Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 36

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Navy Kills Six Pirates in Akwa Ibom

The joint patrol teams of the Nigerian Navy –NNS Jubilee, Akwa Ibom State, and NNS Victory, Calabar, Cross River State– said they killed six pirates in a gun duel on Tuesday. It was learnt that a seaman, Barau Ibrahim, with NNS Victory, however, suffered gunshot wound on his hip. But the navy injured and arrested one of the suspected sea pirates, who gave his name as Bassey Bassey. Commander, NNS Jubilee, Isaac Ogbole, said local fishermen in Ibaka, Mbo LGA of Akwa Ibom State, gave the navy information about the pirates. He stated that when the naval operatives got to the point as given by the fishermen, the pirates were taken by surprise and their efforts to engage the men of the Nigerian Navy in gun battle failed.

Gunmen Kidnap, Release 5 Dredging Workers

Five workers attached to a dredging firm, BEKS KIMSE Nig. Ltd, who reportedly kidnapped penultimate Friday by unknown gunmen along the creek of Opuama in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, have been released. The victims were released along the creeks of Nembe on Tuesday. The kidnappers, it was learnt, demanded N30 million as ransom for their release. Though information about the alleged kidnap of the workers was sketchy, a community source said that they were seized in the early hours of Friday. It was learnt that the abducted workers identified as Inoku Godwin, Sam Ede, Jackson Ibani, among others, are from Bayelsa and Rivers states. The gunmen were said to have sporadically shot into the air to scare away the natives from coming to the aid of the workers.

Police Raid Criminals Hideout in Aba, Arrest 20

Twenty suspected criminals have been arrested and detained by the Abia State Police Command. The suspects were arrested following a raid on two Indian hemp spots said to be haven for notorious criminals within Ariaria International Market, on Wednesday. The spots identified as ‘Black Kingdom’ at Samek by Old express road and ‘Snow White’ at Bakassi, were all located near Ariaria International Market. It was gathered that before the police raid, ‘Black kingdom’ was one of the areas where drug addicts in the city relocated after they were dislodged by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), from their former location at Park road. The operation was carried out in conjunction with policemen mobilised from other divisions in the Aba Area Command. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Geoffrey Ogbonna, described the raid as a proactive measure taken by the Police in the state.

Delivery of Gunboats to Boost Fight against Oil Theft

The Joint Task Force (JTF) operating in the Niger Delta on Tuesday, said the delivery of two gunboats will boost its fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism. The Commander 2 Brigade of the Army and JTF Sector 2, Brigadier-General Osasogie Uzamere, said  this when he received two gunboats donated by Orient Petroleum and Ibeto Cement in Port Harcourt. Uzamere said shortage of gunboats and fast-assault craft had slowed down their renewed strategy to effectively patrol the creeks. He said the delivery of the gunboats would speed up response of soldiers to reported crime scenes, thereby discouraging oil thieves and vandals from sabotaging the nation’s economy.

Pirates Kill Policeman, Civilian in Akwa Ibom

Suspected sea pirates, on Thursday, killed a policeman and a civilian at Ikang Jetty in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State. The incident occurred in the wee hours of Thursday night when some men emerged from a speed boat at the Atlantic Ocean end of the jetty without provocation opened fire on the border security patrol base at the jetty. The border patrol team made up of the army, Customs Service, Police, Navy and other security agencies were taken unawares. Police Public Relations Officer, Hogan Bassey, confirmed the incident saying the attack was unprovoked and that the command was yet to determine the cause. He assured that those involved would be brought to book. Officers and men of the Nigerian Navy had, last Tuesday, gunned down four sea pirates near the Atlantic Ocean who attempted to rob a Camerounian vessel bound for Nigeria. Two other boats loaded with other pirates escaped into the creeks.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Police Officers Killed As Gunmen Kidnap Ozekhome

Human rights activist and lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Edo North, Athanasius Ogbome, were last week, abducted in Benin City, Edo state by a gang of armed bandits. Four officers of the Edo Police Command were killed in a gun duel with the kidnappers in an attempt to rescue Ozekhome. Ozekhome was kidnapped together with his driver. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo, confirmed the incident and the loss of the officers. The Inspector General of Police Muhammed Abubakar was said to have directed the Commissioner of Police to fish out the suspects, just as he vowed to ensure that the suspects are brought to justice. Indications emerged on Tuesday that suspected abductors had contacted the relations of their victims, demanding N250m altogether as ransom for their release. While reports indicated that Ozekhome’s abductors were demanding a ransom of N150m, giving a three-day ultimatum for payment, Ugbome’s abductors are demanding N100m ransom.

Baby Burnt to Death in House Fire

A nine-month-old baby locked up in a house by her parents has been reported burnt to death. The girl’s mother was said to have gone to the market to earn a living by plaiting peoples’ hairs at Sapele yam garage while the father was also at work. The incident occurred at about 7.00pm, Wednesday. The whole building was brought to ruins as neighbours could not put out the fire while men of Sapele Fire Fighting Service arrived late. It was reported that the grand-father of the infant who was alerted of the incident was later involved in salvaging other parts of the building without knowing that his grand child had been consumed by the fire.

Priest Dies from Own Gun

The Parish Priest of St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church, Sobe, in Owan West LGA of Edo State, Rev. Father Peter Ayala, was, Sunday morning, found dead in his apartment. It was gathered that the cleric was said to be cleaning his double-barrelled gun inside his apartment within the church premises, when the gun reportedly went off and killed him. It was gathered that the incident took place in the early hours of Sunday before the Priest dressed up for the mass even as worshippers were said to be gathering for the service. The Elders  were said have later reported the incident to the Bishop of the Auchi Diocese, Dr Gabriel Duniya, who it was gathered conducted a quick investigation with security agents and confirmed that the priest died when the rifle he was cleaning went off. The Edo State Police Public Relations, Moses Eguavoen said that the state command was yet to get the full details of what transpired before the Priest’s death.

NSCDC Intercepts Suspected Stolen Crude

An oil baron allegedly suspected to be possessing 33,000 litres of crude oil in his articulated vehicle, has been intercepted in one of the operations of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command. The State Commandant, Mr Michael Ochogwu, said that the suspect, Godwin Anyim, who possessed 33,000 litres of crude oil concealed in his vehicle, abandoned the product and ran away when the Anti-Vandalism Squad of the NSCDC in collaboration with other security agencies, carried out the operation and impounded the 33,000 litres of the crude oil along Delta-Anambra Road, Onitsha. The Commandant called on Nigerians who have useful information about the culprits to report to the state command of NSCDC.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Security Operatives Uncover Illegal Oil Wells in Lagos

Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, last weekend uncovered illegal oil wells in Lagos State. The operatives of the NSCDC had at Alimatu Ilo Street, Ejigbo, Oshodi/Isolo LGA, discovered wells dug to the level of oil pipelines, where products suspected to be petroleum products were siphoned into trucks by vandals. The operatives had also discovered that most houses on the street had wells filled with fuel because some of the landlord had dug these wells to the level of the oil pipelines. The Commandant, Lagos Command, Mr. Clement Adesuyi, said eight of the owners of the buildings were already in the custody of the corps, adding that the corps would not rest until the battle to stop vandalism was completely won. But the suspects had since denied complicity in the said act.

3 Die, 18 Arrested at as Security Operatives Dislodge Cult Initiation

The combined team of Kwara State Police Command and Vigilance group in Ilorin, last weekend, swooped on the hideout of a cult group initiation, which led to death of three, while four were critically injured and 18 others were arrested. The cultists from neighbouring states, who were returning from an initiation ceremony, were mistaken for robbers by the security operatives. The command spokesman, Olufemi Fabode, confirmed the incident in Ilorin, on Monday. Fabode explained that prior to the incident, the police had information that robbers were hiding in a bush behind NASFAT village along Airport Road, Ilorin preparatory to unleashing terror on the residents. The police spokesman confirmed that three of the cultists died, four critically injured and 18 of them were arrested and are being interrogated by the police.

Mob Kills Customs Officers over Death of Motorist at Border

A mob, Thursday, attacked the Customs post at the Seme Border, killing two officers.The attack follows the shooting death of a motorist by some officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Seme Border. The attack came two months after a Customs officer allegedly shot and killed a pregnant passenger and barely a month after another man was allegedly killed at the Seme Border. The news of the shooting of the motorist, simply identified as Saturday, angered some youths, who took to the streets to protest the alleged recklessness of the Customs officers. Although they did not get the officer suspected to have killed the motorist, the mob intercepted some senior Custom officers who were on their way to work and allegedly killed two of them. It took the prompt intervention of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), and the border patrol unit of the Nigerian Army, headed by a colonel, to restore normalcy to the area.

Three in Court over Alleged Kidnapping, Rape of Undergarduate

Three men, Bashorun Babajide, Aje Olumayowa, and Babajide Ajayi, have been arraigned before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos State, for allegedly kidnapping and raping an undergraduate of the University of Lagos. The 22-year-old girl was abducted and raped at Ajose Street, on the Lagos Island. It was alleged that after raping the girl, the men also took snapshots of their victim and posted them on the Internet. The crime was said to have been uncovered and reported to the police after the attention of the family members of the victim was called to the pictures circulating online. The magistrate, Mrs. S.K Matepo, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties each in like sum.

Brothers Nabbed for Beating Man to Death

The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos State, has apprehended two brothers, Wasiu Bada and Nurudeen Bada, for the alleged murder of a 32-year-old tailor. According to the police, the suspects and others at large were seen beating the deceased, Quadri Busari, with iron rods and clubs. A lawyer, Lekan Odunsi, who spoke on behalf of the Busari family, said the fight was related to a scuffle between Olofin and Oshorun families over the right to the monarchy in the area. Odunsi said, “Two families are involved in a scuffle over the kingship title in the area. The Olofin of Isheri ruled from 1901 to 1923 and he was buried next to Busari’s house. Busari happens to be a descendant of the late king. Some hoodlums, believed to be loyalists of Chief Lawal Oshorun, came around the grave and attempted to erect a kiosk beside it, but Busari challenged them, leading to the scuffle.

Wife Demands Justice as Police Bullet Kills Husband, 60

Wife of a 60-year-old Disc Jockey, Adamson Bello, who was killed penultimate Sunday by a stray bullet fired by a policeman in Lagos State, has called for justice. Modinatu Bello said the police did not only shoot her husband, they also frustrated efforts to get him medical treatment because the family could not obtain a police report demanded by the hospital. She explained that Adamson was hit in the chest a few metres from their house. It was learnt that the shot was fired by one of the policemen guarding a new hotel in the area. Modinatu said a neighbour advised her to get the police report, but when she got to the station with her neighbours, policemen on duty locked the gate and trained their guns at them. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, said that the killer cop had been arrested and was being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba.

Oil Well: Man Threatens to Sue NSCDC over Unlawful Arrest of Wife

The landlord of a house in Ejigbo, Lagos State, has threatened to take legal action against the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for what he called, the unlawful arrest of his wife, Funke Ogunba, on August 23, 2013. Funke and 7 others were arrested by the operatives of the NSCDC after petrol was found in wells in their compounds. However, Funke’s husband said that the allegations were baseless, as he had on August 9, 2013, reported seeing oil in his tanks to the police authorities and the NNPC. He said that the police took him to the General Manager, Ejigbo Depot, and NNPC officials came to take the fuel and even promised to construct another borehole for him. Police and NNPC sources confirmed that Adebanji had indeed reported the matter on August 10. The spokesman for the NSCDC, Mr. Chibuzor Mefor, said the agency did nothing wrong by arresting the suspects. Police The Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, confirmed that those arrested by the NSCDC were complainants and not suspects.

3 Killed in Ibadan Tanker Explosion

A tanker carrying petroleum product caught fire at Orogun junction along Iwo road\Ojoo expressway in Ibadan, the Oyo State on Tuesday, killing three people and injuring five others. The incident happened as the tanker was trying to off-load petroleum into another tanker near a filling station. It exploded after spilling petrol on the main road. The dead victims were burnt beyond recognition while two sports utility vehicles and other property were destroyed by the inferno. Eyewitnesses said that although the Oyo State Fire Service rushed to the scene as the fire started but they could do nothing as they ran out of water when the fire escalated beyond control.

Assassins Attack Transporter, Kill Escort

Suspected assassins attacked the Managing Director, Young Shall Grow Motors Limited, Chief Vincent Obianodo, killing his driver and police escort. Obianodo was shot in the arm during the attack. A police source said the incident occurred in the FESTAC area of Lagos State on Tuesday night while Obianodo was returning from work. It was learnt that two of the attackers were killed after policemen engaged them in a gun duel, while others escaped with bullet wounds. Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the attack, adding that efforts were on to apprehend the suspects.

Police, NSCDC in Disagree over Arrest of Suspected Pipeline Vandals

The Kwara State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has denied involvement of its men arrested by police in alleged siphoning of fuel from leaking Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline. But the state police command maintained that the men were culpable, as they were arrested siphoning fuel from the leaking pipeline. There is breeding friction between both security agencies, following the arrest of five officers of the NSCDC by men of the state police command, penultimate Wednesday. The officers were allegedly caught in uniform siphoning fuel at a pipeline belonging to NNPC on Asa Dam in Ilorin. The suspects were currently in the custody of the state police command, as investigations, according to the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Femi Fabode, are on-going.

Pandemonium as Police, OPC Clash in Lagos

There was confusion in Iju-Ishaga, a suburb of Lagos, Tuesday as police officers attached to the Ishaga Divisional Headquarters clashed with some factional members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC). It was gathered that trouble started when policemen on patrol stopped the OPC convoy, which was moving towards Agege, where they had aimed to launch a unit of the congress in the area. According to reports, some OPC members allegedly ignored police’s orders and when they were threatened with arrest, they were said to have brought out their guns and started shooting into the air. According to an eyewitness account, the policemen fought back by firing canisters of teargas into the group.  At the end of the altercation, which lasted for about an hour, six members of the factional group were arrested.

Kogi Police Arrest Fake EFCC Officials, 6 Others

The Kogi State Police Command on Thursday arrested four persons for allegedly attempting to defraud the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, posing as officials of the EFCC. The Acting Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Austin Evbakhavbakun, said that the suspects had also claimed to be officials of the Federal Ministry of Education who were on inspection in the institution. He said that the case was reported at the Idah Divisional Police Headquarters by the Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Matthew Akpata. Evbakhavbakun said that Akpata had reported that the suspects came to his office, claiming to have come from Abuja to inspect on-going projects in the institution. The police chief said that Akpata became suspicious and invited the police who later arrested the suspects.

Man, 22, in Court over Attempted Rape of 80-Year-Old Woman

Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested 22-year-old Mohammed Inuwa of Herwagana quarters, Gombe for attempting to rape an 80-year-old blind woman, Malama Hannutu Baba. The Gombe State Commander of NSCDC, Mr Joel Khestossen said that the suspect was arrested on August 23. Khestossen said the suspect was charged to Kasuwan Shanu Magistrates’ court and later remanded in prison custody on the orders of the magistrate. According to him, the suspect gained entry into the blind woman’s house and tried to force her to have sex with him. “Unfortunately for him, the woman’s grandson, Malam Mohammed Baba, returned and discovered what was going on. He raised an alarm which attracted people to the house.” He said the people overpowered the suspect and handed him over to NSCDC.

Chevron Pulls out of Nigeria Natural Gas Project

Chevron confirmed Thursday that it has withdrawn from a struggling liquefied natural gas project in Nigeria, as it focuses on supplying natural gas to the domestic Nigerian market instead. Chevron Nigeria Limited, which is operating the project, confirms that Chevron has withdrawn from the Olokola LNG Project after eight years of unsuccessfully attempting to make the project financially viable. The oil and gas giant pulled out of the project at the end of July. The OKLNG project company was formed in 2007 by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, Chevron, Shell, and BG, a British-based natural gas company. The other major investors, BG and Shell, withdrew from the project in June 2012 and July 2013 respectively.

Fayemi, Bamidele's Supporters Clash in Ekiti

A bloody clash ensued between supporters of Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi and that of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, in Iyin-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA of Ekiti State, on Monday. During the mayhem which paralysed both commercial and social activities at the community, three people sustained varying degrees of injuries. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Victor Babayemi, also confirmed that seven people had been arrested in connection with the crisis. The clash was the fallout of the similar one which crippled the peace of the town last weekend. Sources disclosed that clash was triggered by the initial arrest of two supporters of Bamidele, who were said to have participated in the Saturday’s violence.

GENERAL

Illegal Oil Wells Uncovered in Kogi

Operatives of the Inspector-General of Police, Special Taskforce on Pipeline Vandalism, Kogi State Sector, last weekend, uncovered a well filled with crude oil in a compound located at Gegu, Koton Karafi LGA of the state. The compound, which was about 30 meters from Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline in the area, belongs to one Mallam Mohammed, who is currently at large. Preliminary investigations also uncovered several overhead tanks which belonged to one Alhaji Suleiman Mohammed, a pure water factory manufacturer in the area. The officer-in-charge of the taskforce, Friday Ibadin, said the operatives swooped on the area based on intelligence report, which disclosed that some individuals were carting away gallons of crude oil from a village in Kogi State.

29 Killed in Boko Haram, Militia Attacks in Borno, Benue

About 14 pro-government vigilante youths popularly called Civilian JTF were feared killed in an attack in Bama town, Borno State, last Sunday. The vigilante groups run by youth volunteers have been instrumental in helping the military capture Boko Haram members, but they have also made them a target for the insurgents, drawing civilians further into the conflict. Alhaji Baba Shehu Gulumba, chairman of Bama LGA, said that the insurgents disguised as soldiers and lured the youths into a trap. Nine others were wounded. In a similar incident, 15 persons were killed by armed militia in Agbena and Agbaaga villages in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

SON Destroys N3bn Worth of Sub-standard Goods

The Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, has said within the last six months, about N3 billion worth of sub-standard products have been destroyed by the SON. Odumodu, who made this disclosure, said the agency would continue its zero tolerance campaign against sub-standard products, adding that a new legislation is currently being worked on to penalise dealers and marketers with fake products. “A lot of products are not registered; we gave a deadline and the deadline expired in June but people have registered less than five per cent of the products.  He said that the SON, will, from September, enter the market and shall remove products that are unregistered. He lamented the huge amount of money lost as a result of the destruction of the products adding that the nation would have benefitted tremendously if the money was used in doing genuine businesses.

Youths Attack Nasarawa Lawmakers, Assembly Shut

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly was on Tuesday shut down after youths attacked lawmakers for inviting Governor Tanko Al-Makura to answer questions on the non-implementation of the House resolutions. The Speaker, Alhaji Musa Muhammed, announced this indefinite closure on Tuesday. Mohammed said the assembly had alerted security agencies in the state to the impending attack; and yet the youth found their way into the assembly complex. He said the house would no longer sit until the security of the members could be guaranteed. Also, the police commissioner said the police were trying to calm the situation and would ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book. Hundreds of youths had stormed the Assembly on Tuesday, throwing stones and other weapons at the lawmakers after Al-Makura appeared before the lawmakers.

4 Remanded in Prison over Alleged Dumping of Children in Stream

The Bauchi State Chief Magistrate’s court has remanded four suspects who allegedly dumped two children in Dumi stream, in Bauchi LGA. One of the children died while the other survived. The four suspects including the parents of the children were arrested by the Police and arraigned in court. Police prosecutor, Amos Ukpe, had filed two separate cases over the incident. In the first case, he charged the four suspects with criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. Ukpe also charged the parents of the child, who survived for criminal conspiracy and abandonment. The prosecutor told the court that a ward head of Gwallaga, Mallam Dandada Ahmadu reported to the Bauchi Township police station that a woman called Sakina Ibrahim, who claimed to be a herbalist told the two parents that their children were not normal human beings and advised them to dump them in the stream so that they will drown to which the parents complied.

Nigerian to Face Trial in US for Supporting Terrorism

A Federal Court in Brooklyn, New York, the United States has indicted a Nigerian, Lawal Olaniyi Babafemi (also known as "Abdullah” and “Ayatollah Mustapha") for providing material support to Al-Qaeda. Babafemi, 32, faces a minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted. He was based in the US before he fled to Nigeria in 2012 after he realised that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was on his tail. He was however arrested by Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) and arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja in July 2012, based on Washington’s request for his extradition. The court on Wednesday gave the nod to extradite Babafemi to the US for trial. The suspect is alleged to have received the equivalent of N1 million from Al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to facilitate the recruitment and transportation of prospective members to Yemen.

Police Parade 20 Suspected Armed Robbers in Kano

Kano State Police Command, Wednesday, paraded 20 suspected armed robbers, who were arrested during various robbery operations in the state. The state Commissioner of Police (CP), Musa Daura, said the armed robbery suspects specialised in cars and motorcycles theft. According to him, one Mansur Mohammad, a notorious motorcycle thief was arrested alongside a gang of 15 which he recruited for such operation. The commissioner said a team of detectives led by Kolo Yusuf who were on surveillance patrol at Bachirawa quarters arrested two suspects, Suraju Usman and Abdullahi Ibrahim, for being in possession of three stolen vehicles. He explained that three other suspects were also arrested with a local pistol, two rounds of ammunition and one AK 47 assault rifle, while on a robbery operation.

Immigration’s Boss Orders Dismantling of Illegal Toll Gates

The Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), David Parradang, has in line with his zero-level tolerance policy on corruption, ordered the immediate dismantling of all illegal toll gates erected by officers of the Service (NIS) across the country. This was contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the NIS, Chukwuemeka Obua. Parradang warned; “on no condition should any officer solicit for any form of gratification as a condition for performing his lawful duties”

New Army Division Ordered to Prove Shekau's Death

The new Nigerian Army Division (7 Division), which was recently created to maintain a permanent security presence in the North-east and enforce emergency rule in the region, has been ordered to unearth evidence on the killing of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, in order to lay to rest the controversy surrounding his death. A top military source revealed that there is currently a massive hunt with the collaboration of local and international intelligence agencies to unearth any clues that can confirm that Shekau is actually dead. Further investigation also revealed that the military authorities are not happy with the manner the JTF announced the death of the Boko Haram leader without due clearance from Defence Headquarters (DHQ). Meanwhile, the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North has disclosed that meaningful progress was being made in its negotiations with members of the Boko Haram terror group.

Boko Haram Kills Six Civilian JTF Members

Six members of the youth vigilante group, popularly called Civilian JTF in Borno State, were Tuesday shot dead by suspected members of the outlawed Boko Haram sect in the border town of Damasak, Mobar LGA. The youths, mostly traders and residents of Maiduguri, met their untimely death when they were shot dead in a house, where they had gone to pass the night around 1am by four gunmen. It was gathered that five of the victims were traders, while one of them was a driver, who usually conveyed them to the town’s market every Monday. Chairman of the vigilante group in Baga road, Alhaji A.D. Bakura, expressed regret over the death of the youths. He said the deceased were members of the group who worked tirelessly to defend the state from the insurgents.

Two Suspects with Links to Iranian Terror Group Arraigned

The federal government, Wednesday, arraigned two persons, Abdullahi Mustapha Berende and Saheed Adewumi, suspected members of an Iranian terrorist organisation, before a Federal High Court, Abuja for their alleged involvement in terrorism offences between 2011 and 2012 in the Middle East and Lagos. Both suspects had pleaded “not guilty” to the six-count charge preferred against them by the prosecuting counsel, Chioma Onuegbu. Efforts by the counsel to the 1st respondent (Berende) and 2nd respondent (Adewumi) to apply for bail of the suspects were scuttled as the judge refused to entertain any oral application for bail.

DHQ Puts Vigilante Groups Under Watch in Borno

Defence authorities have said they are keeping the activities of Borno Youth Vigilante Group popularly referred to as the civilian JTF in the state under close watch. The military authorities said that the members of the youth group which volunteered to fight the dreaded Boko Haram sect were restricted from going on their own to arrest any suspected member of the sect in any part of the state without the authorisation from security operatives. The Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen Chris Olukolade, on Wednesday, said that the security operatives would ensure that the youth whose activities had resulted in the arrest of several Boko Haram members and commanders were given the expected protection. He said while they were not authorised to carry fire arms, they were recognised as allies entitled to protection by security agencies. Olukolade was reacting to the recurrent killings of large number of the members of the vigilance group by the Boko Haram members in the state.

STF Adopts New Strategy for Crime Control

The Nigerian Army has embarked on community development strategies, including provision of social services, as weapons to fight crime and maintain peace and unity among the people in Jos, Plateau State. The Commander, Sector 5 of the Nigerian Army Special Task Force in the state, Col. Alade Adedigba, who disclosed this, said the command has renovated some schools, 30 boreholes, instituted youth empowerment programmes, as well as initiated sporting competition among the youth in the various communities. According to him, the sporting activities put in place are aimed at diverting the attention of the youth from criminal activities while the projects would create job opportunities for them and give the people a sense of belonging.  The STF leader, who explained that peace-keeping has gone beyond military force of using guns, stated that meaningful progress has been made through appeals to the minds of the people by tackling their immediate needs.

Driver Dead, 6 Policemen Injured in Deputy Governor’s Convoy Crash

The convoy of Zamfara State deputy governor, Mallam Ibrahim Wakkala was involved in a ghastly accident resulting to the death of the pilot driver, while six policemen are currently admitted in a hospital in Kaduna. The accident occurred somewhere around Tapa along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, last weekend. Sources disclosed that the accident occurred when the driver of the pilot van was trying to avoid a motorcyclist who suddenly appeared in their front. As the deceased was trying to control the steering of the vehicle, he lost control and eventually somersaulted severally; killing the driver on the spot while the other 6 policemen sustained serious injuries. The Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Alhaji Yusuf Gusau confirmed the incident.

Taraba State: Assembly Tells Deputy Governor to Continue Acting

The Taraba State House of Assembly, Thursday, declared the recuperating governor, Mr. Danbaba Suntai, unfit to resume state duties. It approved the continued stay in office of his deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar, as acting governor. Suntai, who returned to the country last weekend after 10 months abroad following the October 25, 2012 crash of a small plane he was flying, had written to the assembly indicating his willingness to resume work. The lawmakers, in a joint statement, said having seen the governor on Wednesday, they had no doubt that he could not have been the author of the letter. In a bid to assert control, Suntai on Wednesday announced the dissolution of the state executive council and sack of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), chief of staff and special advisers. Umar, Thursday, urged the people to ignore the purported dissolution of the state executive council.

INTERNATIONAL

FARC Rebels Kill Colombian Soldiers in Ambush

At least 13 Colombian soldiers have been killed in an ambush by FARC left-wing rebels in the east of the country, the army says. Last month, 15 soldiers were killed by the rebel group in the same region, reports show. Even though FARC rebels and the government are holding peace talks in Cuba, both sides are continuing to target each other militarily. On Friday the FARC announced a "pause" in the talks and the government later withdrew its team of negotiators. The latest attack occurred in the eastern province of Arauca. As news of the attack became public, the government's chief negotiator, Humberto de la Calle, said President Juan Manuel Santos had instructed his team to return to the negotiating table.

Snipers Attack UN Inspectors in Syria

Unidentified snipers have opened fire on a convoy of UN experts investigating suspected chemical weapons attacks in Syria's capital, the UN has said. One car was shot at "multiple times", forcing the convoy to turn back. But Syrian authorities blamed opposition "terrorists" for the attack, though the claim could not be verified. The UN team later resumed its mission, entering the western district of Muadhamiya to gather evidence, before returning to central Damascus. Hundreds died in alleged attacks on Wednesday in five districts near Damascus. The US said there was little doubt that Syrian forces used chemical weapons in the attacks, which reportedly killed more than 300 people in rebel-held areas. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad dismissed the accusation as "an insult to common sense" and warned the US against military intervention. The 20-member UN inspection team has been in Syria since 18 August to look into three earlier suspected chemical attacks. They were given permission on Sunday to examine the Damascus locations.

Palestine Stop Peace Parley with Israel over Killings in West Bank

Palestinians, on Monday, cancelled peace talks with Israel’s negotiators after Jewish security forces shot dead three Palestinians in West Bank clashes. Palestinian president’s spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeina, said the peace talk was cancelled as reports of the shooting started to emerge. He called on the U.S. administration to “take serious and quick steps” to prevent the collapse of peace efforts. But the United States insisted Monday that no meeting planned as part of the on-going Israeli-Palestinian peace process had been cancelled, despite Palestinian claims to the contrary. Palestinian sources said they expected a new round of talks to be held, but there had been no official confirmation from either side, in accordance with a US-imposed news blackout.

Syria Warns against US Intervention

Syria warned the United States against any military action over a suspected chemical weapons attack in its civil war, saying it would "create a ball of fire that will inflame the Middle East". President Bashar al-Assad's closest ally Iran also said Washington should not cross the "red line" on Syria, where doctors accused his forces of a poison gas attack that killed hundreds last week. A team of United Nations inspectors are waiting in a hotel in Damascus a few miles from the site of the attack, but Syria suggested they would not be allowed to visit as it was not on a list agreed in July of alleged chemical attacks this year. US naval forces have been reportedly repositioned in the Mediterranean to give the US an option of an armed strike.Syria said any military action would be "no picnic".

7-Year-Old Girl Kills Friend with Grandfather’s Gun

A seven-year-old girl has shot dead her friend, aged six, with her grandfather’s revolver while playing at a farm in South Africa, police said Monday. Police spokeswoman, Ronel Otto, said that the girl died on the scene. The slain girl was the daughter of a farm worker and had been friends with the farmer’s granddaughter for some time. The seven-year-old was visiting her grandparents on a farm outside Bela-Bela when she allegedly shot her friend with a 0.38 revolver,” Otto said. Police have opened a murder case but are waiting for a cue from the national prosecution authority on how to proceed with the case, given it involves a minor. The 60-year-old grandfather is due to appear in court on charges of negligent handling of a firearm. South Africa has tough gun ownership legislation but many citizens own firearms.

Cameron: Chemical Weapons 'Indefensible' in Syria

British Prime Minister, David Cameron, has said the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government is "morally indefensible" after he recalled Parliament to discuss responses to the crisis. The Prime Minister said the world could "not stand idly by" in the face of the "massive use" of banned weapons. But any military action would have to be proportionate and legal, he added. The Syrian government said it was not responsible and the US and others were using it as an excuse to attack it. The UK is considering military options following last week's suspected attack, which is being investigated by the United Nations. Cameron said he believed that the Syrian government had the "motive and the opportunity" to use chemical weapons while the likelihood of opposition forces being the perpetrators was "vanishingly small".

Deadly Bombings Kills over 50 in Iraq

A series of coordinated bombings in the Iraqi capital Baghdad has killed more than 50 people and wounded dozens more. The bombs targeted mainly Shia neighbourhoods during the rush hour. The deadliest explosion was reported to be in Jisr Diyala in south-eastern Baghdad, where a car bomb killed at least seven people. On Tuesday, a wave of bomb attacks across Iraq killed at least 31 people. The rising death toll comes amid heightened tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Sunnis say they are being marginalised by Prime Minister Nouri Maliki's Shia-led government. At least 10 separate bombings are believed to have taken place on Wednesday. More than 160 people were injured. No group has admitted carrying out the bombings, but correspondents say they appear to have been carried out by Sunni militants. Sunnis say they are being marginalised by Prime Minister Nouri Maliki's Shia-led government.

Four Peacekeepers Missing as Floods Hit Sudan

Four peacekeepers are missing in Sudan’s Darfur region after being swept away by floods, a UN official said on Tuesday. The peacekeepers were escorting an aid convoy when a “powerful current” swept them away. Another two peacekeepers were found alive by a rescue team, she said. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 300,000 people across Sudan have been affected by floods that have killed nearly 50 people in August. The region around the capital Khartoum had been badly hit and was experiencing the worst floods in 25 years, it said. The joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur, UNAMID, is one of the largest in the world, with about 20,000 soldiers and police. The peacekeepers were enroute to Misterei, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) south-west of the regional capital Geneina, with a World Food Programme convoy when a flash flood hit.

CAR, AU Forces Tackle Bangui’s Militia

President Michel Djotodia of Central African Wednesday ordered warlords from his former rebellion to give up their fiefdoms in the capital, Bangui, as African troops moved in to subdue recalcitrant armed groups. One of the most substantial efforts to restore order since a March coup came a day after French President Francois Hollande said urgent action was needed to prevent the Central African Republic from becoming a failed state. The country’s new strongman, head of the former rebel group, Seleka, stripped his movement’s unruly fighters – who have been accused of rape, executions and looting – of any security responsibilities. Moments earlier, Djotodia had ordered Seleka forces based in the northern Bangui neighbourhood of Boy-Rabe to return to their bases and allow the police and gendarmes to move in.

India Arrests Wanted Top Militant Leader

Police in India have arrested the alleged head of the Indian Mujahideen (IM) militant group, Yasin Bhatkal. The group is thought to be behind deadly blasts in the cities of Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi. Bhatkal, who officials say is a co-founder of the home-grown group, is one of the most wanted men in the country. Home Minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde, said that Bhatkal is in the custody of Bihar police and is being questioned. His real name is believed to be Muhammad Ahmad Zarar Siddibappa, but he uses a number of aliases, the authorities say. Bhatkal was arrested along with an IM colleague who has been identified as Asadullah Akhtar, reports said.