Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 27

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Security Operatives Nab 21 Boko Haram Suspects in Enugu

About 21 suspects believed to be members of the Islamic group travelling to Kano with several military uniforms concealed inside a luxurious bus were intercepted by the National Task Force (NATFORCE) at Amala in Udenu LGA of Enugu state. Immediately the news about the interception filtered into town, tension gripped the residents as they feared that there could be more to it. It was gathered that the suspects left Aba, Abia state around 2pm for Kaduna and were intercepted at wee hour of Wednesday morning at a boarder community in Enugu state leading to the northern parts of the country. Investigations revealed that an army sergeant procured the military uniforms and employed the services of the suspects for onward delivery of the consignments to an army corporal in Kano for an undisclosed mission.

Abia Police Arrest Fake Corporal, Murder Suspects

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a middle-aged man for allegedly impersonating as a police corporal. Parading the suspect, Commissioner of Police, Adamu Ibrahim, said that Okoi Eyon, was arrested on June 7, 2014 along Aba/Ikot Ekpene Road impersonating a police corporal in order to avoid police search. He said investigations later revealed that the 27-year-old alleged impersonator had earlier been dismissed from police college Nonwa in 2007 while undergoing recruitment training. According to him, the impersonator confessed to have procured a fake police identity card from a cyber cafe sometime in April 2014, which he had been using to avert payment of environmental fees, sanitation levies and shop license. The CP said the suspect would soon be arraigned in court for criminal impersonation of police officers. The police also paraded three suspects for allegedly killing a commercial motorcycle operator, Ndubuisi Eni, and dispossessing him of his bike.

Police Arrest 37 in Raid of Kidnappers Training School

The Abia State Police Command says it has raided one Ugorji compound at the Obingwa LGA used by hoodlums as “a training school for kidnappers.” Commissioner of Police, Adamu Ibrahim, on Thursday, said that 37 suspects were arrested by his men during the raid. The raid, according to him, was carried out following a tip-off that some hoodlums were using the compound as a training ground for kidnappers. The police boss assured residents that security agencies had stepped up surveillance in the state to ensure safety of lives and property. The police also paraded a suspected kidnapper, who in connivance with his gang, abducted one Ikechukwu Chiedogo. A chase was given the fleeing kidnappers by the police Anti-Terror Squad. The police boss said as his men were closing in on the kidnappers, they opened fire on the police, adding that two of the abductors fell to the heavier fire power of the police in the ensuing gun duel. He said one of the gunmen was later arrested while efforts were on to round up other fleeing members of the gang.

NDLEA Arrests 218 Suspected Drug Traffickers in Akwa Ibom

The NDLEA in Akwa Ibom State says it has arrested 218 persons for trafficking in hard drugs and psychotropic substances since January. The state’s Commander of the agency, Josephine Obi, disclosed this in Uyo, on Monday while briefing newsmen on activities to mark this year’s World Drug-Free Day scheduled for Thursday. She said of the 218 arrested suspects, 203 were males while 15 were females. Obi, who also said the agency seized exhibits weighing 99.49kg, urged residents of the state to partner the agency in tackling drug abuse. Obi, who commended Gov. Godswill Akpabio for his support, said the theme of the 2014 celebration was ‘A message of Hope - Substance Abuse Disorders are Preventable and Treatable’.

Police Arrest Suspects in Rape of 16-Year-Old by 15-Man Gang

Police have arrested members of a 15-man gang that allegedly raped a 16-year-old girl in Ogbuga area of Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The state Police Commissioner, Tunde Ogunsakin, said that the girl allegedly attended a party organised in the area, adding that she took a glass of strong drink offered her by one of the rapists which made her pass out before she was allegedly raped by 15 men. According to the police boss, the victim reported that she had attended a party at Ogbuga Street in Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt organised by one Tina. But while at the party, she was given a glass of strong drink by Tambari Dumlesi. That was the last memory she had before she was raped by 15 men. She woke up to find herself in torn boxers and with swollen genitals. The victim has since been taken to the Police clinic for examination and treatment while three suspects have been apprehended.

Rivers Police Nab Ritualist with Human Skull

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police (CP), Tunde Ogunsakin, has disclosed that his men have arrested a suspected ritualist and kidnapper in Igwuruta area of the state. A human skull was among items recovered from him. According to the CP, the suspect confessed that the human skull was that of a lady he allegedly murdered for money rituals. According to him, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) had responded to a tip-off and led a combined team to arrest a suspect of cultism, kidnap and ritual killing in his home on June 24, 2014. The suspect was discovered to be in possession of two locally made pistols, live ammunition and a human skull. The suspect also owned up to using the skull as a medium to get rich, claiming that the skull speaks to him and provides him with 10, 20, 50 Naira notes after special sacrifice.

Police Declare Man, 33, Wanted for Murder

The Police in Yenagoa have declared a 33-year-old man, Ebipadei Gariki, wanted over alleged murder of his creditor, Peter Akpojemraye Onuoghujuovwo. The incident happened in Aghoro community, Bayelsa State. Ebiapadei Gariki reportedly killed his benefactor in order to escape paying back the sum of N1.3m he allegedly borrowed from the deceased. But luck ran out on him when a friend of the victim, who accompanied him to demand the repayment of the debt, managed to escape and reported the incident to the victim’s family, who in turn called the Police. The victim, who traded in sawn timber, gave the N1.3 million to the suspect to supply him timber. When the supply was not forthcoming, the victim decided to go after the debtor to demand his money or the supply. The source further said that upon getting to Aghoro community, there was a heated argument between the victim and the suspect which resulted in fisticuffs. Two days later, the suspect ambushed them in a boat and shot the victim at close range.

JTF Kills Three Suspected Pirates

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta said three suspected pirates died during a cross-fire with the group at Robot creeks in Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State. Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, the JTF Media Coordinator, disclosed that about 30 pirates, armed with AK-47 riffles in two speedboats, attacked the JTF patrol troop. Anka said that in repelling the attack, a soldier in the patrol and two boat operators were injured. He said the troops also raided and destroyed an illegal oil bunkering site at Okpoko Creek, in Warri South LGA of Delta State, seizing nine Cotonou boats loaded with stolen crude oil. Also impounded were seven speed boats loaded with 75 jerry cans containing illegally refined Automated Gas Oil, AGO, and five pumping machines. The spokesman said that five suspects were arrested and were in custody of the command for preliminary investigation before being handed over to the prosecuting agency. He further disclosed that JTF troops deployed at Patrick Water Side and Opobo Creek in Rivers State, while on patrol, intercepted and destroyed a wooden boat filled with substance suspected to be stolen crude oil, at Bodo waterways in Rivers State.

Father Seeks Justice for Son Allegedly Killed by Soldier

Mr. Henry Akangbou, whose only son, Donbraye, was allegedly murdered by a soldier last year in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has cried out to the Nigerian Army for justice, Mr. Henry Akangbou, in a statement in Port Harcourt, said it was sad that several months after the Army authorities at the 2 Brigade in Port Harcourt claimed to have concluded investigation into the issue, the soldier allegedly responsible for his son’s death was yet to be charged to court. The father pleaded with the Nigerian Army to ensure that justice was done on the matter. The late Donbraye allegedly lost his life during an argument with a soldier.

Bike Man Arrested for Raping, Robbing Female Passenger

The Abia State Police Command says it has arrested a man for allegedly raping a female passenger who boarded his bike late in the night. Commissioner of Police, Adamu Ibrahim, disclosed that the incident took place around 9pm at the Ntigha area of the state. According to the police, the female passenger boarded the bike at Ntigha Junction and was heading for Umukalu Ntigha. The motorcyclist, however, diverted her to a farm on the way where he allegedly raped her and also dispossessed her of N850. The suspect, according to police, would soon be charged to court. The police also disclosed the arrest of one Nnenna Ohaja in the Umuahia North LGA for allegedly “keeping custody of two boys, aged five and seven, suspected to have been stolen.” Ibrahim said the suspect had confessed during interrogation that two one Obinna of Obingwa LGA and Onyemaechi Alo from Asaba, Delta State, gave her the children to sell at the cost of N250,000 each. Consequently, Alo was trailed and picked up by police detectives and he admitted to the crime. The police said that the stolen boys, identified as Destiny Clement, and Godspower Ikechukwu, both indigenes of Delta State, had been reunited with their parents.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Robbers Kill 13 in Attack on Bullion Van

Five policemen and eight civilians were, on Tuesday, shot dead by armed robbers that attacked a bullion van at Ubulu-Okiti, along Benin-Onitsha Expressway. The robbers, numbering about 20 and wielding AK45 riffles, succeeded in carting away large sums of money after breaking into the bullion van. The robbers were said to have trailed the bullion van from Benin to Agbor before intercepting it at Ubulu-Okiti, in Aniocha South LGA of Delta State. The robbery operation, according to an eyewitness account, lasted for about 15 minutes, as unsuspecting travellers and passersby were forced to scamper for safety. The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, while confirming the incident, said the bullion van was conveying money from the bank in Agbor to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Asaba when it was attacked by the robbers.

Edo Lawmaker Alleges Attack His Convoy

The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Festus Ebea, on Sunday said that his convoy was attacked by unknown gunmen near Abudu in the Orhionmwon LGA of Edo State. The lawmaker, alongside two of his colleagues, was returning from Ebele, Igueben LGA of the state, where they had attended an investiture of the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Anthony Anenih, by the Anglican Church. The three were said to be inside an SUV belonging to one of the lawmakers and were returning to Benin in a convoy consisting of some other vehicles when the assailants stopped their vehicles at Abudu and opened fire on them. Ebea said one of the gunmen was however killed during an exchange of fire that followed between the assailants and the security operatives attached to the deputy speaker. One of the drivers in the convoy of the lawmakers was also said to have been shot and was receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.

Bank Security Chief, Two Others Arrested over Bullion Van Bank Robbery

The Chief Security officer of Zenith Bank and three other members of staff have been arrested by the Police in Delta State Police over the Bullion van robbery incident that occurred   along Asaba/Onitsha Express way. The driver of the bullion van, an in-house security officer and a senior management staff of the bank that escorted the van are currently telling the police all they know about the robbery incident. Gunmen on Monday intercepted a bullion van conveying large sums of money from Zenith bank, Agbor branch to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and made away with huge sums of money after killing some policemen and civilians during the operation. The robbers were alleged to have used sophisticated weapons to overpower the security men on the escort team.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Police Arrest Human Parts Dealers in Lagos

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), last weekend, arrested two herbalists and two Islamic clerics, who specialised in trading of human body parts. The suspects, identified as Wasiu Oyebamiji, Ogunshola Olakunle Afolabi, Akorede Wasiu and Rasheed Opeyemi, were apprehended in various parts of Ogun and Lagos states. Sources at the state Police Command headquarters, Ikeja, disclosed that the Police deployed a team of undercover operatives to track down one of the suspects, Afolabi, said to be a specialist in sourcing human parts from road accident victims. One of the undercover operatives approached Afolabi for a human head for which he demanded N45,000. The source added that after payment, Afolabi provided a fresh human head, confiding in the operative that it was the head of a woman killed by a hit-and-run driver on the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway. When Vanguard interviewed the suspects, they confessed to the crime.

Youth Uncover Ritualists’ Den, Rescue Kidnapped Victims in Lagos

No fewer than 200 youths on Wednesday morning stormed a fenced bungalow on Oshodi Street, Majidun Bus Stop, Ikorodu, Lagos, looted its rooms and vandalised property in the house after designating it a kidnapper’s den. The youths, who forced their way into the structure, also found many strange materials such as soaps, calabashes and bloodstains which confirmed their claim. The mob action was triggered by the arrest of a middle-aged woman, identified simply as Mama Ifunanya, who was found with the unconscious body of her neighbour’s 6-year-old son. Mama Ifunanya was caught at about 6.30am, while she was escaping with a luggage where she had hidden the boy named Emmanuel. Mama Ifunanya, who confessed to the crime, was stripped and beaten up before confessing that she was sent by a prophet in the area to bring the boy for rituals. The mob followed her to the building on Oshodi Street where she claimed the prophet was waiting for her. However, after the angry residents forced their way into the structure, it was discovered that the prophet had fled. At least eight victims, said to have been kidnapped from different parts of the country, rescued.

Native Doctor Buries Woman and Daughter Alive

The Lagos State Police Command on Monday paraded a 64-year-old native doctor, Alhaji Olatunji Azeez, who confessed to have killed a retired customs officer, Mrs. Angela Kerry, and her 10-year-old adopted daughter, Obiagulum, on May 10, 2014. The decomposed bodies of the woman and her daughter were found in Azeez’s house in Ire Akari Crescent, Ajuwon Akute, Ogun State by operatives of the Lagos State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Azeez said he was forced to kill the customs officer and her daughter after she threatened to kill him over a sum of money he owed her. It was learnt that Azeez had deceived the woman that she would get pregnant and collected N9m from her for the job, but there was no result, prompting her to demand a refund, which he was unable to pay. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, stated that the native doctor was going to be charged to court for murder.

Vigilante Arrested for Shooting Woman and Hiding Corpse

The police have arrested a member of the Lagos State local security outfit, Neighbourhood Watch, Jelili Falana, for the murder of a woman, Afolashade Salami. The police also accused the defendant of hiding Salami’s corpse inside a pit in a bid to cover up the crime at the vigilante office in Agege, Lagos State. Salami, who sold drugs to people in the area, was said to have visited Falana on Sunday at the office for a chat. The duo was said to be discussing when the 34-year-old suspect brought out a single-barreled gun he had recently seized from some armed robbers. Falana reportedly mishandled the gun and fired a shot which killed the deceased. His boss, Adekunle Adegoke, who was said to have heard the sound of the gun was said to have run to the office to find out what had happened. It was gathered that the suspect was given away by blood stains on the floor. It was learnt that the corpse was later found, while Salami was handed over to the police.

Psychiatric Patient Stabs Herbalist to Death in Ondo

A 24-year-old psychiatric patient, Iijisakin Ayoola, has reportedly stabbed to death his 60-year-old traditional doctor, Alfa Iliasu Waheed, in Idanre, Ondo State. Consequently, the Police in Akure have detained the suspect. The suspect reportedly stabbed the traditional doctor in the neck with a broken bottle which caused his death. The deceased had specialised in healing psychiatric patients. It was learnt that the suspect, after stabbing the deceased also attempted to set the house ablaze before he was later apprehended. The shout for help from the deceased attracted his neighbours, who rushed to the Police station in Alade‑Idanre Divisional Police Headquarters. The DPO, Martins Ohalete, reportedly dispatched a team to the scene of the crime where they met the deceased in a pool of his blood. Although he was rushed to the general hospital, he died before any treatment could be administered on him.

Man Jailed Three Years for Drug Trafficking, as Court Remands Teenagers

A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a 67‑year‑old man, Ichi Ukegbu to three and half years imprisonment for ingesting 89 wraps of heroin. Justice John Tsoho sentenced Ukegbu without an option of fine. Tsoho ordered that the drug should be destroyed after 90 days if the convict did not appeal the judgment. He added that the convict should forfeit to the Federal Government $8,800 seized from him. Similarly, a Federal High Court in Lagos remanded a Pakistani, Iftikhar Arslan, 18, in prison custody for allegedly trafficking 25.4 kilogrammes of heroin. The prosecutor, Emmanuel Vembe, said that the accused was allegedly caught with the drug on April 5 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos during the inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Lagos. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, therefore, remanded the accused in Ikoyi Prison and adjourned the case till September 26 for trial. Another Federal High Court in Lagos also remanded a 22‑year‑old Nigerian, Muyideen Bello, in prison custody for allegedly trafficking 300 grammes of Indian hemp. The accused, however, pleaded guilty.

Explosion Claims Four Lives in Lagos Tank Farm

Four persons were killed at Folawiyo Energy Depot along Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos, after twin explosions rocked the depot. Although it was yet to be officially confirmed if the explosion occurred from a bomb blast, eyewitnesses alleged the explosions went off after some persons suspected to be bombers stealthily set off the twin explosions. According to the eyewitness account, the explosion occurred after a lady dressed in hijab allegedly sneaked into the compound with a fuel tanker and set off the explosion. She was alleged to have also planted the explosive in another standby car which set off the second explosion and killed three people. According to an eyewitness who simply identified himself as Femi, the twin explosion happened few minutes after each other.

Man Hacks Friend to Death over Video Disc

A 24-year-old man, Success Okon, has reportedly hacked his friend, Solomon, to death during an argument over ownership of a compact video disc in Ile‑Oluji area of Ondo State. Success, according to an eyewitness, hacked his friend to death using a cutlass at Agunla Onipetesi camp in Ile‑Oluji‑Okeigbo LGA of Ondo State. The accused person, who is in police detention, reportedly had an altercation with the deceased over the ownership of the disc. This degenerated into a fight between the two friends and in the twinkle of an eye, the suspect rushed inside the house only to return with a cutlass which he used to hack the deceased to death. He reportedly used a sharp cutlass to machete his friend on the face and neck following which he bled profusely. Some sympathisers rushed to the scene and took the victim to the hospital but he reportedly died before medical assistance could be rendered in the hospital. Police spokesman, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the incident. According to him, the case which was formerly being investigated at Ile‑Oluji has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure

GENERAL

Explosion Rocks Kano School, Kills Eight

A suicide bomber blew himself up alongside seven others Monday at the Kano School of Hygiene Technology located along Bayero University, Kano Road, Kano. The victims of the afternoon blast were new intakes of the school undergoing a screening exercise. The Kano Commissioner of Police, Adelenre Shinaba, revealed that eight vehicles parked within the premises of the state owned tertiary institution were damaged, while about 12 persons were seriously injured. Shinaba disclosed that a suspect was apprehended at the scene but ruled out a car bombing in this latest attack. The Public Relations Officer of the school, Malam Muhammad, revealed that mangled bodies of victims were recovered from the scene. He stated that the school was conducting a screening exercise for new intakes when the suicide bomber penetrated the orderly queue and blew himself up.

Military Kill 70 Insurgents in Borno Raid

Over 70 suspected Boko Haram terrorists, who participated in separate attacks on three villages in Chibok LGA of Borno State last weekend, have been killed in an air raid, with support from ground troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army. Over 40 people were killed weekend when suspected Boko Haram insurgentsattacked three villages in Chibok, razed down houses, shops and vehicles before carting away foodstuffs and livestock. It was gathered that with the quick intervention of the military on ground and airstrikes, over 70 of the terrorists, who were fleeing towards Sambisa Forest after the onslaught on innocent villagers, were killed. A resident of Korogilim, one of the villages that suffered the deadly attacks, Joshua Yakubu, confirmed the incident. He said the terrorists, who were moving in a convoy, were attacked by military operatives while attempting to flee after their deadly mission in three Chibok communities. The Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, confirmed the raid.

NDLEA Arrests 11 Children, Hotel Manager in Kaduna

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday said it has arrested 11 children and the manager of a hotel in Kaduna over alleged drug abuse and trafficking. The Kaduna State Commander of the agency, Mohammed Jibrin, disclosed this during activities marking the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. He said eight of the arrested children were still in junior classes, adding that their parents had been invited to the command for questioning and counselling. Jibrin disclosed that between January and May, the command arrested 210 drug suspects, including five female, with various illicit drugs weighing over 1074.02kg. Jibrin said that the command had also discovered and sealed an illegal laboratory in Zaria, manufacturing fake drugs. According to him, the laboratory produces drugs from ordinary powder, expired chemicals and substances that are detrimental to human health.

Cameroon Arrests 40 Boko Haram Suspects in Raid

Cameroon’s military has arrested 40 suspected Boko Haram militants in the north of the country.   Soldiers have also sealed off a market where they suspect Boko Haram may be hiding arms for use in the insurgency over the border in Nigeria. Col. Nyemeck Pierre, who led the military raid, disclosed that the central government ordered the military action as part of its fight against Boko Haram incursions into Cameroon. But a Maroua businessman, Wanika Baba, said many of the arrested were his peers and there was confusion in the community. He added that he did not understand what was happening as the military has had the market sealed off for two days now and have arrested so many people. This is the first time Cameroon’s military has carried out an operation on such a large scale in a single day. Northern Cameroon has been plagued for almost a year with an influx of refugees and militants from strife in neighbouring Central African Republic and the Boko Haram violence in northern Nigeria. The Cameroonian government believes Boko Haram is now expanding its recruitment into Cameroon.

21 Dead in Abuja Terrorist Attack

Suspected members of the Boko Haram terrorist group struck Abuja on Wednesday where they detonated a bomb at the popular Emab shopping plaza, Wuse II. The attack is said to have claimed 21 lives, with 17 others severely injured, according to a statement issued by the police on the blast. The police authorities have ordered increased surveillance in and around the Abuja metropolis. The statement added that the Police Bomb Disposal's Squad has commenced post-blast analysis as part of the general investigative process. According to an eyewitness, a bomber had attempted to force his way into the plaza when the bomb exploded as security officers manning the gate attempted to stop him. The explosion shattered many of the shops and other facilities within the surroundings. Those worst hit in the bomb blast were petty traders who often sell banana, orange and groundnut within the entrance of the plaza. Nearly all the sellers are women and young girls who hawk their goods around the vicinity of Emab and Banex plazas.

USA Delivers Military Equipment to Nigeria

The United States of America has confirmed the delivery of special military equipment to the Nigerian government as part of efforts to assist the country in the rescue operation of the over 200 school girls abducted from Chibok in Borno State over two months ago. The United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria confirmed the delivery of the equipment. The USA, according to a statement from the Public Affairs section of the embassy, delivered sophisticated military transportation and communication gadgets to the Nigerian Armed Force last Monday in Abuja. According to the statement, the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command in Africa, General James B. Linder delivered the equipment to the Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation, Major General Ibrahim Sani, last Monday. The new equipment is expected to boost anti-terrorism operation of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Over 100 Killed,15,000 Displaced in Fresh in Kaduna Attacks

Barely 24 hours after gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen killed 38 people in Kabamu and Ankpong villages in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, another 123 people on Tuesday died as rampaging gunmen raided seven villages in the same LGA. The affected villages according Mr. Christopher Chisom, a vigilante leader in Gwantu, include Kobin, Dogon-Daji, Naidu, Kabamu, Hayin -Kwanta, Kabani and Gani. Chisom disclosed that 38 were killed in Kobin, 21 in Dogon- Daji, 16 in Naidu, 30 in Kabamu, five in Hayin Kwanta, four in Kabani and nine in Gani. A 24-hour curfew had been imposed in the area by the LGA boss, Emmanuel Adamu. The Tuesday’s attacks on the villages started at about 4pm and lasted into the night as security personnel deployed to the area could not access many of the areas. The invaders were said to be armed with AK47 rifles and followed bush paths leading to the villages, attacking rural communities from across the local government area simultaneously. Over 15,000 people in Sanga LGA have been reportedly displaced following recent attacks on rural communities.

NEMA DG Tasks State Governments Capacity-Building for Emergency Agencies

The Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Sani Sidi, has challenged state governments to make disaster management a priority by improving the funding and strengthening the capacities of their state emergency management agencies to be able to meet up with current challenges in the country. According to him, they could do so by stepping up efforts to build the capacity of their management institutions so as to effectively deliver on their responsibilities. He pointed out that states were encouraged to develop their coordinating systems in line with the national coordination mechanism, as this would reduce cost and shorten response time.

New Polio Virus Discovered in Kano

The Kano State Government has again discovered new polio virus in Sumaila LGA of the state. The new case has put the number of Wide Polio Virus (WPB) discovered this year in the state at three as the state government had in its first quarter review announced the discovery of two cases of polio disease in Gaya and Tarauni LGAs. The state government tagged some of the troubled LGAs as high risk areas that needed special attention. The state immunisation officer, Dr. Sherrif Yahaya Musa, itemised the presence of WPB, hard to reach area, higher number of non-compliance and border settlement as part of the conditions. He attributed the new case discovered in Sumaila to the resistance of parents who according to the record, denied their wards access to both house to house polio immunisation campaign and routine immunisation exercise since January this year. According to him, the situation made the child vulnerable to polio virus and pose serious risks to others within the environment.

Soldiers Kill Three in Jos Night Club

Three persons were reportedly killed and many others injured when soldiers suspected to be attached to the Special Task Force (STF) in Jos reportedly opened fire on them while partying at Bar in Nyango Gel, Bukuru low cost area of the Plateau State capital. But the STF has denied the allegation, saying nobody was killed by soldiers. It was gathered that a heated argument had ensued at the party, prompting the club owner to alert the soldiers stationed around the area. As the soldiers arrived at the club, they purportedly started shooting, killing three persons and injuring several others, who are now receiving treatment in the hospital. Also, a father of one of the deceased, Mr. Nantel Miri, called for justice for his son and appealed to the Commander of the STF to ensure that the soldiers that perpetrated the killings are brought to book. The spokesman for the STF, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, said the youths of the area had been picketing the bar, asking the owner to pay rent to them.

Boko Haram Insurgency Displaces 650,000 –UN

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has lamented that about 650,000 Nigerians have been displaced in many parts of the North as a result of the activities of the Boko Haram sect. Representative of the UN body in Nigeria, Ms. Angele Dikongue-Atangana, disclosed that an intelligence assessment carried out in May had blamed their displacement on the recent crises in the North-east region. She said her organisation was working hard to establish a regional office in Gombe that would take care of many of the internally displaced persons, adding that the international community and the UN systems in Nigeria are working jointly to provide protection and care for the affected persons. The representative also disclosed plans by UNHCR to ensure efficient coordination and management of camps for those affected.

INTERNATIONAL

Sudan Court Orders Release of Christian Woman on Death Row

An appeal court in central Sudan has ordered the release of a woman on death row for marrying a Christian and refusing to convert back to Islam. Meriam Ibrahim’s death penalty was upturned on Monday in by an appeal court in Khartoum. She was married to a Christian man and a Sharia Court found her guilty of apostasy and adultery on May 11, and was sentenced to death by hanging. Ibrahim was also sentenced to 100 lashes for committing adultery as her 2012 marriage to Daniel Wani was considered invalid under Sudan’s Islamic Sharia laws. The woman, who was pregnant when sentenced, gave birth to a baby girl in prison in late May. The case has drawn widespread international condemnation.

AU Leaders Condemn Terrorism, Insurgency in Africa

As Nigeria reels under the pain caused by terrorists in the country, African leaders at the ongoing 23rd Ordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, have condemned the spate of attacks by terrorists and insurgents on the African continent. The Chairman of the AU and Mauritanian President, Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, speaking at the opening of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, said the continent's leaders must rise to the occasion and adequately respond to contemporary security challenges. He added the tragic events across the continent are a reminder that to ensure peace and security, there is need for a better understanding of the continent.  The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu, representing President Jonathan, had called on Africa to strengthen its security linkages and early warning systems as a way to curb terrorism and insurgency in the continent. He also expressed the commitment of the government to a implementing a long-term strategy to curb terrorism through human welfare programmes. Ugandan President, Museveni, who is the Chairman of the PSC, called on national governments to build competent detribalised and non-sectarian national armies.

Widespread Condemnation as Egypt Jails Al-Jazeera Journalists

An Egyptian court sentenced three Al-Jazeera journalists including Australia’s Peter Greste to jail terms from seven to 10 years on Monday. The verdict has been denounced internationally as “appalling” and “unjust”. Greste and Egyptian-Canadian Mohamed Fadel Fahmy each got seven years, while producer Baher Mohamed received two sentences — one for seven years and another for three. Eleven defendants tried in absentia, including one Dutch journalist and two British journalists, were given 10-year sentences. The trial had provoked an international outcry and raised fears of growing media restrictions in Egypt. Al-Jazeera chief, Mustafa Sawaq, condemned the “unjust verdict”. In The Hague, Foreign Minister, Frans Timmermans, said he had summoned the Egyptian ambassador and would raise this matter with his EU colleagues after Dutch journalist Rena Netjes, tried in absentia, “did not get a fair trial”. London also said it was summoning Cairo’s envoy, and David Cameron’s spokesman said the premier was “completely appalled” by the verdicts issued in absentia against two British journalists working for Al-Jazeera.

Yemen Agrees to Ceasefire with Rebels

Yemen’s defence ministry and Shia rebels have agreed on a ceasefire. Since the breakdown last week of a previous truce reached at the beginning of June, government forces and allied tribesmen have struggled to halt the rebels’ advance on villages just 40 km northwest of the capital Sanaa. Policemen clashed with armed followers of the Houthi movement – named after their leader’s tribe – in a standoff outside the group’s political bureau in Sanaa on Saturday. The ceasefire envisions reshuffling military and civilian leaders in areas affected by the fighting, compensating slain Houthi supporters and an investigation into the violence, a government statement said. At least 200 people have been killed this year in battles pitting the rebels against the government and tribal allies.

Egypt Confirms Death Sentence on Badie and 180 Others

An Egyptian court has confirmed the death sentence against the Muslim Brotherhood’s general guide, Mohamed Badie, and more than 180 others, judicial sources say. Lawyers said the ruling, which was confirmed last Saturday, can be overturned on appeal. Badie was one of thousands of Brotherhood figures and supporters arrested in a deadly crackdown following the army’s toppling in July of former president Mohamed Morsi, a senior member of the group. The case against Badie springs from an attack on a police station near the southern city of Minya on August 14, in which one policeman and one civilian were killed. The attack was carried out in retaliation after police killed hundreds while dispersing a Cairo sit-in by supporters of Morsi. The Brotherhood has since been labelled a “terror organisation” by Egyptian authorities. Its supporters have held persistent protests against the military-backed government, often resulting in clashes.

Suicide Bomb Hits Lebanon

A suicide bomber has detonated a car bomb near a Lebanese army checkpoint in the capital, Beirut, officials say. The blast, which caused a huge fire, occurred in a southern suburb mainly inhabited by Shia Muslims. At least 12 people who were watching World Cup football in a nearby cafe were wounded but it is unclear whether anyone else was killed. Lebanon has suffered a rise in sectarian tension linked to the conflict in neighbouring Syria. Recently a policeman was killed and 30 people injured when a suicide bomber detonated a car full of explosives in eastern Lebanon. Previous attacks on Shia areas in Lebanon have been carried out by Sunni extremists who accuse Shia militant group Hezbollah of fighting alongside President Bashar al-Assad’s troops in Syria.

Rebels Shoot Down Ukraine Helicopter Carrying Technicians

Rebel fighters have shot down a Ukrainian military helicopter carrying technicians who had been installing equipment to monitor a peace plan in Ukraine’s east, killing all nine people on board. The incident took place just hours after pro-Russian separatists on Monday announced a ceasefire until June 27 to match a week-long truce by government forces which has been ordered by Ukraine’s president, Petro Poroshenko. The technicians had been returning from setting up specialised equipment on Tuesday when their Mi-8 helicopter was struck by a rebel missile near Slovyansk in eastern Ukraine, said Vladyslav Seleznyov, a government forces spokesman. Dmytro Tymchuk, a military analyst with sources in the armed forces, said the helicopter had been brought down by a missile fired from a shoulder-held launcher.

Four Killed as Passenger Train Derails

Several coaches of a passenger train have derailed in India’s Bihar state, killing at least four people and injuring 10 others, officials said. The Rajdhani Express was travelling from New Delhi to Dibrugarh in north-eastern Assam state when it derailed near Chapra station in Bihar. Railway officials suspect that Maoist rebels were behind the incident. The rebels, who say they are fighting for the rights of indigenous tribal people and the rural poor, are active in several eastern and central states of India. “The reason for the incident is said to be sabotage. However, the local police have denied such claims.

Kenya Governor Arrested after Coastal Attacks

Kenyan police have arrested the governor of the coastal Lamu district in connection with three recent massacres in which over 60 people were killed, officers said on Thursday. Governor Issa Timamy was arrested late Wednesday in connection with killings last week over two consecutive nights in the town of Mpeketoni and a nearby village that claimed nearly 60 lives. Another attack during the week left at least five dead, officials said. Despite an immediate claim of responsibility from the Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab for the Mpeketoni attack, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has blamed “local political networks” along with an “opportunist network of other criminal gangs”. The accusations have stoked already tense political rivalry between Kenyatta and opposition parties. Survivors of the attack in Mpeketoni reported gunmen speaking Somali and carrying Shebab flags, executing non-Muslims and saying their actions were revenge for Kenya’s military presence in Somalia as part of the African Union force fighting the Islamists. Police on Wednesday also arrested 13 alleged separatists suspected of planning more attacks in the country’s coastal region.

Wives of Nigerien Politicians Arrested in Baby Trafficking Bust

The wives of two prominent politicians have been arrested in Niger Republic as authorities dislodged an alleged baby trafficking ring this week. More than 20 suspects were arrested on Monday as part of an international investigation involving police from Nigeria, Benin and Niger Republic. Those arrested were “mostly women” and included one of the wives of Niger’s former Prime Minister and current Parliament Speaker, Hama Amadou. The wife of Agriculture Minister Abdou Labo was also detained. The babies are thought to have arrived in Niger from Nigeria via Benin. A number of civil servants and health workers were also detained. Some suspects were referred to the public prosecutor on Wednesday, the police source said.

15 Die in India Pipeline Fire

The site operator, Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), said 15 people died after an explosion on Friday at a gas pipeline in India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh. GAIL is India’s largest state-owned natural gas processing and distribution company. Report says a massive fire broke out after the blast in Andhra Pradesh state, but was brought under control after two hours and gas supplies had been cut. The cause of the accident is not known yet, but all attention was currently focused on rescue and relief operations. An eyewitness said most of the victims died in the flames that reached 20 metres high, while 10 more were hospitalised. The fire spread to residential parts of Nagaram town, more than 550 km north-east of state capital Hyderabad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and said he had spoken to authorities to ensure immediate relief to those affected. He said government had ordered an investigation into the outbreak, while fire-fighters and police were conducting rescue operations and evacuating the area.

Jordan Acquits Radical Cleric, Abu Qatada, of Terrorism Charges

A Jordanian court, on Thursday, acquitted the radical cleric Abu Qatada of conspiring to commit acts of terrorism in 1998. He will however remain in jail on separate charges of planning to attack tourists in 2000 of which a verdict is expected later this year. Abu Qatada, whose real name is Omar Othman, was deported from Britain last year following a protracted legal battle. A Palestinian-Jordanian, Abu Qatada had claimed asylum in the country in 1993, saying he had been tortured in Jordan. He is accused of having ties to radical Islamist militia groups.

Iraqi Military Battles for Control of Tikrit

The Iraqi army has launched an assault on the Sunni rebel-held town of Tikrit, a day after releasing video footage of soldiers in control of a strategic northern oil refinery. Fierce clashes began after the helicopters landed near Tikrit’s university campus. At least one of the helicopters was downed by the rebels. Several locals disclosed that there were no rebels in the region and that the military hit targets indiscriminately. Major-General Qassim Atta al-Moussawi said the army repelled attackers on Wednesday and killed all the militants who approached the perimeter of Baiji refinery. Baiji lies in territory captured about two weeks ago by the ISIL fighters and its Sunni allies. ISIL still controls the town of Baiji, which is next to the refinery. Sunni rebels in Iraq had claimed that they had fully captured the refinery. A rebel spokesman said the Baiji refinery, in Salahuddin province, would now be handed over to local tribes to administer.