Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 27

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Gunmen Kill Party Chairman in Rivers State

Gunmen have killed the Rivers State Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, Mr. Julius Nwaofu. Nwaofu was said to have been shot several times by his assailants while on his way home from the Port Harcourt International Airport. Caleb, son of the late ANPP chief, said that his father had been receiving threat messages from unidentified persons few weeks before he was killed. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ben Ugwuegbulam, said the police had commenced investigation into the killing.

7 Killed in Anambra Police, Robbers Clash

Seven persons were feared dead when policemen and armed robbers engaged in a fierce gun duel at Okija, Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. It was gathered that the armed robbers, who were dressed in army uniform, suffered the highest casualty when they tried to double-cross a police van on patrol. A source disclosed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Task Force on Heinous Crimes, Zone C, was on patrol when the armed robbers attacked them. During the gun duel, four members of the gang were shot dead while police recorded three casualties.

Traffic Officials Kill Student in Rivers

The Rivers State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has raised the alarm over an alleged extra-judicial murder of an undergraduate student in Port Harcourt by some traffic officials. The group made this known on Wednesday, even as it commended the police in the state for arresting and charging four officials of the state Rivers State Traffic Management Agency (TIMA-RIV) over the alleged murder of Tasie Nyenke. Six TIMARIV officials, according to the CLO, on May 19, violently attacked Tasie, 34, beating him to a pulp before bolting away with his car. The accused were arraigned on Monday, June 25, before a Port Harcourt Senior Magistrate Court, on a two-count charge of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.  The trial magistrate ordered that they be remanded in prison custody

Bayelsa Communities Clash over Proceeds from Stolen Crude

Operatives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), Thursday, averted a bloody communal clash between the youths of the Odogwuama and Tamana communities of Oporoma in Bayelsa State over alleged disagreement on the proceeds from stolen crude oil. The crisis, which had last week escalated and led to exchange of gun fire between youths of the warring communities. Also, the two factional chiefs parading themselves as traditional rulers of the warring communities were sacked. Following the continued crisis in the communities, operatives of the JTFD were deployed in the area to protect oil facilities. On sighting officers of JTF some of the youths escaped while, one person was arrested and some firearms recovered.

JTF Arrests Contractor for Oil Theft

The Joint Task Force in Niger Delta has commenced investigations into the involvement of a Lagos-based firm, Magnum International Limited, in illegal bunkering and oil theft in the area. The company is said to be the owner of a vessel, Princess Nnenna, which was arrested by the JTF while allegedly loading illegally refined Automated Gas Oil and crude oil along the waterways of Brass LGA of Bayelsa State. It was learnt that the JTF troops intercepted the ship at Mansion Creek in the LGA on June 24. The ship was said to have been seized while loading illegally refined products.

Gunmen Attack Awka Market Leaders

Gunmen numbering about seven, last weekend, attacked traders at the Eke Awka main market during an executive meeting of the market leaders, wounding many and carting away some money. According to an eye-witness account, 70 market leaders who were in the meeting scampered to safety, as the gunmen caused stampede and disrupted the meeting with many of them being injured in the process.  The market leader alleged that the gunmen were allegedly sent against them by a former leader of the market, who had been restrained by a court from further parading themselves as the Executives of the Awka Market Amalgamated Traders Association.

Chevron to Pay Claims after Rig Fire

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has agreed to pay claims to the communities affected by the fire incident that occurred on drilling rig, KS Endeavor, which led to months of leakage of natural gas from its Funiwa1A gas well in Bayelsa State. In a statement signed by its General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Deji Haastrup, the company said it would address each claim according to its merit, which will be determined by an integrated body set up for that purpose.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

5 In Police Net Over Fax Fraud

Five persons, including a teenager have been arrested by the security men of the Nigeria Police attached to the Board of Internal Revenue over an illegal issuing of tax receipts and collection of levies from unsuspecting motorists in Benin City. No identity card was found on them. The suspects, who were paraded before the executive Chairman, Edo State Board of Internal Revenue, Chief (Sir) Oseni, Elamah claimed they were employees carrying out their duties according to the instructions from their supervisor, Mr. Kingsley Omorogbe. In view of their statements, the BIR Chairman Chief Oseni stated that the State Government had since halted the collection of taxes in the state and ordered that their office be raided immediately.

Police Uncover Firearm Factory

The Edo State Police Command has uncovered an illegal firearm factory at Otuo in Owan East LGA of the state. The factory was discovered at Ughoma forest following a tip-off. One person was arrested while 10 firearms including several live cartridges were recovered by the police at the factory. The police said hoodlums hired firearms from the illegal factory. The State Commissioner of Police, Olayinka Balogun, said the operators were into firearms manufacturing and assembling.  Balogun stated that the command is ready to cleanse the state of illegal firearms as the governorship election approaches.

Gunmen Attack Oshiomhole

The convoy of Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole again came under gun attack, on Thursday, by thugs hired by the PDP. The Governor’s campaign train had stopped at Usen, Ovia South West LGA of Edo State where Governor Oshiomhole had paid the customary homage to the Elawure of Usen at his palace. The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Louis Odion, said that the governor’s convoy ran into a barricade and as the security details attached to the Governor came down to remove the barricade, tens of heavily armed thugs emerged and opened fire on the Governor. But the security details and policemen were able to protect the governor. Odion said that the state government condemned the latest assault.

Soldiers Destroy Drums of Illegally Refined Diesel

Men of Operation Thunderstorm in Edo, on Wednesday, destroyed over 50,000 drums containing illegally refined diesel products. The drums were destroyed at Gelegele Community in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State. Investigations revealed that the diesel was refined in illegal refineries located in the creeks of Ondo, Delta and Bayelsa states. Gelegele residents wept profusely as they watched helplessly while the soldiers destroyed what they regarded as their means of livelihood. The residents said they took to the illegal trade as their last option because the activities of oil companies had destroyed their farmlands and aquatic lives.

Man Bags Jailed for Raping 10-Year-Old

A Benin Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 21 year-old man to three years imprisonment for raping a 10 year-old girl. The man, Femi Ali, was charged on the one count-charge and convicted of rape. Prosecutor Chuks Nnamdi called five witnesses to testify against the accused person, who pleaded not guilty to the charge.  Ali was staying with his elder brother as tenant in the house owned by the father of the girl. Mike Iyere, counsel to the accused person, pleaded for leniency, and said that the Ali was like a member of the girl’s family. Delivering his judgment, the presiding Magistrate, Mr. Fred Akhere, said that about 80 per cent of rape cases were committed by persons close to the victims’ family.

NDLEA Hauls 151 Drug Dealers in Edo

Edo State Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Alhaji Sani Ibrahim has confirmed that a total of 151 drug dealers were arrested between February and June 2012 in the state. Alhaji Ibrahim said of the 151 arrested persons, 111 are males and 40 females, adding that the agency has also made seizure of 19,612 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp), 12.5 grammes of cocaine, and 6.5 grammes of heroin and destroyed 67 hectares of cannabis sativa farm for the period. He noted that other security agencies have collaborated in helping the agency to carry out its function effectively, adding that the NDLEA in Edo state has concluded plans to embark on farms destruction across the state which, have been identified through air surveillance by the Nigeria Air Force while the state Security Services (SSS) had also helped to identify the various black spots in the state which was helped the agency in its operation.

Edo Police Blacklists 3 Companies for Fraud

Edo State police Command has blacklisted three companies for engaging in fraudulent deals aimed at swindling unsuspecting members of the public in Benin City. The companies are Fafesto Galaxy Company, Plamork Nigeria Ltd, and Damark Nigeria Ltd in Benin City. This was contained in a press release endorsed by the public Relations Officer (PRO), Edo State police Command, DSP Anthony Airhuoyo. It stated that the companies had attracted some members of the public with empty promises to either double or pay a very high percentage of money deposited with them as interest within a very limited number of days. The statement advised members of the public to be vigilant of these swindlers and their agents.

SSS Alerts on Fake Recruitment

The department of state services has alerted members of the public over the activities of some unscrupulous elements designed to defraud them. A statement by E.C Okoye on behalf of the state Director of security, Edo State, said information availed the service has revealed that there have been incidents of fraudsters selling documents purported to be State Security Services (SSS) recruitment forms to unsuspecting job seekers while also fleecing them of huge sums of money. The statement therefore advised members of the public to be wary of the activities of these fraudsters in order not to fall victims.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Man Stabbed to Death by Friend

A 25-year-old man, Adeyinka Adetayo, has been arraigned in court for stabbing his friend, Elegbede Oriyomi, to death for failing to attend his son’s naming ceremony. The incident, according to police prosecutor, Inspector Banji Sangotokun, took place penultimate Thursday in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The victim was until his death, a serving officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command. The prosecutor alleged that Adetayo, was angry that the deceased did not attend his son’s naming, causing a heated argument broke out between the accused and the late Oriyomi. According to investigation, Oriyomi broke a bottle and the accused forcefully collected it and stabbed him in his hand and ear. He was immediately taken to hospital, where he died.

PHCN Cable Kills Traders in Ibadan

At least five traders were killed in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, when a distribution cable belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) fell on them at the Apata Market. It was gathered that the electricity cable fell on the victims around 7am. According to a tailor in the neighbourhood, Sikiru Ajiboye, residents of the area had earlier lodged a complaint about the state of the cable to the PHCN management. Ajiboye, who recalled that the cable had problems on several occasions, said two people had been killed before. Eyewitnesses said the death toll in the market would have been higher if the cable had fallen during a busy period. The Divisional Police Officer, Apata, Mr. Agboola Abiodun;  a youth leader in the community, Mr. Wahab Bamidele and other youths in the area took part in the rescue efforts.

SSS Dismisses Two Operatives for Armed Robbery

State Security Service has dismissed two of its officials for their alleged involvement in armed robbery in Akure, Ondo State. The two operatives have already been handed over to the police. A statement by the SSS Deputy Director, Media and Public Relations, Marilyn Ogar, on Tuesday, said the men committed the offence on June 14. The two personnel had been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court for armed robbery and remanded in prison. They were reportedly arraigned before Chief Magistrate, Igbekele Akinyele, on two counts of conspiracy and armed robbery. The police accused them of robbing a car dealer, Peter Denis, of N480, 000.

Floods Wreak Havoc in Lagos, Ogun

Flooded roads and homes, broken down vehicles, stranded commuters and anguished residents. That was the lot of Lagos Thursday after over 12 hours of downpour flooded many parts of the metropolis and its suburbs. The state government said that the worst was not over yet as more heavy rains are expected in the next one week, just as it advised those living in lowlands to relocate pending when the heavy rain would subside. It was also gathered that no fewer than three persons were feared dead in different parts of the state because of the floods. The state government issued an emergency alert that the state would witness heavier rainfall. Ondo and Ogun states also suffered damage as the rains continued to batter the states, and trapping residents at home.

Retired Army Officer Shot Dead in Ondo

A retired officer of the Nigerian Army, Major Olawole Emmanuel, was on Tuesday night shot dead by unknown assailants at Fanibi Area of Akure in Ondo State. They shot his wife and his house-help who tried to shout for help from the neighbours. A neighbour, who witnessed the incident, disclosed that two young men came into the house and requested to see ‘Daddy’. The security man at the gate said the late Major was not interested in seeing anyone at that late hour of the day. But one of them had scaled through the fence of a neighbour’s house entered through the back and put a gun to the head of the security man, before proceeding to the house to kill the major.

Four Security Officials Die in Auto Crash

Four officials of the Oyo state Joint security patrol team, Operation Burst, were killed in an auto crash in Ibadan. It was learnt that the crash happened as the security patrol team attempted to beat the traffic gridlock along Mokola-Sango-UI-Ojoo Expressway. The van hit an electric pole at a sharp bend and skidded to the other side of the expressway. In the process, he said, the patrol van driver, having lost control, rammed into a commercial vehicle from the opposite direction. Four members of the security outfit reportedly died on the spot while others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olabisi Ilobanafor, confirmed the incident.

Ogun Police Uncover Ritualists’ Shrine

The Ogun State Police Command, Tuesday, said that it had uncovered a shrine belonging to ritualists and fraudsters in Iganke, a border town between Ogun and Lagos states. The shrine was filled with charms and other scary elements. Police Commissioner, Mr. Ikemefunna Okoye, said two people had been arrested over the incident. Okoye said his men had been on the lookout for shrines and others places where evils were being perpetrated in the state. He said the arrest of two members of the group in abetting led to the discovery of the shrine.

2 Docked For Rape in Osogbo

Two 18-year-olds, Rafiu Akeem and Olasupo Wasiu, were on Monday, arraigned before an Osogbo Senior Magistrate’s Court for alleged rape. The police prosecutor, Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 1, when they forcefully had carnal knowledge of one Sadiat Abimbola. The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence brought against them. The defense counsel, Mr. Dauda Oyewole, applied for bail and promised to provide reliable sureties. The Senior Magistrate, Olusola Aluko granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

3rd Mainland Bridge Repairs: Lagos Unveils Alternative Routes

The Lagos State Government, Wednesday, unveiled alternative routes, which motorists could ply while the repair of the Third Mainland Bridge is done, stating that the bridge would only be partially closed. Some of the alternative routes to include Herbert Macaulay, Carter Bridge, Funsho Williams Avenue, Eko Bridge, Ikorodu Road, Agege Motor, Iddo Road and Ijora Olopa road among others. In the course of the repair works, there are eight joints on the bridge that would be affected, and three of the joints are on the lane moving from Oworonshoki to the Island. The repair works are due to commence on July 1.

GENERAL

Governors Insists on State Police

Governors, on Monday, canvassed for a special fund to cater to financing of operations of the police and other security agencies, especially in the Northern states where Boko Haram has unleashed terror. The governors, rising from a meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), urged the Federal Government to set aside the special fund as a way of addressing insecurity in Nigeria. They also reiterated their demand for state police to help them fight crime in their domains. NGF Chairman, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, said the governors, following a briefing from the National Security Adviser (NSA), had reiterated the need for closer cooperation between the states and the Federal Government in addressing security challenges. He also stressed the need for the governors to be given the necessary power to enable them to effectively perform their duty as the chief security officers in their respective states.

States Evacuate Students from Zaria, as Army Sends Reinforcement

There were indications that some state governments had sent luxury buses to evacuate their students from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, just as more security operatives were being deployed in Kaduna. The Public Relations Officer, ABU, Mr. Bitrus Galmaka, said the development would definitely affect the institution’s academic calendar. Meanwhile, our correspondent learnt that five luxury buses, belonging to the Nigerian Army, headed for Kaduna from Abuja at about 10am to augment the number of security personnel on the ground.

Gunmen Free 40, Kill Eight in Yobe Prison Break

Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, was yesterday the scene of yet another gun battle. Unknown gunmen, who are suspected to be members’ of the Islamist sect Boko Haram, attacked a satellite prison in the town, freeing 40 inmates. Yobe State Commissioner of Police Patrick Egbuniwe confirmed the jail break, adding that some of the gunmen were killed but their members carted away with them their bodies. Egbuniwe disclosed that a combined team of policemen and soldiers are after the attackers whom he said are being traced to Bundigari and Pawari wards of Damaturu. Some security sources, however, said that seven prisoners and one warder were killed. Egbuniwe insisted that only one prisoner was killed.

PDP Chairman, Wife, Child Killed in Jos

Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party in Sharubutu Ward of Bachit District of Riyom LGA of Plateau State, John Baren, his wife and child, were killed on Thursday by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen. An eyewitness said the Barens were returning from the funeral of a relation in Riyom when they were killed in the afternoon, in a forest. A member of the state House of Assembly, Daniel Dem, condemned the killings and called on the state’s Special Task Force to step up efforts to apprehend the hoodlums. Spokesman for the police in the state, Abu Emmanuel, said the Barens were on their way home when their attackers hacked them to death.

Senate Wants Special Courts on Terrorism

The Senate, on Wednesday, called on the Federal Government to create special courts for terrorism. In a 15-point resolution at the end of their retreat in Uyo Akwa Ibom state, the senators urged the Federal Government to create bilateral and multi-lateral networking in curbing terrorism. The resolution signed by the Chairman, Communiqué Committee, Senate Retreat 2012, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, resolved to strengthen the law relating to insecurity and terrorism. It was observed that countering terrorism and insecurity in the country require new legislations and re-examination of existing legal framework on security.

FEC Approves N12bn for Maritime Security

Contracts worth N12.14 billion have been awarded by the Federal Government for maritime security and movement along the country’s coastal areas. This was the outcome of Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan where he explained that the decision to beef up security around the country’s coastal areas was in line with international guidelines and security regime required for enhanced comfort to shipping. The contracts are scheduled to be completed in two years.

Renewed Clashes Claim 10 in Benue, Ebonyi

Ten persons were feared dead in a renewed fighting between the bordering communities of Agila in Ado LGA of Benue State and Ngwo in Ebonyi State. The land dispute erupted in the early hours of Tuesday with the Ngwo community allegedly deploying mercenaries into Agila.  An eye-witness at the Benue end of the border said that the renewed fighting has forced inhabitants of Ai-Nedu clan in Agila to flee for safety. According to him, farmers of Ai-Nedu community had gone to carry out their routine farming activities when they ran into an ambush of over 100 men, dressed in military camouflage and armed with sophisticated weapon. The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, Ejike Alaribe, said the police recorded one death in the fighting.

Bandits Kill Policeman, Two Others, in Bank Raids

Gunmen suspected to be armed robbers, on Tuesday night, raided three commercial banks in Taraba State, killing a policeman and two unidentified persons, as they carted away large sums of money. The State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Ibrahim Maishanu, who confirmed the robbery, said the operation lasted for three hours. Police spokesman, Amos Olaoye, said the three persons were killed during a gunfight between the police and the hoodlums. He said   no fewer than 30  robbers   also attacked the Divisional Police Headquarters and Area Command but were prevented from gaining access to the armoury, adding that no arm was removed during the simultaneous attacks.

7 Pupils Die as Rain Causes Floods in Nasarawa

An early morning downpour, on Wednesday, wreaked havoc in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, as seven school pupils, ages four to seven years, trapped in their classrooms, died before rescue could get there. The rain also affected many houses within the vicinity due to lack of proper drainage. An eyewitness told Nigerian Tribune that the classrooms which were erected with iron sheets on waterways could not withstand the force of the torrent and was pulled down suddenly.  The rescue team from the state fire service could not get to the school environment due to bad road and violent flow of water, until it stopped. The state chief fire officer, Alhaji Dogara Dalhatu, confirmed the incident, and blamed it on non-compliance with physical planning regulations.

24 Die in Kano, Taraba, Yobe as Police, Terrorists Clash

The Kano State Police Command, on Wednesday, disclosed that it had killed 17 suspected gunmen who attacked the police post at Dala with multiple explosions on Tuesday night. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, said three of the suspected gunmen were arrested, while the command defused 14 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted in different locations. The CP said that the command lost one police officer, as he explained that the command also recovered five assault rifles, 220 live ammunitions, five vehicles, three motorcycles and the sum of N100, 000 including large quantities of drugs and syringes. He assured residents that the situation was under control. Similarly, in Damaturu, Yobe State, gunmen attacked a police outpost in Sabon Pegi ward and killed two civilians during gun exchange with the Joint Task Force (JTF). Two of the suspects were killed by the JTF, while one was arrested.

Residents Discover Unexploded Bombs in Jos

Two explosions were, on Monday, averted when two unexploded bombs were discovered in Tudun Wada, a suburb of Jos, Plateau State. The densely populated area is mostly inhabited by Christians. One of the bombs was planted close to a residential building, while the other was discovered under a parked vehicle. The objects were said to have caught the attention of the residents who immediately alerted the security operatives. The security agents cordoned off the area to avert any untoward incident. The STF spokesman, Captain Salisu Mustapha, who confirmed the incident, said both devices had been detonated by the anti-bomb squad of the Plateau State Police Command, and no casualty was recorded.

Police Smash Abduction Syndicate, Rescue Two Boys

The Niger State Police Command has smashed a syndicate, which specialised in the abduction of children for ritual purposes in Kontagora and Kagara areas.  It was learnt that the leader of the syndicate, Ismaila Mamuda, was arrested by the police, based on a report by a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). Mamuda was going to Minna, where he was expected to deliver two boys to one Alhaji Nma Tanimu Mohammed. Upon his arrest, Mamuda said he did not kidnap the kids and denied any connection with the principal suspect, Ismaila Kasimu. The state Police Commissioner, Mrs. Desaye Desire Nsirim, said Kasimu confessed that one Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed of Kontagora town asked him to convey the kids to one Alhaji Nma Tanimu Mohammed in Minna for ritual purposes. She also explained that Kasimu confessed to have masterminded the kidnap of two other kids in March, and got N1.1m out of the deal.

Jonathan Sacks NNPC Board

President Goodluck Jonathan, Tuesday, retired the entire management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Mr. Andrew Yakubu was appointed as the new Group Managing Director to replace Austen Oniwon. A statement from the Presidency said the appointment is to further strengthen the ongoing reforms and transformation of the nation’s petroleum sector, and to achieve greater transparency and accountability in government. The incoming Group Managing Director, Engr. Andrew Yakubu, graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1979 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He joined the NNPC in 1980.

New NSA, Dasuki, Meets with Sambo

New National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), on Tuesday, held a closed-door meeting with Vice-President Namadi Sambo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. President Goodluck Jonathan, had, penultimate Friday, appointed Dasuki, a former ADC to former military President Ibrahim Babangida, to replace Gen Owoye Azazi as the NSA. Azazi was sacked alongside the Minister of Defense, Dr. Haliru Bello. Jonathan justified the sacking, saying it was borne out of the need to change tactics in order to confront the Boko Haram sect. Meanwhile,

Police Release Security Tips to Religious Bodies

Churches and mosques have been advised to establish standard security and safety committee whose members should be volunteers with impeccable backgrounds and a passion for safety and security.  Proper vetting and background checks must be carried out on all prospective members to avoid infiltration by enemies. Force spokesman, Frank Mba, said that the churches and mosques might consider the option of organising constant trainings, workshops and seminars for committee members. He further advised that they consider erecting barriers to keep human and vehicular traffic away from designated areas as an effective way of preventing suicide bombing is to isolate the suicide bomber and prevent him from reaching his target.

Gun Battle, Explosions in Kano, Yobe

Guns boomed again in Kano, and Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Tuesday night. Explosives were set off in attacks on a police station and a prison in Kano. The Joint Task Force (JTF) returned fire, combing the area for suspects. Kano and Damaturu have been the centre of operations by terrorists, particularly the Islamist Boko Haram. In Kano, gunmen suspected to be members of the sect stormed the police station and the prison yard near frontline businessman Ishyaku Rabiu’s home in Dala LGA within the metropolis. They set off explosives and fired guns sporadically.

Suspected Vandal Arrest on Telecoms Mast

A suspected cable vandal was caught in the act as he got stuck on top a telecoms mast. The suspect, whose name was giving as Babangida Bangis, 30, had in the early hours of the day, climbed the mast to vandalise it but was unable to come down out of fear. The incident attracted the attention of residents of the community, motorists and passers-by to the scene located a few metres away from the Bauchi-Dass Road axis. It was gathered that it took the efforts of two policemen, who climbed up the mast, where the suspect was hanging, to persuade him to come down. The state Police Public Relations Officer confirmed that the suspect had been arrested.

Woman, 48, Arrested with 66 Wraps of Narcotics

A 48 year-old woman, Mande Fatima Bala, has set a new record in narcotic smuggling in the country. She inserted 66 wraps of substances that tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing one kilogramme, in her genitals as she attempted to board a Kenyan Airways flight to Nairobi. According to the Agency, no suspect has ever inserted such a large quantity of drugs in his or her private part since the establishment of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in 1989.

INTERNATIONAL

Policemen Killed in Mexico Airport Shooting

Three Mexican policemen have been killed in a shootout with two other officers at Mexico City's main airport. Officials say those shot dead were attempting to arrest the two officers who are suspected of involvement in a cocaine trafficking ring.  Passengers dived for cover when the suspected traffickers opened fire, killing two officers immediately and injuring a third who later died. The two suspects escaped and are being sought by the authorities. Meanwhile, about 25 people were killed and more than 20 injured, last weekend, when a bus ran off a freeway and fell down an embankment in Guerrero state, Mexico, authorities said. Nine of the dead were children. The crash occurred when the bus' brakes apparently failed while it was traveling over a steep incline.

Thousands of Land Mines Planted by Al Qaeda in Yemen -Defense Ministry

Land mine explosions have killed at least 73 people in Yemen's Abyan province since al Qaeda fighters were defeated two weeks ago, the Yemeni Defense Ministry said. Among those killed were 23 soldiers. The ministry said that tens of thousands of land mines were planted before militants were driven out of their key strongholds, as an ambush to retaliate for their defeat. A senior Defense Ministry official told CNN that more than 200 experts are involved in the mine removal operation, but he would not give a deadline for when the province would be mine-free. Col. Saeed Ali Mishal, head of the engineering unit tasked with clearing the mines, said the government managed to clear 3,119 land mines this week from the towns of Zinjibar, Jaar, and Shuqra.

Morsi is Egypt’s New President

Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood candidate, Mohamed Morsi, who spent time in jail under former president, Hosni Mubarak, was, penultimate Sunday, declared the country’s first post-revolution president. In a historic announcement that finally installs a successor to Mubarak 16 months after he was ousted, Morsi was given 51.7 per cent of the vote in recent presidential elections – more than 13m votes – to 48.3 per cent for his rival, Ahmed Shafiq. The election commission’s verdict on the second round of voting was repeatedly delayed, raising fears that the military cabal that has ruled Egypt during its messy transition might be planning another ruse to extend its pre-eminence. It is the first time Egypt will be headed by an Islamist, and the first time a freely elected civilian has come to power in the country. Morsi will appoint a woman as one of his vice presidents and a Christian as another, his policy adviser, disclosed.

Pakistani Soldiers Slain in Cross-Border Attack

More than 100 Taliban fighters crossed over from Afghanistan and attacked three Pakistani military posts last weekend, killing at least eight soldiers, Pakistani military officials said. At least 15 Taliban fighters were killed in firefights that followed the attacks in the district of Upper Dir in northwest Pakistan, Colonel Wasim Ahmed disclosed. Pakistani Taliban spokesman, Ehsanullah Ehsan, said that the Afghan Taliban carried out the attacks and that the Pakistani Taliban helped with reconnaissance and information. Sunday's attacks were the latest in a series of cross-border assaults from regions in eastern Afghanistan where U.S. troops began pulling out last year.

Gunmen Kill Three at Syrian pro-Assad Rally

Gunmen have attacked a Syrian pro-government TV channel, killing three people, according to reports. The attack on Ikhbariya TV south of Damascus blew up the newsroom. Hours earlier, President Bashar al-Assad said Syria was in "a real state of war" and US intelligence officials predicted a long, drawn-out struggle. The UN's deputy envoy on Syria says the violence has "reached or surpassed" levels before the April ceasefire deal.

130 Rescued after Ship Mishap off Australia

Rescuers pulled more than 130 people from the waters between Australia and Indonesia on Wednesday after a ship capsized, the Australian authorities said. Merchant and naval vessels carried out the rescue effort about 107 nautical miles north of Australia's Christmas Island, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said. Jo Meehan, a spokeswoman for the authority said one person was reported dead. The ship is the second to capsize in the area in the past week. A vessel carrying an estimated 200 people seeking asylum in Australia turned over last week 110 nautical miles northwest of Christmas Island. Rescuers recovered 110 survivors and six dead bodies from that accident.

Explosions Kill 11 in Iraq

Two bombs exploded southeast of Baghdad on Wednesday, authorities said, killing at least eight people in the latest wave of bloody attacks in Iraq. A series of attacks in June have left nearly 180 people dead. The first bomb Wednesday exploded in a home in al-Wahda area, injuring three family members, according to police officials. As neighbors rushed to help, another bomb was detonated, killing eight people and wounding seven others. In a separate incident in western Baghdad, a bomb exploded inside a house, killing three women and wounding two people, officials said.

Tanzania Hunts for Truck Driver for Suffocating 43 Ethiopians

The Police in Tanzania are trying to unravel how 43 Ethiopian migrants suffocated to death inside a truck as they hunt for the driver who drove them, before dumping their dead bodies and abandoning other survivors by a roadside. A Tanzanian police spokesman, Luppy Kung’alo, revealed that “a man-hunt is going on for the driver of the lorry”. Eighty-two other people were inside the truck in central Dodoma province on Tuesday. Survivors told police that while they were locked inside the truck, they had screamed to the driver to stop after several people passed out due to lack of air, said local police chief, Zelothe Stephen. When the driver finally stopped, he ordered the migrants dump the corpses and clean the truck, but then roared off leaving the Ethiopians behind in a remote area.

Somali, AU Forces Capture another Al Shabaab’s Stronghold

Somali government forces supported by African Union (AU) peacekeepers and tanks, Tuesday, took control of a key Islamist rebel base, officials and witnesses said. The allied forces entered the town of Balad, 30 kilometres north of Mogadishu with no resistance from Al Shabaab rebels, General Ali Araye Osoble, Somali military spokesman, said. Osoble said the push into Balad was part of a broader military operation, carried out jointly with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) aimed at wresting areas outside the capital from the Al Shabaab. The fall of Balad is the latest blow to the Shabaab rebels who last month lost control of Afgoye, formerly one of their major strongholds on the outskirts of the capital.

Turkey Brands Syria a Threat, Vow Retaliation over Downing of Fighter Jet

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, on Tuesday, branded his country’s former ally, Syria, “a clear and imminent threat,” after the downing of a Turkish fighter jet by Syrian forces. Erdogan vowed to retaliate against the “heinous act” and promised a change of military attitude to any Syrian officer approaching the common border. Erdogan said that the two pilots of F-4 Phantom jet are still missing. Any risk posed by Syria on the Turkish border will be “considered a threat and treated as a military target,” he said. However, NATO has strongly condemned as “unacceptable” Syria’s downing of the Turkish jet and expressed “solidarity” with Turkey. Meanwhile, dozens of Syrian army defectors including a general fled to Turkey, last weekend, to join the swelling ranks of rebels based near the border as tensions escalate between the two neighbours.

Indian Police Arrest Coordinator of Mumbai Terror Attack

Police in India have arrested Abu Hamza, a key suspect accused of coordinating the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed and more than 300 wounded. Hamza, also known as Sayed Zabiuddin, an Indian-born member of the Pakistani militant group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, was detained at Delhi international airport on June 21. The suspect was allegedly one of the handlers based in the Pakistani city Karachi, who reportedly issued instructions by telephone to the 10 Islamist gunmen as they stormed two luxury hotels, a Jewish centre, a restaurant and a train station in Mumbai.

Passengers, Crew Foil Plane Hijack Attempt in China

Passengers and crew members thwarted an attempt by six people to hijack a plane in the western Chinese province of Xinjiang, authorities said on Friday. Ten minutes into the flight between the cities of Hotan and Urumqi, the six alleged attackers on board the plane tried to take control of it "through violence," according to provincial police. The passengers and crew members managed to subdue the alleged hijackers, sustaining minor injuries in the struggle before the plane then returned to Hotan. Once the plane was back on the ground, police took the suspects into custody. Authorities said the case is under further investigation.

127 Dead in Bangladesh, Indian Floods

Days of heavy rain in Bangladesh set off flash floods and landslides, killing at least 100 people and stranding about 200,000, officials said on Wednesday. Low-lying and densely populated Bangladesh is battered by torrential downpours during the wet season, which began in the past few weeks. At least 15 people were killed in and around the south-eastern port city of Chittagong, while 30 died in Bandarban in an area known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts. A further 24 died in the coastal district of Cox's Bazar near the Myanmar border, officials and police said. Most of the deaths were caused by landslides, others by wall collapses, lightning strikes and surges of water. About a million people have been forced to leave their homes by floods in the Indian state of Assam, as 27 people have died in the floods.

Sudanese Call for Mass Protests against Al Bashir

Sudanese activists called for mass protests Friday as world leaders condemned authorities for cracking down on demonstrators who are demanding the president's ouster over economic woes. The protests, which started June 16 at universities in the capital of Khartoum, have expanded to other cities nationwide. Protesters seeking to end Omar al-Bashir's nearly 23-year rule have seized on recent budget cuts and tax increases to demand his ouster. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters as the government ordered a crackdown, witnesses said. Authorities have arrested opposition leaders and forced some to sign paperwork vowing not to participate in any more protests, the United Nations said in a statement. In addition, police have seized injured protesters from hospitals and detained them, according to the United Nations.