Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 14

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

CNS Warns Naval Personnel against Oil Theft

Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, has warned the officers and men of the Nigerian Navy against complicity in crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, saying anyone caught will have himself to blame. Ezeoba gave the warning in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, while addressing men and officers of the Central Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy as part of his annual inspection tour of naval commands in the country. He accused some personnel of complicity in crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the past. He warned that anyone caught in the act would not go free.

ENI, Shell Halt Production in Bayelsa

Two oil multinational firms, last weekend, announced the suspension of their activities in Bayelsa State. While, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) had declared force majeure on its oil exports, as it plans to shut down operations on its Nembe Creek pipeline system to enable it effect repairs on some sabotage portions; Italian oil giant, ENI, on Saturday announced the suspension of its activities in Bayelsa State due to frequent thefts from pipelines. The planned shutdown of the 150,000 barrels per day facility, according to Shell, scheduled for April, is expected to be temporary. However, ENI said the theft of oil from the pipelines “had reached levels that were no longer sustainable both from the point of view of safety for people and for the damage caused to the environment by these activities.”

School Dropout Nabbed for Impersonating Doctor

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Usen Effiong, for posing as a medical doctor and consulting for the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) for over two months. Police Spokesman, Etim Dickson, said Effiong was caught based on intelligence report from the UUTH. The Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State branch, Dr. John Udobang denied knowing the suspect. He said his attention was called on the activities of Effiong by the Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, UUTH, Dr. Sunday Udo. According to reports, Effiong has confessed that he is not a doctor, and has not finished his school certificate, and has been coming there to consult in the last two months.

Vandals Attack Oil Workers in Bayelsa

A dreaded leader of a kidnapping and sea pirate gang, identified as Humphrey Fazie, was last weekend arrested by the operatives of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) along the creeks of Lotugbene community of Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. His arrest comes as suspected pipeline vandals launched an attack on a team of workers and security operatives attached to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) at the creeks of the same community in the state. The team on surveillance duty was ambushed by unknown gunmen. It was learnt that an Agip contractor, a naval rating and unknown number of soldiers were shot by the suspected oil thieves.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

57-Year-Old Man Rapes Eight-year-old Girl

A 57-year-old man, Raphael Omada, has been arrested by the police in Benin for allegedly sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl. The suspect, who was paraded by the state Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo, on Monday, confessed to the crime. Omada, a father of six children lives with his family, said on the fateful day, he cashed in on the absence of his wife and children, lured the girl into his bedroom and inserted his middle finger into her genital. He, however, denied having sex with her. The bubble burst when the elder brother of the girl who noticed that she was moving with pain and difficulty, reported to their mother who eventually obtained a confession from the girl. However, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, said the suspect would be charged to court for child molestation and abuse.

7-Year-Old Raped, Impregnated by Cultist in Delta

Police at Orerokpe, Delta State, have arrested a suspected cultist, simply called Monday, for allegedly raping and impregnating a seven-year-old girl. It was learnt that the girl was living with her 27-year-old aunt, Destiny, in Ometa village, where Monday allegedly had carnal knowledge of her. The young child was taken to a clinic as she took ill, where she was confirmed pregnant, necessitating his arrest. Meanwhile, the police, on Tuesday, rescued the Principal and Vice Principal of a secondary school in Agbarho, Mr. Michael Akpoduma and Mrs. Gerah Edith respectively. Both were kidnapped by three gunmen on Monday. Police officers and members of a vigilance group in the area stormed the kidnappers’ den in Okuname forest to rescue the victims. The kidnappers had demanded N5 million to free the victims, but no ransom was paid.

6 Cultists Jump to Death in Delta

Six suspected cultists operating in Okpanam near Asaba, Delta state, died after they jumped into a well on sighting security agents. Police spokesman, Famous Ajieh confirmed that the suspects were ambushed by detectives who acted on a tip off. Okpanam, Obiaruku and Ibusa have been under siege by suspected cultists who pull guns at all times, especially at nightfall. Ajieh said that their bodies were recovered few hours later and added that their bodies have been deposited at the state owned general Hospital Mortuary Okwe. Only recently, a fight among some boys suspected to be cultists around a popular Hotel in Obiaruku reportedly led to the death of a middle aged man. According to the police spokesman, the death of the victim and the crisis at the community were later brought under control when Anti-riot policemen were drafted to the area.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Gunmen Abduct Woman in Akure

A woman, Kehinde Olusanya, has been reported abducted by gunmen in Akure, Ondo State. Her kidnap comes few days after the release of a nursing mother and journalist, Olubunmi Oke, who was also abducted in same town. Oke regained freedom after the alleged payment of N1m as ransom after spending three days with the kidnappers. Olusanya was said to have been taken away by a four-man gang at her residence in Akure. Olusanya is one of the twins of the late High Chief Josiah Olusanya, the Asamo of Akure and her twin sister is married to a former secretary to Ondo State government, Fioye Bajowa. The people were said to have taken the victim away to an unknown destination in a car without taking anything from the house. The victim’s family members are yet to be reached by the kidnappers.

NSCDC Alleges Police Killing of Officials in Lagos

Police operatives, on Wednesday, engaged officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in a gun duel, at the Ikorodu area of Lagos state, leaving two NSCDC officials dead, while others escaped with varying degrees of injuries. Recovered at the scene of the clash were one of the policemen’s identity card, a service pistol and a walkie-talkie set. It was gathered that the NSCDC men were returning from a successful raid of the pipeline vandals when they when the policemen allegedly opened fire on them. Confirming the incident, the NSCDC Deputy National Public Relations Officer, Sola Odumosu, expressed shock that his men died at the hands of a sister agency. Meanwhile the Kwara State Command of the NSCDC has disclosed that it foiled an alleged attempt by some suspected pipeline vandals to vandalise NNPC pipelines along Dangote-Asa Dam road in Ilorin.

Gunmen Kill Security Guard at Ex-SSG’s Residence

Former Secretary to Oyo State Government, Mr. Ayodele Adigun, on Tuesday escaped assassination by gunmen who stormed his Akobo GRA residence in Ibadan around 9pm. However, the gunmen killed his night guard who was simply identified as Pa Olapade. It was gathered that the corpse of the night guard was discovered on Wednesday morning by his colleague, Wasiu Adeniran. The late guard was said to have been tied and blindfolded before being killed. Adeniran said the gunmen accessed the house by scaling the fence from the back. He explained that the hoodlums used a ladder to climb the fence to escape.

NDLEA Nabs Senegalese Drug Suspect in Lagos

A 33-year-old Senegalese woman, arrested for drug trafficking in Lagos, informed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that she smuggled drugs for her Nigerian boyfriend. The suspect, Kamara Oumou, was found in possession of 680 grammes of narcotic that tested positive for heroin and cocaine. She was apprehended at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while attempting to board an Arik flight to Dakar. NDLEA airport commander, Mr Hamza Umar, explained that the suspect used industrial tape in sticking three parcels of cocaine weighing 515 grammes on her waist, while 6 wraps of heroin weighing 165 grammes were inserted in her private part.

Women in Court for Cutting Neighbour’s Face with Razor Blase

Two women –Temitope Abigeal and Temitope Remi– have been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ebute Meta on a three count of conspiracy, assault and grievous harm. Abigeal (26) and Remi (28), both choristers at a Cherubim and Seraphim church, were said to have assaulted Hannah Okurabe (18) with razor blades following an earlier fight over the church’s choirmaster, Joseph Unuigbe. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, granted them bail in the sum of N200,000 each in like sum. Defendants are to produce two responsible sureties who are gainfully employed and with evidence of tax payments to the state government in the last three years. The suspects are said to be currently remanded at the Kirikiri prison.

Five Charged to Court for Pipeline Vandalism

Five men were on Tuesday charged before a Federal High Court, Lagos with alleged vandalism of a petroleum pipeline. The accused, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, were charged for conspiracy, vandalism, stealing, unlawful possession and sale of petroleum products. The prosecutor, Mr I. Omosun, told the court that the accused were apprehended on January 16 at about 7pm in Ikorodu, Lagos. He alleged that they were apprehended for having vandalised an oil pipeline within the vicinity. Omosun told the court that some petroleum products were found in the possession of the accused, who were then arrested by the police. Meanwhile, the accused were ordered to be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of their bail.

Customs Officer Shot Dead at Seme

Gunmen, last weekend, shot dead a Customs officer, Mr Musa Bala, at the Seme border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service. Spokesman of the command, Ernest Ollotah, said the incident came as a shock to the command, adding that the remains of the officer had been deposited at the Badagry General Hospital mortuary. Ollotah said that the command was still awaiting the report of the incident from the Police as the matter was being investigated. The death of Musa is about the second this year as another officer was shot dead by one of his colleagues few weeks ago.

US Expresses Concern Over Increasing Spate of Violence in Nigeria
…Expatriate Kidnapped in Lagos

United States of America (USA) has expressed concern over the rising spate of killings and bombings in different parts of Nigeria, especially the northern region by extremist Islamist sects like Boko Haram and Ansaru. This was as an expatriate, Christopher Paige, a Briton, was kidnapped in Lagos. The US Consulate General in Lagos, Jeffrey Hawkins, on Sunday, issued a security warning to US citizens to be careful in Nigeria. Paige, however, regained freedom on Tuesday. The victim was abducted at his Victoria Island home and that his family had entered into negotiation with the kidnappers. It was learnt that members of his family were able to secure his release on Tuesday after allegedly paying a ransom. The policemen from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad were working hard to apprehend the culprits.

Cult War Claims 6 Lives in Lagos

About six persons, including an undergraduate of a Benin Republic university and the chairman of Ojuelegba branch of tricycle operators, have lost their lives in a cult war in Mushin and Ojuelegba areas of Lagos State. The undergraduate, Adeolu Otenaike, was hacked to death by suspected cultists, who invaded a bar in Mushin, while the tricycle operators’ chairman was shot and killed around Ojuelegba, in what could be a reprisal attack. A resident of Mushin stated that three cult groups have in the last few weeks being at loggerheads. There were reports that the deceased undergraduate might have fraternized with one of the warring cult groups, some years back. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Clement Adoda, described the killings as unfortunate.

Court Sentence Policemen to Death over Murder of Party Members

Two policemen, Ameh Richard and Akinyede Olaiya, were, on Monday, sentenced to death by hanging by an Ado-Ekiti High Court for allegedly killing two members of People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The cops were found guilty in the murder of Kehinde Faluyi and Michael Ipinlaye who were supporters of PDP during a fight over the defacement of posters in Omuo Ekiti on March 23, 2011. Justice Abiodun Adesodun said that the evidence of the accused persons were contradictory, which, according to him vitiated their evidence. The evidences supplied by the prosecution counsels, Messrs Femi Onipede and  Omope Oluwanitemi according to the judge were overwhelming  and convincing enough for him to grant their relief.

Drunken Driver Kills 4-Year-Old

Tragedy struck in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Sunday evening as a government driver identified as Abiodun allegedly killed a four-year old girl with a government vehicle in front of her parents’ house. The driver, who was alleged to be drunk at the time, has been arrested. An eyewitness account revealed that, Abiodun had just left a beer parlour, where he had allegedly been drinking for over four hours and as he was making a U-turn with the vehicle, he lost control of the Hilux van and hit two of the kids who were playing in front of their house. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Wole Ogodo, said the driver had been detained at the ‘B’ Division Police station, Akure.

GENERAL

25 Killed, 120 Inmates Released as Gunmen Attack Adamawa

Suspected Islamist gunmen, last weekend, launched series of gun and bomb attacks in Ganye town of Adamawa state, a remote town along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, killing at least 25 people, and freeing 120 prison inmates. The gunmen carried out four simultaneous assaults, opening fire on a bar, a bank, a prisoner warder and separately attacking a prison, Mohammed Ibrahim, police spokesman said. Members of insurgent group Boko Haram were the prime suspects, he said. In the attacks, about 30 gunmen overran the divisional police station, the prison headquarters and a bank, all located some metres from each other. Hotels and relaxation centres were also among the places attacked, recording heavy casualties. Eyewitnesses said that the attackers first struck at divisional police station, setting it ablaze before proceeding to the prisons where the inmates were released after setting the building on fire. Ibrahim said a detachment of military and police have been dispatched to the area.

Army Intercepts 14 Tankers with Stolen Crude

The Nigerian Army has intercepted 14 tankers conveying substance suspected to be crude oil on their way to Kano. This was disclosed Friday by the Commandant Guards of Brigade, Brig-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe in Keffi, Nasarawa State where 22 suspects were paraded in connection with pipeline vandalism. Atewe said the troops of 177 Guards Battalion stationed at Toto checkpoint intercepted the 14 tankers conveying substances suspected to be crude oil on their way to Kano. He added that an AK 47 rifle and a magazine were recovered from one of the suspects. The Brigade Commandant said the principal suspect, Amaechi admitted that he and other members of his syndicate broke and siphoned the crude oil from the NNPC pipeline along Abaji in the FCT.

Minister Admits Police Limitations in Fight against Terrorism

The federal government has solicited for the cooperation and support of the general public in order to overcome the menace of terrorism by Islamist sects, which it said cannot be tackled overnight. The Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade, who admitted the insufficiency of security operation to curb rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and lately terrorism, was advised by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to improve on maintaining confidentiality of informants and police discipline.

Police in Kano Intercept Bomb-Laden Vehicle

The police in Kano state, on Wednesday, intercepted a bomb-laden car, which also had other dangerous weapons including an AK 47 Rifle, Assault Rifle, 238 live ammunition of different calibre, Rocket Launcher, AK 47 Magazines, seven Turkey oil—stuffed with remote-control bombs, two cylinder remote-control devices, 14 hand grenades, four rolls of wire connector and 12 power source. State Commissioner of Police, Musa Daura, said that the command, acting on intelligence, engaged a group of terrorists in a gun battle on the outskirts of the city, injuring some of them and recovering the bomb-laden vehicle. Daura said the occupants of the vehicle instantly opened fire upon sighting a police patrol van and a gun battle ensued, with the militants retreating after receiving bullet wounds. The CP claimed that no policeman was hurt during the attack.

Group Alleges Army Killing of Corps Member, Demands Compensation

The League for Human Rights, based in Jos on Wednesday demanded N100 million as compensation from the Nigerian Army over the alleged extra-judicial killing of a 26-year-old NYSC member, Wagley Dauda. The group alleged that Dauda was shot dead on February 16 by a soldier attached to the Special Task Force (STF). The Director of the organisation, Nankin Bagudu, said Dauda met his untimely death as a passenger in a taxi, after soldiers at a checkpoint accused the driver of driving against traffic. He ordered them to drive back but while complying, a soldier shot at the driver and in the process the bullet hit and killed Dauda who was a back seat passenger. Bagudu noted that efforts to see the STF Commander over the incident had been futile as he had directed the bereaved family to the driver of the cab in which Dauda was killed, claiming that the STF had nothing to do with the death.

NIS Repatriates 57 Illegal Immigrants

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Monday, repatriated 57 out of the 100 illegal immigrants arrested during penultimate Friday’s raid in Ijora-Badia area of Lagos State. While the 57 aliens from the Republic of Niger were repatriated, 18 of the illegal immigrants from Mali, who had fled their war-torn country, were transferred to the United Nations Refugee Commission to take action. The raid was part of the stringent security measures put in place by the state command to checkmate the influx of suspected Boko Haram militia into the state. Confirming the repatriation, NIS Comptroller, Lagos Command, Mr. Rasheed Odupeyin, said the illegal immigrants were brought to the NIS by the police and task force. Although he confirmed that no weapon was found on them, he failed to confirm whether the suspects had links with any terrorist group.

Benue Police Discover Dead Bodies in Shallow Grave

Some dead bodies were found in a shallow grave at Angwuhagh village in the area of Naka town in Benue state. This followed renewed hostilities between the Fulani herdsmen and Tiv farmers in the town. A group of Fulani herdsmen had, last weekend, allegedly attacked Tiv farmers and killed three policemen and a driver and burnt down several houses. A police sergeant was also declared missing and is yet to be found. The state Commissioner of Police (CP), Chris Kakwe Katso had on Monday paid a visit to the affected area where he had earlier drafted trucks-load of heavily armed police men to maintain peace. The police spokesman, Daniel Ezeala, disclosed that some human bodies were discovered in a grave in the bush path of the troubled village. Residents of the affected area have continued to flee for safety to the neighbouring villages.

Gunmen Attack Police Station, Set Telecoms Masts Ablaze

Gunmen, on Monday, attacked a police station in Bara area of Gulani LGA in Yobe State, killing one police personnel in the process. The attackers succeeded in burning down the police station and went away with three cars in the area. The state Commissioner of Police, Sanusi Rufai, who confirmed the incident, said though the police station was burnt using a rocket propelled launcher, the attack was repelled by the police. He also said the policeman, who was killed, a corporal, was killed at his residence, hours after the attack. The hoodlums, according to him, also burnt down telecoms masts in the area. The commissioner said no arrest had been made in connection with the attack.

Father Seeks N11m Compensation over Son’s Death in Detention

Alhaji Bala Adamu, father of 25-year-old Bala Babangida, who was allegedly tortured to death by the police at the Maina Maji police outpost in Bauchi State is seeking a compensation of N11million from the police for the death of his son. Adamu, who was in company of the Bauchi state officer of the Legal Aid Council, Muhammad Hanbal Zubair, alleged that his son was tortured to death while in police detention by one Musa Abdul. He stated that the police arrested his son on July 23, 2008, following a complaint of lying made against him. Adamu stated that it took the intervention of a lawyer, who stood as a guarantor before his son was admitted at the then Specialist Hospital, where his son died.

Attackers Torch Schools in Borno

About three schools in Biu, Borno state were, last weekend, torched as gunfire and bomb blasts rocked the town. It was gathered that the series of bomb blasts and gunfire started just after midnight and lasted for about four hours as soldiers and gunmen believed to be members of the Boko Haram sect engaged each other in a show of fire power. A source in Biu disclosed that three private schools were attacked during the curfew hours amid several explosions.

Henry Okah Jailed for 24 Years in South Africa

Former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah, was on Tuesday sent to 24 years in prison by a South African court. The judge, Neels Claassen, found Okah guilty of 13 offences, including the setting off of two bombs in Warri and Abuja, in March and October 2010. He was also sentenced for threatening the South African government after his arrest. The judge said South Africa being a signatory to the UN Treaty on Terrorism Acts allowed the convict to be tried in South Africa though the events took place in Nigeria. He however noted that Okah had no prior criminal record before the MEND agitation, thus it was difficult to determine an appropriate sentence. Okah had denied any involvement, claiming the charges against him were politically motivated. MEND described the sentence as a planned punishment by both the Nigerian and South African governments. Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) and the Ijaw Monitoring Group on Tuesday said Okah would not be abandoned by his people.

Police, 28 Others Killed as Gunmen Attack Plateau Communities

Ganawuri district in Riyom LGA of Plateau State came under the attack of gunmen on Monday night leaving at least 28 persons dead and several others injured, while buildings were set ablaze. A police corporal, simply identified as Jibril, serving with the state command, was shot dead by the assailants. Jibril was deployed on patrol duty alongside his colleagues in the area when he was caught in the gunfire. The member representing Riyom Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Honourable Daniel Dem, confirmed the incident. He accused the Special Task Force (STF) on the Jos crisis of complicity, adding that they were part of the problem. The state Commissioner of Police, Chris Olakpe, while confirming the incident, said the corporal was shot while on a peace mission.

Bombers Killed by Own Explosives

Two bombers were, last weekend, blown up by their own explosives in Hotoro quarters of Kano State. According to the state police command, the two suicide bombers, who were disguised as water vendors, pushing a cart laden with jerry cans, were said to have been accosted by a security operative when they arrived at a checkpoint mounted by the Joint Task Force (JTF), but had refused to stop. Their refusal to stop at the checkpoint prompted the JTF operatives to open fire and, in the process, the explosives went off, killing the would-be suicide bombers. The Kano State police commissioner, Musa Daura said that four persons, including Niger republic nationals and others, were arrested in connection with the incident.

INTERNATIONAL

Rebels Seize Power in CAR, Bozize Flees

Seleka rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR), penultimate Sunday, seized the presidential palace in Bangui after President Francois Bozize fled the capital. The rebels say Bozize failed to honour a peace deal. Intense gunfire was reported as rebels advanced through Bangui, while the situation remained chaotic as some residents began looting. Rebel leader, Michel Djotodia, declared himself president of CAR, announcing that he has suspended the country’s Constitution and dissolved parliament. He said there would be a transition period until “credible and transparent” elections, during which he would “legislate by decree”. He added he would uphold a peace deal that promises elections in three years. But Nelson N’Jadder, the president of the Revolution for Democracy, one of the rebel groups in the Seleka rebel coalition, said that his fighters do not recognise Djotodia and will challenge him. He claimed the aim of the rebel coalition was to push to the presidential palace and then announce an 18-month-long transition before new elections are held. France, has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, and reportedly sent troops to secure the airport, as looting and chaos remain widespread.

Syrian Opposition Leader Resigns

The leader of the opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC), Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib, has resigned. Khatib said he was leaving the job as he wanted to work with more freedom than an official institution allowed. Khatib, who was elected head of the SNC in November 2012, appeared to criticise the world community for not doing enough to stop two years of bloodshed in Syria. His resignation comes a day after European Union foreign ministers failed to resolve their differences over whether to exempt Syrian rebels from an arms embargo. Khatib's resignation comes days after Ghassan Hitto was chosen as prime minister in rebel-held areas, an appointment that he is thought to have objected to. But he said he would continue to work with colleagues who were seeking the freedom of the Syrian people.

Israeli Military Destroys Machine Gun Nest in Syria

The Israeli government has said its military destroyed a machine-gun nest inside Syria after troops were shot at twice in the Golan Heights. An Israeli military spokesman said it was his understanding that the shots had not been stray fire from fighting in the civil war between the Syrian government and rebels. Troops responded by firing a guided missile at the Syrian position. Israel has occupied the Golan Heights since the 1967 war. Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said his country would not let "Syria's army or any other element" violate its sovereignty. No Israeli soldiers were hurt in the shooting, during which army vehicles were hit.

Bomb Attack Kills 17 Security Personnel in Pakistan

The death toll from last weekend’s suicide bombing on a military post in Pakistan's North Waziristan region has reached 17. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack on Saturday, which prompted the regional government to impose a curfew in the tribal region. The military responded with mortar and artillery fire directed at positions held by the Taliban. North Waziristan is home to some of the world's most dangerous militant groups, including the Taliban and al Qaeda, who are fighting to topple the U.S.-backed government in Islamabad.

93 Rescued as Refugee Boat Sinks Off Australia

A fishing boat carrying nearly 100 asylum seekers capsized off Australia's west coast on Monday, authorities said. Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said two people had died and another 93 were rescued after the boat overturned north of Christmas Island, midway between Australia and Indonesia. The sinking comes as Prime Minister Julia Gillard, re-shapes her government following a botched leadership coup last week.  The UN refugee agency said last week that Australia received more than 16,000 claims for asylum in 2012, a 37 per cent rise on the year before.

Jordan Closes Main Border Crossing with Syria

Jordan closed its main border crossing with Syria on Monday after two days of fighting there between Syrian troops and rebel fighters, Jordan's information minister, Samih Maaytah, said. Border traders said passengers were turned back at the Jordanian border crossing of Jaber and prevented from entering in the first such closure of the crossing since the revolt against President Bashar al-Assad's rule started two years ago. The crossing is a thoroughfare for passengers and was transit route before the Syria conflict for hundreds of trucks daily carrying goods to Turkey from the Gulf and vice versa. Situated near the Jordanian border, Syria's southern Deraa province is a vital battleground.

US Army Hands over Bagram Prison to Afghanistan

The US has handed over to Afghanistan the only prison still under American control, resolving an issue that has strained ties between the countries. A transfer ceremony took place at the prison, which was renamed the Afghan National Detention Facility at Parwan. It had been delayed while the two sides finalised a deal over the fate of prisoners considered dangerous, as the US feared they would be released if it was handed over. The handover came as US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Afghanistan on an unannounced visit. Bagram jail has a chequered reputation, having been at the centre of a number of prisoner abuse allegations. The US agreed to hand over responsibility for the majority of the detainees, thought to number more than 3,000.

Ex-Zambian President, Banda, Arrested over Oil Deal

Former Zambian president, Mr. Rupiah Banda, was, on Monday, arrested by the country’s law enforcement agents over allegations of corruption and abuse of office, following a crude oil import deal with Nigeria. Banda was also alleged to have misappropriated about $11m during his three-year reign as President of the country. The country’s authorities are accusing him of procuring oil which did not benefit the country. He was said to have imported crude oil from Nigeria without actual deliveries, despite the fact that the funds were deposited into the bank account of his son. Banda said the moves against him are politically motivated, and denies the charges. His lawyers claim the arrest is an attempt by current President Michael Sata to silence him.

Car Bomb Hits Damascus as Rebels Press Closer

A car bomb killed at least three people, wounded dozens in north-eastern Damascus on Tuesday as rebel fighters stepped up attacks in the Syrian capital. The blast is attributed the blast to a suicide bomber in a car. But opposition activists in the area said it was not clear if it was by a bomb or a mortar round. Fighting between President Bashar al-Assad's forces and rebels has come closer to central Damascus in recent months. Rebels said on Monday they planned missile strikes on government and security sites in Damascus and told residents to leave the city to avoid being hit in a campaign they named "Operation Shaking the Fort".

Kidnappers Free Norwegian, Israeli Hostages in Egypt

Kidnappers on the Sinai Peninsula on Tuesday released two hostages taken penultimate Thursday by masked gunmen. The Arab-Israeli man and Norwegian woman were seized near the resort of Nuweiba, in the south-east of the peninsula on the Gulf of Aqaba coast. The kidnappers, reportedly from the province of North Sinai, tried to use their hostages to bargain for the release of one of their comrades in prison for drug smuggling. Local tribal leaders intervened at the request of security forces and persuaded the captors to free the hostages, an official said. The two hostages were taken to the security director's office in Al-Arish, the main town and capital of North Sinai.

US Gets First Female Secret Service Director

US President, Barack Obama, Tuesday, appointed Julia Pierson as the new head of the Secret Service, making her the first woman to lead the agency. Pierson, was, until her appointment the Secret Service chief of staff. Her appointment followed the prostitution scandal that forced former director, Mark Sullivan, to resign. Senate confirmation is not required for Pierson’s new role. Pierson is to lead the agency that, among other things, is tasked with protecting the President, Vice President Joe Biden, the first family and other designees. Sullivan announced his retirement earlier this year following almost 30 years with the agency almost seven years of which as director.

Bosnian Serb Policemen get 22 Years Jail Term for War Crimes

Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, on Wednesday, sentenced two former Bosnian Serb police officers to 22 years' jail for their role in war crimes and crimes against humanity during the break-up of Yugoslavia more than 20 years ago. They ruled Mico Stanisic and Stojan Zupljanin contributed to a plan to permanently remove non-Serbs from the territory of a planned Serb state in parts of multi-ethnic Bosnia by committing acts of violence against Muslims and ethnic Croats, leading to the deaths of more than 1,000 people, when Serb forces took over the municipality of Prijedor in 1992. Many inhabitants were taken to improvised detention camps, including a particularly notorious one at Omarska, where detainees were raped and killed. Others were held in "deplorably inhumane" conditions. Both men had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Israel Army Arrests Hamas Members

Israel's army, on Wednesday, arrested five members of the Palestinian Islamist group, Hamas, including a member of parliament, a prisoners' support group said.
The five were arrested at dawn at their homes in the southern West Bank city of Hebron. They included Hamas MP Mohammed Jamal al-Natshe, it said. An Israeli army spokeswoman said "six people were arrested and taken for security questioning," but gave no further details. The army later on Wednesday released another Hamas MP, Nayef al-Rujub, who had been in prison for two and a half years. The Israeli army had yet to confirm the release. Israel has stepped up arrests of Hamas members in the West Bank, in the face of a rising tide of low-intensity conflict and civil unrest.

Warplanes Strike Rebels in Damascus

Syrian warplanes launched two strikes on Qaboon in north-eastern Damascus on Wednesday. This is as rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad's regime seized three army posts near the ceasefire line with Israel. Violence in Damascus has risen after insurgents seized control of Jobar district in the city's east. In the central city of Homs, the army pressed its campaign against rebel enclaves, pounding the district of Khaldiyeh in the heart of the city. Wednesday's violence comes a day after at least 127 people were killed in violence across Syria, reports say. The United Nations says that more than 70,000 people have been killed in Syria's conflict, which erupted in 2011 after an anti-regime revolt morphed into an insurgency when the army unleashed a brutal crackdown against dissent.