTF), Lieutenant Ikedichi Iweha confirmed the incident.

ACF, Northern Governors Warn against Inflammatory Statements

The statement credited to General Muhammadu Buhari that there would be bloodshed if the 2015 elections are rigged is drawing condemnation from key Northern voices. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the pan-Northern group, has asked the former presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to stop making “inflammatory statements”. Aside Arewa, several groups, including the presidency have decried the state. The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) also warned “prominent Nigerians” against statements that are capable of inflicting injury on the nation. The governors asked leaders to be concerned about the unity and development of the country rather than making statements that could further divide it.

Undergraduate to Die for Killing Parents, Siblings

A Kano High Court, on Tuesday, convicted one Bello Garba Bello, to death by hanging for killing his parents and three siblings, two years ago. Justice Halliru Abdullahi said he was satisfied with the evidence tendered before him that the accused had actually committed the five count charges of homicide for which he was charged. The prosecution counsel, Shu'aibu Sule, said the accused had confessed to have committed the offence in a written statement he made to the police. He presented seven witnesses before the court, including the younger brother of the accused, Farouk, whose testimonies corroborated the charges against the defendant. Bello was said to have murdered his father, Garba Bello, an officer with State Security Service (SSS); his mother, Habiba; and three siblings Khalifa, Murja and Hafsa on the night of September 13, 2010.

Road Accident Claims 3

Three persons were feared dead when the vehicle they were travelling with had a headlong collision with another vehicle along the Maiduguri- Damaturu highway, last weekend. It was gathered that those that died in the accident include a nurse and two others whose identity could not be immediately traced. The Head of Operations of Borno State sector command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Amos Yakubu Thliza, confirmed the incident.

3 Killed in Bauchi Explosion

Three persons, including two policemen, were reportedly killed in separate attacks as suspected gunmen opened fire on a Divisional Police Headquarters and bombed a bank, in Yana town of Misau LGA of Bauchi State, penultimate Friday. A team of army personnel was said to have later killed one of the gunmen in an exchange of fire at a check point along Azare highway. The gunmen were said to have attacked the Divisional Police Headquarters and set it ablaze before hurling explosives at the bank, damaging the building.  The State Commissioner of Police, Mallam Mohammed Ladan, who confirmed the incident, said he was yet to ascertain the level of damage.

IG Bans Unauthorised Siren Use

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has ordered a ban on the indiscriminate use of siren, revolving lights, tinted glasses and Police Supernumerary plate numbers by unauthorised persons. Abubakar, said police officers have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of all extant laws regulating their usage. He said the new order followed security reports which indicate that criminals evading arrest now hide under the cover of official privileges and courtesies associated with the use of sirens, revolving lights and Supernumerary plate numbers. The IG has therefore directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police to ensure that all violators of the laws within are arrested and brought to book. He advised motorists to immediately remove from their vehicles all unlawfully procured revolving lights, sirens, tinted glasses and SPY plate numbers.

Oil Theft Ravages Nigerian Economy

Nigeria is on the verge of a major fiscal crisis following unabated massive theft of crude oil in the Niger Delta, according to reports. An unprecedented theft of crude oil is reportedly being perpetrated in the Niger Delta on a daily basis. Shell had recently warned that about $6 billion is lost yearly to crude oil theft. Nigeria is currently exporting 1.85 million bpd of crude oil, representing a drop from the 1.87 million bpd loaded in March and the 1.96 million bpd projection for April. The country is currently losing 17 per cent of crude oil production to theft and this translates to one-fifth of the oil revenue, according to statistics. The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Austen Oniwon, said that the Federal Government had put proper measures in place to curb the theft, as he acknowledged that crude theft has become a major issue.

Police Smash Robbery Gang in Kano

Police in Kano State with the assistance of renowned hunter, Ali Kwarra, have smashed an interstate robbery gang terrorising travellers. According to sources, the suspects were arrested while attempting to rob people on the Hadejia-Maiduguri Road. It was learnt that the robbers engaged the police in a gunfire which lasted several hours while the police reportedly killed three of the robbers. Kwarra alleged that the gang was responsible for the killing of some Indians and Chinese as well as a Policeman in Kano. Weapons including three guns and other dangerous weapons were recovered from them. The state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, confirmed the development.

Gunmen Raid Villages in Adamawa, Kill Several Persons

Unidentified gunmen, penultimate Sunday, raided Burukutu and Suwa villages in Lamurde LGA of Adamawa state, killing several persons. Spokesperson of Adamawa Police Command, Mr. Nemuel Yoila, confirmed the attack. He said the affected areas had been secured, but could also not confirm whether any arrest had been made. Reports indicate that several people lost their lives and many houses destroyed, with residents fleeing the area. The attack comes just two days after a committee set up by the state government to investigate the January violence in Lamurde and three other LGAs submitted its report. The other three LGAs are Numan, Girei and Guyuk.

Soldier, 3 Others Shot Dead

A soldier was allegedly killed, last weekend, during a gun battle between suspected terrorists and the soldiers in Kaduna State. The soldiers were said to have launched a manhunt for the members of the gang in the area. Sources said the latest attacks were carried out around 8p.m. when the soldiers who were on patrol of area were trailed by the suspected terrorists killing one of them. Unknown gunmen in the area had earlier killed a traditional ruler and another policeman in the area and fled on motor bikes. Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, One Mechanised Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Colonel Sani Usman, confirmed the incident. In a related development, three persons were shot dead in Kano state when gunmen riding on a motorcycle attacked them at a bar. Eyewitnesses said that the gunmen parked their motorcycle and began sporadic shooting and injured five other persons.

Gunmen Kill Retiree in Borno

Two gunmen riding in a tricycle, on Tuesday, attacked the Madagnnari residence of a retired technical engineer with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Joseph Ngadda, 60, shooting him dead before his wife and children in the early hours of the day. Borno State Police Command Spokesman, Samuel Tizhe, confirmed the incident, but said no arrests have been.

Gombe Grants Amnesty to Armed Youths

The Gombe State government has granted amnesty to armed youths known as Yan-kalare with the aim of completely stamping out their activities. Also, Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State has approved the immediate payment of N50 million as compensation to victims of Potiskum Cattle Market attacks and bombings that recently claimed many lives and property. The Gombe State Commissioner for Youth and Poverty Alleviation, Mijinyawa Sani Labaran, disclosed the amnesty programme. The programme, which witnessed the submission of weapons from the Kalare boys, would also see to the engagement of 1,200 of them as road marshal assistants, community sanitary workers, security workers and others, after a three-week rehabilitation programme at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Mallam Sidi.

Senate Disowns Convicted Drug Traffickers in Indonesia

Senate President, David Mark, has declared that Nigerians, who are serving jail terms abroad for illicit drug deals or any other criminal activity, should not expect the intervention of the Senate. Mark made the statement in reaction to an observation of Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Mathew Nwagwu that over 300 Nigerians are in Indonesian prisons, out of whom 16 are on death row and would be killed any moment. He recalled that the issue was raised in the sixth Senate and a delegation sent there and other countries where they were serving jail terms. He stressed that the delegation realised that most of them were involved in drug trafficking. Mark warned that though the legislators would not allow Nigerians to suffer illegitimately, anyone caught for breaching laws should not expect government’s protection.

18 Die in Borno Auto Accident

Eighteen passengers, on Thursday, died in a head-on collision involving a Volkswagen taxi and Borno Express bus at Jakana in Borno State. Six of the passengers and the two drivers of the vehicles were seriously wounded in the mishap. One of the vehicles allegedly veered off from its lane and rammed into the on-coming one. One of the eyewitnesses said before the rescue team of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) arrived at the scene of the accident, 18 people had died. The FRSC Sector Commander, Amos Thizha, confirmed the incident.

Military Ready for Any Crisis – Minister

Defence Minister, Bello Mohammed, said, on Thursday, that the Armed Forces were in a state of combat readiness needed to surmount all issues of insecurity, internal or external. He said government has ensured this by funding the requirements of the different arms of the military. Speaking at the ministerial platform, the minister noted that the state of combat readiness was achieved following the repairs and upgrading of a number of Armoured Fighting Vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers for the Nigerian Army. He also said the acquisitions of the warship, NNS Thunder, and a number of Shaldag Fast Patrol Boats for the Navy, in addition to existing weaponry for the two services, had made them combat-ready.

FG Lobbies NASS to Criminalise Abandoned Projects

The Federal Government has said it will soon criminalise abandoned public projects to end the practice among successive governments.  A bill on the matter has been forwarded to the National Assembly and it is getting the attention of the lawmakers. The Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, broke the news in Gombe at the flag-off of the Northeast Zonal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Computation in Nigeria.

INTERNATIONAL

Afghan Soldier Kills US Colleague

An Afghan soldier opened fire on NATO troops in eastern Afghanistan, penultimate Friday, killing an American and leaving two others wounded, officials said. The death brings to 20 the number of NATO soldiers killed by Afghan colleagues in at least 15 separate attacks this year. The shootings have forced US-led troops to step up security and fanned tensions between Western soldiers and the Afghan security forces they are supposed to be training to take responsibility for the country by 2014. NATO's mission in Afghanistan confirmed that a man dressed in local army uniform "turned his weapon against coalition service members" and killed a soldier and fled.

Nepal Air Crash Claims 11

An aircraft with 21 people on board crashed in a mountainous region of northern Nepal on Monday. According to the police, there were 18 passengers and three crew members on board. The site of the crash is a remote area so there is no telephone network and it is feared that there may be many deaths, police spokesman, Binod Singh, said. Singh said the Agni Air plane crashed into a hill near Jomsom, a popular area for trekkers near the Annapurna mountain range.

Afghan Peace Negotiator Killed

A top member of the Afghan peace council and close adviser to President Hamid Karzai has been shot and killed by a gunman in Kabul. Former Taliban official turned peace negotiator, Arsala Rahmani, was killed in the west part of the capital, said police spokesman, Mohammad Zahir. Rahmani, an ex-member of parliament, was among about 70 influential Afghans and former Taliban members appointed by President Karzai to try to reconcile with the insurgents. Rahmani was the Taliban's higher education minister during their rule from 1996-2001. He left the insurgent group and joined Karzai's government after the Afghanistan war began in 2001 in the wake of the September 11 attacks by al Qaeda on the US.

Palestinians to End Hunger Strike after Agreements Reached

Some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are set to end their mass hunger strike after the Israeli authorities pledged to improve their conditions. The deal was struck as the International Red Cross warned that several of the inmates were close to death and urged Israel to transfer them to hospital. Most of the prisoners have been refusing food since April 17 but several have been on hunger strike for nearly 3 months. The Palestinian Minister for Prisoner Affairs, Issa Qaraqe, said Palestinian prisoner leaders signed the deal at an Israeli jail in Ashkelon. Israel's Shin Bet security agency and Palestinian militant groups confirmed the deal, which was brokered by Egyptian mediators. The prisoners protest was sparked by growing anger at Israel's policy of "administrative detention", where prisoners can be held for long periods without trial.

Syria Violence Kills 25

Violence in Syria cost at least 25 lives, last weekend. Meanwhile, nine soldiers and an army deserter were killed in clashes between rebel groups and regime forces in Idlib province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. But the state news agency, SANA, said authorities thwarted an infiltration attempt by an "armed terrorist group" from Turkey and entered the Idlib city of Jisr al-Shughur. Syrian forces killed and wounded a number of the "terrorists," as the rest fled back into Turkey, SANA added, saying the groups' weapons had been seized and RPG launchers and machineguns. Troops stormed a village in central Syria on Sunday and rained shells on rebel strongholds Douma and Rastan, monitors said. The assault claimed several lives.

Francois Hollande Sworn in as French President

Francois Hollande was, on Tuesday, sworn in as president of France, becoming the first Socialist leader in 17 years to occupy the Elysee Palace. In his inaugural address, he said he was aware of the challenges ahead, including the debt crisis, and vowed to "open a new path in Europe". Hollande called for "a compromise" over the German-led focus on austerity as the way out of the eurozone crisis. Hollande was sworn in for a five-year term at the Elysee Palace in central Paris. Outgoing President Nicolas Sarkozy handed over France's nuclear launch codes to Hollande before leaving.

South Sudan Airlifts Citizens from Sudan

In an internationally backed humanitarian airlift, the first group of 12,000 South Sudanese ordered out of Sudan last month as conflict flared between the two neighbours has landed in the southern nation’s capital, Juba. The airlifted South Sudanese were among thousands of southerners living in Sudan who were left without official residency papers after South Sudan broke away last July. The southerners’ plight in the north has become more acute as simmering disputes between Khartoum and Juba over oil exports, border demarcation and reciprocal citizenship rights. South Sudan’s Ambassador to Sudan, Kau Nak Maper, said the flights would continue until the last Southerner, who wished to return, is in South Sudan. In South Sudan, thousands of Sudanese citizens also face a new government that has declared them expatriates, but appears willing to let them stay.

Uganda Captures LRA Commander, Achellam

Ugandan military has captured Caesar Achellam, one of the top five leaders of Lord Resistance Army (LRA), led by Joseph Kony. The Uganda People’s Defence Force announced that Achellam, a Major-General in Kony’s outfit of about 200 fighters, was captured in an ambush, penultimate Saturday, along the banks of the River Mbou in neighbouring Central African Republic (CAR). They said Achellam had been armed with just an AK-47 rifle and eight rounds of ammunition. He was being held with his wife, a young daughter and a helper. The army, which has a force hunting for Kony full-time in the jungles of CAR, backed by American troops, said the capture of Achellam would encourage other fighters to abandon the LRA. Kony, a self-styled mystic leader, accused of war crimes, fled northern Uganda in 2005.

Mexican Navy Arrests Suspect in Killing of Four Marines
…Police Find 49 Mutilated Bodies

Mexico's navy has caught a member of the Zetas drug gang who allegedly participated in the brutal torture and killing of four Marines in the eastern state of Veracruz in April. Marcos Jesus Hernandez Rodriguez was the "suspected head of a group of hitmen" for the Zetas and is blamed for the torture and death of at least four members of the Marines. Hernandez Rodriguez, also under investigation in connection with seven other murders, was arrested, penultimate Wednesday. Similarly, Mexican police have found 49 mutilated bodies dumped in black plastic bags near the northern city of Monterrey. The find comes just days after police discovered the dismembered, decapitated bodies of 18 people in two abandoned vehicles.

Five Killed in Bogota Bombing

A bomb exploded in a crowded area of Bogota Tuesday, killing five people in what Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos, said was an attempt to assassinate a former interior minister, Fernando. Santos said Londono's driver and a police guard were killed in the blast which ripped through an area of north-western Bogota that is normally crowded with pedestrians from nearby office buildings and universities. Londono was interior minister under former president Alvaro Uribe, a hardliner who governed from 2002 to 2010. The Red Cross said five people were killed in the explosion, and 17 others were injured.

Alleged Israel Spy Hanged in Iran over Scientist Killing

A man convicted of killing an Iranian nuclear scientist in Tehran two years ago has been hanged, according to reports from Iran. Majid Jamali Fashi, 24, was convicted of killing Professor Massoud Ali Mohammadi by detonating a bomb outside his home in January 2010. Fashi was also accused of being a spy for the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad and receiving $120,000 for the killing. Israel does not comment on such claims. Professor Massoud Ali Mohammadi was a particle physics professor at Tehran University. He is one of several high-profile nuclear scientists to have been killed in Tehran in recent years. Iran has repeatedly accused Israel and the US of trying to harm its nuclear programme.

EU Forces Raid Somali Pirates’ Bases

European Union (EU) naval forces using helicopter have destroyed several boats during their maiden raid on pirate bases on the Somali mainland, near the notorious port of Haradhere. The anti-piracy forces have previously been reluctant to attack mainland bases, fearing for the crew of captured ships. But the Somalia-based pirates continue to seize vessels across the Indian Ocean and demand huge ransoms for their release. They are believed to be holding about 17 ships and 300 crews. The overnight raid on Somali pirate bases, according to reports, was small but significant since it was the first time after the EU set up its naval patrol force off Somalia in December 2008 that it has taken the fight to the pirates’ home base. Naval officers said there were no casualties on either side.

ECOWAS Deploys Troops in G’Bissau, Mali

Chiefs of Defence Staff of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have ended a meeting in Abuja, unfolding details of troops’ deployment in Guinea Bissau and Mali to bolster the restoration of constitutional rule after military coups in the two countries. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Defence minister Bello Mohammed has stressed that part of the strategic plans of the ministry was to complement the promotion of internal security particularly in flash-point areas, ensure security and stability in the West African sub-region and participate in bilateral operations. Regional leaders, had, earlier authorised the deployment of contingents of the ECOWAS Standby Force in both member states.

Kenya Assures of Safety after Explosions

Kenyan government has assured tourists that the country is safe despite Tuesday’s evening attack in the port city of Mombasa where one person died and four others were injured in three explosions. Tourism Minister Dan Mwazo said security agencies have embarked on investigations geared at arresting and prosecuting those behind the attack at the popular Bella Vista Night Club. No fewer than five people were seriously injured in the explosions on Tuesday night after armed terrorists were denied entry when they refused to be frisked by security guards. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attacks which came as Kenyan military are in Somalia pursuing Al-Shabaab insurgents blamed for several abductions and grenade attacks in the country.

Embassies in Pakistan get Threat Letters

Several western embassies in Pakistan, on Wednesday, received letters containing suspicious powder and threats to poison supplies for NATO soldiers in Afghanistan. Islamabad Police Chief, Bani Amin, said that the embassies had received small packets containing black powder, which had been sent for laboratory analysis. The letters said the powder was a sample of “poison” that would be hidden in NATO supplies if Pakistan lifts a nearly six-month blockade on convoys carrying supplies for troops fighting the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan. A diplomat at one of the embassies said the accompanying handwritten letter was in broken English and threatened to avenge militants killed in Afghanistan by poisoning food supplies in the convoys.