Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 48

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	5
2	Robbery/Drugs/Gang Incidents	15
3	Maritime Incidents	3
4	Terrorism	9
5	Political/Government Agencies	8
6	Murder/Assassinations	7
7	Rape Incidents	2
8	Others	7
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Journalist Abducted, Released in Aba

A journalist, Ugochukwu Eke, the state correspondent of The Nation newspapers, was on November 16, kidnapped at the Ogbor Hill area of Aba, Abia State and the abductors have demanded N20 million as ransom for his freedom. The kidnappers, according to eye witnesses, had accosted the journalist in front of his house, dragged him out of his car and whisked him away to an unknown destination. However, less than 24 hours after the incident took place, the kidnappers established a contact with their victim’s family and demanded a N20 million ransom before they could set the journalist free. Eke, however, regained his freedom on November 20, after a five-day ordeal in the hands of abductors.

Ijaw Youths Threaten to Invade Kokori over Kidnap Monarch

The umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), on November 18, commenced mobilisation of youths from Ijaw communities for a rescue mission and invasion of the Kokori community in Ethiope East LGA of Delta State over the abduction of His Royal Majesty Augustine Ebikeme, Pere Ekere of Oporomor Kingdom in Bayelsa State. The kidnap of the royal father was carried out by some armed men at Kokori community on November 16. This had provoked anger among indigenes of Ijaw communities. King Pere Ekere, according to the Ijaws, is the spiritual leader for the worshippers of the Ijaw traditional deity known as the Egbesu. The IYC, through its spokesman, Comrade Eric Omare, has condemned the kidnap of the monarch describing it as a joke taken too far and would not be tolerated. Meanwhile, residents of the community are reported to have fled the community following a warning by security operatives that they produced the royal father or give them information on the den of the kidnappers.

Navy Frees 14 Journalists, 6 Itsekiri Abducted by Ex-Militants

The Navy has released the journalists and six Itsekiri youths kidnapped by suspected followers of former Ijaw militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, in Gbaramatu kingdom on November 16. The journalists were detained for six hours by ex-militants before being handed over to the military. The media men and the Itsekiri youths had attended a briefing at Ogidigben, the Itsekiri community where the $16 billion Export Processing Zone, EPZ, is being sited, and were returning to Warri when the armed men, in speedboats, ambushed them. In the wake of the abduction of the journalists, President Goodluck Jonathan on November 18, ordered full scale investigation into the abduction.

Suspected Kidnapper Disappears with 4 Children in Ibadan

Drama ensued on November 18, at Yemetu area of Ibadan Oyo State, when a woman on hijab, disappeared after allegedly kidnapping four children. It was gathered that there was uneasy calm in the area when the residents, who had earlier seen the kidnapper with the four children, found out to their consternation that she had disappeared with the children from the scene, a few hours after the incident happened. Police spokeswoman, Olabisi Ilobanafor, who confirmed the report, said that investigation had commenced, to track the alleged kidnapper and the allegedly missing children. Ilobanafor also appealed to members of the public to allow the law take its course, rather than take the law into their hands.

NAPTIP Rescues 70 in Benue

At least 70 persons have been rescued by National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP), from human trafficking syndicates in Benue and neighbouring states. Zonal Head of NAPTIP in Makurdi, Tina Ugwu, who disclosed this, said the agency recorded the feat in the last few weeks, stressing that the onslaught against traffickers in Benue and neighbouring states under the zone had gained momentum and would be sustained to ensure that those behind the business were stopped. She urged the public to always avail the agency of any information that would aid its work to ensure that the menace was tackled effectively.

Robbery/Drugs/Gang Incidents

Police Kill 2 Robbers in Benin

Edo State Police Command, on November 17, disclosed that its men shot and killed two armed robbers, who were robbing in a block of flats in Ugbor area of Benin City, while one escaped with bullet wounds. Police spokesman, Noble Uwoh, disclosed that a notorious three-man gang were robbing occupants of a block of flats when a police patrol vehicle that was on routine patrol in the area responded to a distress call by one of the occupants of the building. The robbers on sighting the police vehicle, reportedly opened fired. This led to a gun duel, at the end of which two of the robbers were fatally wounded while the third suspect escaped with bullet wounds. The police also recovered the stolen items and one locally made revolver pistol.

Curfew Imposed as 7 Die in Kamberi Youths, Ombatse Boys Clash in Nasarawa

The renewed clash between members of the proscribed Ombatse militia group and Kamberi youths on November 17, have left seven people dead, while several houses torched in Lafia, capital of Nasarawa state. The latest hostility, started when some Eggon youths reportedly invaded Lafia to attack emir‘s palace as a reprisal of invasion of Alakyo village by Fulani mercenaries, on November 16 before they were repelled by Kamberi youths. It was revealed that the motive behind Ombatse‘s attack on the palace was that they alleged that the emir was harbouring some mercenaries in his domain. Sources disclosed that the Kamberi youths overpowered their Eggon counterparts and chased them away. Police spokesman, Ugochukwu Theodore, said the police command had beefed up security in all flash points, and had arrested 14 people in connection with the violence.

Man Arrested with Stolen Car, Phones

The police in Bauchi State have arrested a 30-year-old man in Bauchi for possession of property suspected to be stolen. Police spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, on November 18, stated that the suspect, one Rilwanu Aliyu, was arrested on November 15. The suspect had in his possession valuables including iPhone 5, iPhone 6 and a black Lexus car, which were stolen from one Sadiat Isa Kagara, female, in Minna, Niger State on November 9 2104. Mohammed disclosed that the suspect had been assisting the police in tracking down his accomplice, who remained at large.

Police Arrest Beninoise, 2 Others for Robbery

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a suspected cross-border armed robber, 17-year-old Beninoise, Wilben Kende. The Police also arrested two friends, Fidelis Sunday and Okechukwu Ibie, who were alleged to have robbed one Eghosa Omofonmuvan, a driver of a truck loaded with electronics along Ore-Lagos Expressway. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikemefuna Okoye, while parading the suspects, said the Beninoise had confessed to the crime. The Police said Kende, whose accomplice, Woti Usa, was still at large, specialised in snatching motorcycles from their owners at Owode Egbado, and taking them across to Republic of Benin. Okoye said they committed the crime on September 26. However, Sunday and Ibie denied robbing anyone.

Hoodlums on Rampage, Kill Four in Lagos

Four persons were shot dead on November 19 as some hoodlums went on rampage and shot indiscriminately along the Railway Line in Oyingbo area of Lagos State. It was learnt that the hoodlums, who were said to be no fewer than 15, came into the area at about 9.30pm, shooting to scare away shop owners and pedestrians. They were said to have been led by a man, identified as John Ibafo, (a.k.a small rainbow). They reportedly fired shots into the air indiscriminately, while four persons were hit by stray bullets and died instantly. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, while confirming the incident, said three suspects had been arrested by the police.

Robbers Attack Bullion Van in Ondo, Escape with Cash

Suspected armed robbers, November 20, attacked a cash-laden bullion van at Elemoso village along Ondo-Akure Road in the Ondo East LGA of Ondo state, and made-away with an undisclosed amount of money. An eyewitness disclosed that the armed robbers rained bullets on the police escort vehicle and the bullion van simultaneously, while the policemen and the driver of the van reportedly took to their heels. The operation lasted for just about seven minutes. A middle-aged man, simply identified as Pastor Ajah, who was coming from Ondo town ran into the rain of bullets and sustained bullet wounds. Ajah, a school proprietor in the area, was said to be coming from a mechanic workshop in Ondo town with his vehicle when he ran into the hoodlums who opened fire on him. He was said to have been taken to a general hospital.

Man Killed by Cultists in Lagos

A 35-year-old man, Lukman Sotomiwa, has been killed by suspected cult members in the Surulere area of Lagos State. It was gathered that Sotomiwa was, on November 19, tricked out of his house with a telephone call around 10pm.The gang promptly opened fire on him as he stepped out of his house. He died on the spot. The Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Teacher Attacked by Students with Machetes in Imo

A secondary school teacher, Mary-Ann Oguezuonu, at Obosima Secondary Technical School, in Imo State, was allegedly brutalized by irate male students of the college on November 20. The students reportedly attacked the nursing mother with machetes after she scolded a female student for improper dressing. It was gathered that while Oguezuonu was cautioning the JSS2 student, a male SS1 student jumped into the classroom and rudely challenged the teacher. This led to further anger and the attack on the teacher

1 Killed, Scores Injured as Rival Gangs Clash in Ede

Pandemonium broke out in the early hours of November 17 in Ede, Osun State, when rival gangs engaged in violent clash, leaving one person dead and scores injured. Trouble started when a middle-aged man, identified as Elemo and leader of a gang called Atapara Base, was allegedly attacked and killed at his residence. The incident was said to have sparked series of violent clashes at various points in the town as members of the Atapara Base gang engaged another group identified as Farounbi in a clash, using deadly weapons. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Folasade Odoro, confirmed the incident, saying that policemen had been deployed to maintain law and order.

Police Parade 40 Suspects in FCT

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command, on November 19, paraded 40 suspects over alleged robbery, car snatching, ‘one chance’ and theft. The suspects were paraded at the office of the Abuja Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). FCT Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, said a total of 16 stolen cars were recovered within the last two days. Inalegwu said police from Utako and Gwarinpa on November 17 conducted raid in Jabi village, after receiving a robbery report in Gwarinpa. According to the police boss, a group of 20 suspects were arrested with the help of the victim’s I-phone signal. Their location was identified and many stolen items were recovered. Inalegwu said some of the items recovered included one toy gun, two golf cars, electronic devices, laptops and phones.

NDLEA Nabs Two Smuggling Cannabis to UAE

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a technician for allegedly possessing 665 grammes of cannabis. He was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) during the outward screening of passengers on an Etihad flight to Dubai on November 15. Dried weeds, which tested positive for cannabis concealed in foodstuff, were found inside the suspect’s luggage. NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Hamza Umar, disclosed that officers at the departure hall found two parcels of dried weeds which tested positive for cannabis inside the luggage of one Friday Ufot Tom, a passenger travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The drug weighed 665 grammes and the incident is currently under investigation.

4 Robbers Nabbed in Enugu

Men of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested four armed robbery suspects and a member of the gang that recently robbed passengers in a luxury bus at Obolo-Afor. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, on November 17, disclosed that the four armed robbery suspects were arrested through the assistance of Agume police operatives of Kogi State Command. He said one of the suspects was first arrested, and that following his confession, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operatives stormed Iwollo in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State, where some of his gang members were arrested for robbing at 9th Mile.

4 Killed in Rivers and Imo Bloody Attacks

Twopersons were feared dead in Owerri, Imo State following a misunderstanding between a Hausa trader and an indigene of Owerri on November 17. The timely arrival of a detachment of armed soldiers and policemen saved what would have snowballed into real inter-tribal conflict in the city. It was revealed that trouble started when the Owerri indigene and his team reportedly hit the ‘Ama-Hausa’ area to collect the usual daily toll from the Hausa traders.

Edo Police 76 Suspects

The Edo State Police Command, on November 14, paraded 76 suspects, including a suspected fake doctor, for various heinous offences committed in different locations across the state. The suspects were paraded by the Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo, at the state headquarters in Benin City, Edo State capital. The fake doctor, Moses Jumbo, was arrested for allegedly murdering a pregnant woman after illegal operation to deliver her of a baby on September 24, 2014. The suspect was said to have confessed to the crime and would be charged to court. Other persons paraded by the command include four attempted murder suspects, 16 armed robbery suspects, five suspected kidnappers, 10 suspected rapists,15 suspected cultists and illegal possessors of firearms and seven persons arrested for alleged defilement.

Panic as Area Boys Clash in Minna

Street urchins, known as ‘Area Boys’, in Minna caused panic in the town on November 17, making residents to scamper for safety, mistaking their activities for that of the terrorists group, Boko Haram. The two groups went to Limawa Primary and Secondary School to fight, while pupils were still in school and on sighting the area boys fighting with weapons, students and teachers took to their heels, thinking it was Boko Haram. The hoodlums were said to have injured some students with their cutlasses, knives and clubs. Some also got injured in the process of running for their safety, while some of the area boys also got injured in the process. The state Commissioner of Police, Olusola Emmanuel Amore, said the police had arrested seven suspects in connection with the clash.

Maritime Incidents

NIMASA Alleges Threats by Unprosecuted Pirates

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, has said that the lives of officials of the agency were being threatened by pirates and oil thieves who have escaped prosecution. He said that the inability of the authorities to prosecute people involved in piracy and oil stealing had emboldened the suspects to become threats to the lives of officials of the agency engaged in the fight against piracy and oil theft along the nation’s waterways.

Navy Destroys Illegal Refineries in Rivers State

The Nigerian Navy has destroyed two illegal refineries with combined refining capacity of 50, 000 litres capable of producing diesel worth N8 million daily. Base Operations Officer of the Naval Ship, Pathfinder, Commander Chindo Yahaya, disclosed this during the destruction of the refineries in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers State on November 14. He disclosed that the patrol team was able to discover this illegal crude oil refining sites at Opobo creek, close to Abonnema Town. The naval officer said the navy resorted to immediate destruction of the refineries because it could not make any arrest at the scene, adding that naval troops would continue to carry out 24-hour air and water patrol of the creeks to end the menace of oil theft.

JTF Nabs 10 Suspected Oil Thieves in Brass

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta says it has arrested 10 suspected crude oil thieves in Bayelsa State. The Joint Media Campaign Centre, JTF, Lt.-Col. Mustapha Anka, on November 15, said that the arrest was made on the waterways of Brass near Nigerian Agip Oil Company Terminal. Anka disclosed that the arrest was made following a tip off that a vessel christened MV SKYE laden with substances suspected to be stolen crude oil. He said the oil was illegally siphoned from MV CERGEN–D and MT ELIMINA earlier arrested for illegal oil bunkering. JTF spokesperson said the Commander, JTF, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe’s zero tolerance for oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism and other sundry crimes in the Niger Delta will be strictly adhered to.

Terrorism

Nigeria Ranks Fourth on Global Terrorism Index

A new global study by the London-based Institute for Economics and Peace has ranked Nigeria fourth on the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) for 2013, primarily arising from terrorist attacks carried out by Boko Haram in northern Nigeria. Nigeria is ranked below Iraq with 2,492 attacks that killed more than 6,300 people, Afghanistan and Pakistan, which ranked first, second and third, respectively, while Syria, now driven by a devastating civil war, is ranked fifth. In the report released on November 18, the institute said the number of people killed in terror attacks worldwide jumped more than 60 per cent last year to a record high of nearly 18,000 and the figure could rise further in 2014 due to an escalation of conflict in the Middle East and Nigeria. There were 303 terrorism incidents catalogued for Nigeria, with 1,826 fatalities and 457 injuries, figures bound to be eclipsed judging by the ferocity of 2014 attacks by Boko Haram.

Suspected Suicide Bomber Mobbed to Death in Gombe

A middle-aged man suspected to be a suicide bomber was on November 18 mobbed to death while trying to detonate a bag loaded with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the popular Gombe line bus park in the heart of Gombe town. Investigations revealed that the suspect who tried to force his way through the main gate of the bus park with his bag when security personnel were screening passengers, was immediately caught by angry youths and set on fire after the explosives were found to have been carefully arranged in the bag and ready for detonation. The state Police Commissioner, Abdullahi Kudu Mna, said that the explosion could have been devastating if it had gone off.

Soldiers Recapture Chibok

The Nigerian military, on November 15, recaptured the symbolic Chibok town in Borno State after it was briefly overrun by Boko Haram terrorists on November 14. Chibok gained global prominence in April this year when 279 female students were kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists from a secondary school in the town. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen. Olajide Laleye confirmed the recapture of the town. Laleye said the military took back the town after a combined aerial and ground assault against members of the sect. The army spokesman assured that the town was secured and the troops were conducting mop up operations.

45 Killed in Suspected Boko Haram Attack in Borno

At least 45 people were killed in a suspected Boko Haram attack in Azaya Kura in the Mafa area of Borno state on November 19. Mafa has been repeatedly attacked by the Islamist insurgents. In the latest attack, heavily armed militants arrived on motorcycles as villagers were at work.

31 Killed in Azare Bomb Attack

At least 31 persons were feared dead and 56 others injured when a female suicide bomber detonated a bomb at an ICT market in Azare, Bauchi State, on November 16. An eyewitness disclosed that the suicide bomber came into the market towards closing hours and blew herself up. According to him, many people were injured in the incident, adding that the injured were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in the town. Two men, who came to the market with the bomber, were caught as they tried to flee by an angry mob. One was killed, while the other was handed over to the police.

Suicide Bomber Kills 6 in Kano

A suicide bomber, on November 14, detonated a bomb hidden in his car at a filling station on Maiduguri Road, Kano, killing five others including three policemen in the process. Scores of people were also injured in the attack at the Hotoro area. A combined team of soldiers and policemen raced to the scene and condoned off the area. The Police Commissioner, Kano State Command, Aderenle Shinaba, confirmed the casualty figure. He disclosed that the bomber had queued alongside other customers inside the filling station pretending to be buying fuel, before detonating the apparently bomb-laden vehicle. The Kano State Police spokesman, Musa Majiya, confirmed the incident.

Troops Retake Gombi, Hong and Pella Towns

Nigerian troops, in collaboration with the local hunters, on November 19, chased out the Boko Haram insurgents as they recaptured Gombi, Hong, and Pella towns in Adamawa state which were taken over the religious extremists recently. The military overwhelmed the insurgents after about 4 days of fierce battle that saw the death of over 400 insurgents, while several of them were arrested. It was further stated that the soldiers had recovered some arms and ammunition from the captured insurgents. The military is reported to have deployed heavy military hardware, like the Armoured Personnel Carriers, armoured tanks and attack helicopter gunships to ensure sustained patrol in the area.

10 Soldiers Killed in Adamawa Clashes

Ten soldiers were reportedly killed in clashes with Boko Haram insurgents in Gombi and Hong LGAs of Adamawa State on November 16 as Nigerian troops battled to flush out the insurgents from the two areas. The insurgents had reportedly met strong resistance from the Nigeria troops, who had been deployed to stop them from extending their captured territories. A fleeing resident of Gombi disclosed that about ten soldiers lost their lives in the fight against the insurgents, adding that the insurgents went from house to house in Gombi slaughtering residents, who were trapped in the town. But the Adamawa State Governor, Bala James Ngilari refuted reports that the insurgents had seized the two councils.

29 Killed in Nasarawa Communal Clash

No fewer than 20 people were feared killed on November 16 in the communal violence in Shabu in Lafia LGA of Nasarawa State. Trouble broke out around 12 midnight following rumours of attack on Alakyo village and environs by suspected Fulani herdsmen, which had forced residents in the areas to flee to Shabu for safety. The Nasarawa State Police Command on Monday arrested 14 persons in connection with an attack on Alakyo village by Fulani insurgents. Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on Lafia. In more attacks on November 18, nine persons were reportedly killed in a gun battle between security operatives and some gunmen in Gidi-gidi along Shinge area of Lafia LGA. Unknown gunmen had invaded the area and started shooting sporadically into the air. This forced residents to alert the police who came and engaged them in a gun duel.

Political/Government Agencies

NATFORCE Raises Proliferation of Illegal Borders

The National Taskforce on Illegal Importation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATFORCE) has raised the alarm over the increasing number of illegal borders currently being used to smuggle dangerous weapons into the country, which it said has hit 6,000. The organization said it was willing to partner with security operatives in the country in protecting the borders across the country. The Director-General of NATFORCE, Emmanuel Osita Okereke, expressed this concern, while commenting on the current security challenges in the North East.

11 Biafran Activists in Court for Treason

Eleven members of the Biafran Zionists Federation (BZF) were remanded in prison custody for treason by the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu on November 19. They were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on treason and attempt to intimidate and instill fear through the activities of BZF. The leader of BZF, Benjamin Onwuka, and 10 members of his group were arrested in June 2014 after they launched a failed attack on the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) to declare the independence of the defunct Biafra Republic. After the suspects pleaded not guilty to all the charges against them, the presiding judge, Justice D.V.C. Agishi, adjourned the case to December 8 for hearing.

300 Suspected Illegal Immigrants Arrested in Anambra

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Anambra has arrested about 300 suspected illegal immigrants in the state. The Comptroller of Immigration in the area, Darlington Chude, who disclosed this on November 20, said that the aliens were “mopped-up” in Awka North and South, Nnewi North and South, and Onitsha North and South local council areas of the state where they were mainly located. According to him, the mop-up exercise which is a continuous one is a programme of the Immigration Service to rid the country of foreign elements ahead of the 2015 elections.

Mark Shuts Down Legislature

Senate President and chairman of the National Assembly, Senator David Mark, on November 20, ordered a shutdown of the National Assembly till November 25, following the eruption of crisis as some members of the House of Representatives who were allegedly denied entry into the premises, resulting in them scaling the fence into the complex. The incident occurred as the house attempted to reconvene to discuss the extension of the emergency rule in the north-east. Being unable to discuss the extension, the lawmakers, reportedly advised President Goodluck Jonathan to invoke the powers granted him by the constitution to deploy troops to any troubled zone. Security had been on high alert in and around the precinct of the parliament a day before the special session to consider the president's request was to hold.

Edo Police Arrest Suspect in Assembly Quarters’ Invasion

Edo State Police Command on November 19, arrested a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) over alleged involvement in the invasion of the state House of Assembly quarters sometime in October. State Commissioner of Police, Funso Adebanjo, disclosed that the key suspect had been arrested and charged to Oredo Magistrate’s Court for alleged illegal possession of fire arms and other offences. The police had been on the trail of the PDP leader, who escaped after the attack at the Assembly quarters.

Customs, Agents Clash at Lagos Airport

Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service and clearing agents, on November 19, clashed over alleged manhandling of a senior customs officer at the cargo section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. Trouble reportedly began when the Customs Area Comptroller, Taju Olarewaju, attempted to enter NAHCO warehouse as part of measures to implement some reforms, but was prevented from gaining entry despite introducing himself as the CAC. One of the agents was said to have pushed him, a situation that reportedly infuriated other customs agents, leading to the fracas.

Amaechi, Oyegun, others Lead Protest against Withdrawal of Tambuwal’s Aides

Thousands of All Progressives Congress (APC) members, led by the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, and other stalwarts, stormed the Force headquarters, Abuja on November 19, in protest. They said they were protesting against the withdrawal of the security aides to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, who defected to the APC recently. The protesters, who carried different placards disrupted activities at the Force headquarters as they prevented policemen, vehicles and visitors from entering the premises. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, however, frowned at the blockade of the Force headquarters by the party members. The IGP described the incident as provocative and uncivilised, but added that it ended without any confrontation.

Four INEC Staff over Illegal Voter Registration

The National Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has confirmed the arrest of two INEC Ad hoc staff for carrying out a house-to-house registration of voters in Kano State. The INEC Chairman disclosed that the individuals were students who were being used to complement the manpower shortage of corps members. He insisted that the offenders would be prosecuted. Similarly, the Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two ad-hoc members of staff of the INEC who were allegedly involved in the illegal registration of people at the residence of a politician in Oredo Local Council of the state. Items such as bags containing laptops, 58 temporary voters’ cards, ID cards of the NYSC member identified as Nnamdi were recovered.

Murder/Assassinations

STF Soldier Stabs Security Personnel to Death

A soldier with the Special Task Force (STF) deployed to restore law and order in Plateau state is reported to have stabbed and killed a member of the state security outfit (operation Rainbow) in Barkin Ladi LGA. It was gathered that youths of the local government blocked the highway protesting and calling for the withdrawal of the STF from the local government. The Chairman of the council, Emmanuel Loman, disclosed that the incident occurred when some councillors from the council and members of the security outfit were returning after monitoring the voters’ registration exercise, and were allegedly harassed by men of the STF at a check point, following which the STF member instead brought out a knife and stabbed him, killing him instantly.

Man Killed in Fight over Woman in Ibadan

A man, identified as Abbey, on November 14, killed his rival, Kehinde, over a mother of four in Ibadan, Oyo State. The deceased was reportedly waylaid by Abbey as he was returning to his house. An eyewitness disclosed that efforts to revive Kehinde proved abortive after Abbey reportedly hit him with a charm and he became unconscious. It was gathered that the attack on the deceased was as a result of the rivalry between him and Abbey over a mother of four identified as Iya Ayi, who sells herb drinks (Paraga) around the area. Though, according to a resident of the area, Iya Ayi was not married to anyone of them, she was having an affair with both of them which was known to Abbey and the late Kehinde.

Man Kills Brother over Fight with Wife

A 47-year-old man, Madukaku Oguh, has been killed by his elder brother, Aligwekwe Oguh, in Obowo LGA of Imo State. An eyewitness account had it that the alleged assailant, who butchered his younger brother with a sharp cutlass, disappeared from the community thereafter. A witness disclosed that Aligwekwe’s wife, Linda, had accused Madukaku of looking at her suspiciously and started raining abuses on him. An obviously embarrassed Madukaku called her to order, but she continued the tirade. When Madukaku could no longer withstand the insult, he allegedly brandished a small knife and threatened to use; but Aligwekwe, who was close by promptly hit his brother with a machete. The deceased was said to have ran away from his brother, could not go far because of the flow of blood, and eventually died. Aligwekwe fled the community immediately after the incident.

Cleric Kills 62-Year-Old Woman in Lagos

The police in Lagos, on November 16, confirmed the arrest of a Muslim cleric, Isiaka Akanbi (55), for allegedly killing a 62-year-old woman, Raliatu Kareem. The police also accused Akanbi of stealing the deceased’s wallet and other personal effects. It was learnt that Akanbi, popularly called Alfa, had a traditional healing centre on Lawani Street, in the Olodi Apapa area of Lagos and Kareem, had been his customer for about 20 years. The family became apprehensive when she went missing for two days. The family became suspicious when Akanbi started packing his property, and preparing to flee the house some hours later. The family was said to have raised the alarm and reported the matter to the police. Akanbi confessed that she died in his place, but that he did not kill her. Akanbi added that when he realised the woman was dead, he buried her personal effects to erase any trace of her in his house. Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the case.

Housewife Stabs Husband to Death over Money

A housewife, Folashade Sodiya (27) has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly stabbing her 39-year-old husband to death during an argument over money on November 12. Folashade reportedly called for help after stabbing him. The neighbours were said to have alerted policemen from the Owutu Police Division. A neighbour disclosed that she had become remorseful since the incident and is reportedly cooperating with the police. “When the police picked the wrong knife as exhibit, she told them she used a stainless knife in killing her husband, which she also fetched for them” the neighbour disclosed. The Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Six Arrested for Murder of BSIEC Secretary

The Department of State Security (DSS) has arrested 6 men over the killing of the Secretary of the Bayelsa State Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Chief Simeon Akpane. Akpane (48) was shot in the head at close range on October 10, 2014, in front of his residence at Yenezue-Gene in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The State Director of the DSS, Laasan Baba, who paraded the suspects on November 19, lamented that the boys killed the Chief during a failed robbery operation.

Ibadan Youths Protest Alleged Death of Man in Police Custody

There was commotion on November 15 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as youths in large number protested alleged killing of an unidentified young man in the custody of the police at the Mokola Divisional Police Station. The youths, male and female, from Inalende/Ode-Oolo axis of the city, stormed the ever-busy Mokola round-about. Sensing danger, the police came out to repel them and when it became apparent that the protesting youths were not deterred, canisters of tear-gas were released into the air and this forced the protesters to retreat. In the process, roadside traders, commuters and others around the area joined in running helter-skelter to avoid the effect of the tear-gas. One of the protesters, who did not want his name in print, told our reporter that the protest was to register their displeasure over the killing of one of them, arrested within the vicinity, in the police custody. But the police said that contrary to speculations, the deceased was not tortured by any policeman and did not die in police custody.

Rape Incidents

HIV-Positive Man Defiles 2 Under-aged Sisters

A 32-year-old mason, Terkula Iorpuur, has been remanded in prison by a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court, Benue State, for allegedly defiling two under-aged sisters. The prosecutor, Terzungwe Kajo, told the court that the uncle of the victims reported the matter to the police on October 6. Kajo said the victims’ mother complained that the two children, aged eight and six years, were not walking properly, and when they took the girls to the hospital for treatment and the doctor discovered that someone forcefully had sex with them. Kajo stated that the medical examination further revealed that the accused was HIV positive and had been on drugs. However, for lack of jurisdiction, no plea was taken when the case came up for mention.

Serial Rapist Arrested in Jigawa

Jigawa State command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 30-year-old Umar Mohammed for breaking into people’s homes to rape their wives. According to NSCDC, the accused person confessed that he specialized in breaking into people’s houses in the area at midnight to forcibly rape housewives. Commandant of the Corps, Dr. Muhammad Gidado, who paraded the suspect on November 17, disclosed that he had received several complaints about late night rape cases. The commandant said the accused person has confessed to the crime.

Others

Medical Council Arrests over 30 Quacks, Sanctions 122 Practitioners

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) said efforts to rid Nigeria of quackery were yielding positive results as the council has arrested more than 30 quack doctors and illegal practitioners, and also facilitated the conviction of 14 of them at the courts within the last four years. The Registrar of the MDCN, Dr. Abdulmunin Ibrahim, who disclosed on November 18, as the council marked its 51st anniversary, also disclosed that the number of training institutions in the country accredited by the council has increased from one to 31 within the last 50 years.

3 Killed as Military Helicopter Crashes in Adamawa

An Air Force fighter helicopter that was deployed for military action against the Boko Haram crashed in Adamawa State. The Defence Headquarters confirmed the death of three crew members in the military helicopter which crashed on November 13. It was stated that rescue workers worked throughout the night to preserve the wreckage of the aircraft and the crash scene. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosun, had said during a recent forum at the University of Ibadan that the Air Force had made over 6,000 successful missions in the operations area. The missions involve airlift of troops and equipment, rotation of forces, evacuation of casualty, attack missions and surveillance operations and reconnaissance missions.

Youths Attack NAOC Pipeline, Oil Well

Unidentified youths, on November 12th & 13th nights, launched multiple attacks on a pipeline and oil well belonging to Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), at Okoroma, Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State, over a disputed security surveillance contract in the area. According to community sources, the youths who launched the attack were masked and armed with explosives suspected to be dynamites. The indigenes and elders of the community, according to sources, have launched an independent investigation into the incident.

Illegal Arms Build Proliferate in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has raised the alarm over arms and ammunition build up in the state by some individuals and groups. The State Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, on November 17, warned that anyone or group in possession of unregistered arms, should submit such within the next 14 days or face the wrath of the law. Okoye said the step was geared towards mopping up illegal arms from wrong hands with less than four months to the general elections. The CP also warned motorists, especially politicians, government officials and individuals, plying the roads in the state with vehicles or motorcycles with unregistered number plates to register them with immediate effect.

2 Killed, 5 Missing in Onne/Okrika Land Dispute

Two people reportedly lost their lives, while six were hospitalised and five others missing in the aftermath of a violent clash over a land dispute at the Onne Seaport in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on November 17. Some youths, chiefs and women from Okrika had besieged the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) of the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone in protest over refusal by the authorities to make them part landlords of the company. Trouble was said to have started when youths from Onne, on getting wind of the development, stormed the area to disperse the protesters, leading to the violent clash. In another incident, two persons lost their lives in what community sources described as a battle for supremacy by rival cult groups in Abonnema, headquarters of Akuku Toru LGA of Rivers State.

Man, Commits Suicide in Church

A 24-year-old man, Lanre Falodu, has reportedly committed suicide within his church premises in Ondo State. The deceased brother, Tunde, according to reports, took him to the church to seek spiritual solution to his problem. It was learned that the deceased, who had been in church for some time, reportedly escaped at about 5:30am before they found that he had hanged himself on a tree within the church premises. A team of homicide detectives was dispatched to the scene. In another development, an aged woman reportedly committed suicide at Idanre area of the state. Police spokesman, Wole Ogodo, said the woman, believed to be mentally sick, poured petrol on her body, set herself ablaze and died before help could reach her.

Police to Mop-Up Arms in Ekiti

The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, has issued 14 days ultimatum to owners of unlicensed firearms to surrender them to the police or face the wrath of the law. Lakanu, who gave the ultimatum on November 19, said the warning became imperative, following the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that campaigns had commenced for the 2015 general election. Lakanu also announced that a mop-up operation of illegal arms would soon commence in the state and warned those stockpiling arms to disrupt the 2015 elections to have a rethink.

Review/Analysis

In the review of the security trends for the week, robbery/gang related incidents were seen taking the lead in security threats and incidents. This can be attributed to the rush associated with the festivities of the ember months, and others due to the 2015 elections in Nigeria as rival gangs battle for supremacy in various areas.

In the north-east, terrorism and communal attacks remain on the rise as community vigilante and Nigerian forces battle to rid the region of all traces of terrorism. This caused Nigeria to rank fourth in Global Terrorism Index (GTI) as reported. Murder/assassination cases are also on a high side cutting across different parts of the nation and various strata of the society. Kidnapping, although, showing signs of abatement, is still a threat to societal peace.

Security consciousness remains the watch word. Government Security agents have continued to urge persons living in the country to remain alert to threats and promptly report any perceived threat, strange behaviour or movement noticed to the appropriate authorities for investigation and such could prevent threats from becoming incidents.

Villeworth urges everyone to stay safe, law abiding and be security consciousness.