Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 49

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	9
2	Robbery	5
3	Gang	7
4	Drugs	4
5	Maritime Incidents	4
6	Terrorism	10
7	Political/Government Agencies	7
8	Murder/Assassinations	8
9	Rape Incidents	0
10	Others	5
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnappers Demand N50m Ransom for Abducted LG Boss

Suspected kidnappers, on November 19, abducted the head of LG Administration of Atakumosa West LGA of Osun State, Kunle Falode. Falode was reportedly kidnapped around Ogo-Oluwa area in Osogbo, Osun State when the unidentified kidnappers swooped on him at night and forcefully taken him away. According to the source, Falode’s abductors were demanding N50 million as ransom from his family before he would regain his freedom. Public Relations officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ayo Olowe, confirmed Falode’s abduction.

Gunmen Kidnap Chief Registrar of Rivers High Court

Unknown gunmen, November 23, abducted the Chief Registrar of the Rivers State High Court, Leonard Adoki.  Adoki was kidnapped in his community, Amalem in Abua/Odual LGA of the state as he was returning from church. The Chairman of the Abua-Odual chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lucky Ottos, said the kidnappers were chased by some youths from Abua and one of them was arrested. According to him, the arrested member of the gang, who is said to hail from Nembe, a community in the neighbouring Bayelsa State, is currently in police custody. The police in the state have confirmed the incident and said two persons had been arrested in connection with the kidnap. The Kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N100 million for his release.

Kidnapped Bayelsa Monarch Rescued in Delta State

The traditional ruler of Oporomor Kingdom, Bayelsa State, King Augustine Ebikeme, kidnapped recently at Kokori, Ethiope East LGA of Delta State has been released. The royal father is also the spiritual leader of Egbesu, the Ijaw war deity and first vice chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council. He was rescued on November 24 by operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in collaboration with men of the Department of State Security (DSS) from an uncompleted building at a bush in Kokori after a shootout with the kidnappers, who escaped unhurt. The security operatives were said to have stormed the kidnappers’ hideout where the victim was being held during ransom negotiation with the family. The suspects are being trailed, while the house used as hideout was set ablaze instantly,” the JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, said.

Police Arrest Dangote Impersonator for Kidnapping

Men the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a member of a five-man gang who posed as renowned business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Facebook in order to kidnap a beauty queen, 20-year-old Sa-adat Usman Bibire. State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, while parading the suspect alongside others, on November 26, disclosed that the suspect had proposed that he would like to make the victim a brand ambassador for Dangote Noodles, an offer she gladly accepted and proceeded to Warri in Delta State to meet with the fake Aliko Dangote, where was subsequently kidnapped and a N20 million ransom was immediately demanded from her father. Aderanti revealed that SARS operatives proceeded to track the suspect’s telephone numbers, following which they deployed police detectives to Warri and after seven days, the victim was successfully rescued and a suspected arrested.

95-year-old Priest Kidnapped in Benin

A 95-year-old Senior Apostle of Messiah Gospel Church, Urhokuosa, Benin-city, Moses Aibangbee, was kidnapped on November 27 at the entrance of his church. Narrating the incident, Pastor Aigbe Christopher, said he woke up around 5am in preparation for the morning service only to be accosted by four persons fully armed with guns. The victim’s son, Henry Aibangbee, who drove his 95-year-old father to church, said as they arrived at the church, his parents waited inside the car while he went in to put on the power generating set, when two persons armed with guns pounced on him demanding the car key. He said the gunmen took the key and drove his car away, abducting his father along with them. The 95-year-old man’s wife said that she managed to sneak out of the car when the gunmen focused attention on her son.

Lagos Police Smashed Kidnap Gang

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, November 27, said the leader of a notorious gang of kidnappers terrorizing Ajah and Epe areas of the state has been arrested. Aderanti said two AK-47 rifles were recovered from an unregistered Volkswagen Passat Saloon car belonging to the gang. The suspect, Anthony Adidi (33), masterminded the kidnap of Ladi Ene Garba, staff of Keystone Bank, at Eleko area of Lagos and one Patrick, in June 2014 at Eleko area of Ajah and demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the victims. However, operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) rescued the victims six days later. A member of the gang, who posed as a bricklayer in the bush, was arrested and he provided information that aided SARS operatives in its pursuit of other members of the gang.

ASUU Protests Kidnap of DELSU Lecturer

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka branch, November 25, stormed Asaba in protest against the kidnap of one of its members, Dr. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, and his younger brother, Tega Tonukari. They called on their abductors to release them unconditionally. The protesters, who were led by Chairman of the union, Professor Abel Diakparomre, stormed Government House, singing songs of solidarity, and carrying placards. The protesters also went to the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, Asaba station, and the state police headquarters, lamenting that Dr. Nyerhovwo Tonukari had spent over 44 days in the kidnappers’ den. Addressing the protesting lecturers, Special Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Toju Ayu, assured that security agents would step up efforts at securing Tonukari freedom.

Five Nabbed for Kidnapping in Ogun

The Ogun State Command of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has arrested an ex-soldier, and four other for running a kidnapping syndicate and terrorising the state. The state Police Commissioner, Ikemefuna Okoye, said the suspects were responsible for the recent spate of kidnappings in the state, and that they had confessed to their involving in the crimes. The police had reportedly placed the syndicate on surveillance before they swooped on their hideout at Ijebu Ode on November 10, 2014. The raid led to an exchange of fire and four members of the syndicate, including a woman, were killed, while the security operatives arrest five of them, including a woman. Others remain at large.

Police Rescue 55-Year-Old Kidnap Victim in Lagos

A 55-year-old oil mogul, Alhaji Hammed Fashola, who was kidnapped on November 13th by a gang of kidnappers at Egbeda area of Lagos State, has been rescued by the police in Lagos. The victim, who is said to be a chieftain of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), was abducted at the entrance of his residence. The kidnappers were said to have demanded a N50 million ransom. SARS operatives had trailed the kidnappers to their den where they rescued the victim and arrested three members of the gang. Police spokesman, Ken Nwosu, identified two of the suspects as 39-year-old Kelvin Igah and Victor Igah, 35, both said to be brothers from Kwale in Delta State. Nwosu explained further that efforts were in top gear to arrest the remaining members of the gang. A 43-year-old suspect, Chukwuma Kinsley, who has also arrested, has confessed that his gang collected N20 million from the oil magnate and he got a share of N2.5 million from the deal in Lagos State.

Robbery

JTF Destroys Stolen Crude Depot, Sets Trucks Ablaze

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta on November 22 disclosed that it had destroyed a depot for stolen crude and set ablaze two trucks with crude in Eleme community in Rivers State. Spokesman of the JTF, Lt.-Col. Mustapha Anka, said that the building housing the illegal depot was demolished during the operation. The illegal crude storage facility was connected to a 28-inch compromised Rukpoku-Bonny crude oil pipeline operated by Shell. The storage facility consisted of a well reservoir where the stolen crude was stored before loading to trucks at midnight. Two trucks loaded with stolen crude were intercepted and arrested during the operation. The JTF said that no arrest was made as the suspects absconded on sighting troops.

78 Robbers, 8 Policemen Killed in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command, November 27, presented crime statistics from November 2013 to October 2014, showing that about 78 robbers were gunned down by officers of the command. The statistics also showed that within the period, 8 policemen were killed. The state Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, said the robbers and the police officers lost their lives in different shootouts between the police and the men of the underworld. He further disclosed that the police were able to arrest 423 armed robbers, while 372 armed robbery incidents were foiled. The police also recovered 255 arms, 4, 043 ammunition and 560 stolen vehicles.

2 Policemen, 2 Others Killed in Ekiti Bank Robbery

Two policemen and two others, including a female corps member, have been killed in a robbery in on bank in Ikere-Ekiti Area of Ekiti State. The robbers were said to have attacked a police station near the branch, said to be in Kajola area of the community and killed a male police officer in his office, while the female officer was shot dead while trying to escape. Sources disclosed the robbers invaded the town after the bank’s closing hours. The robbers were said to have run into the town in different directions, following the arrival of soldiers and policemen on the scene, with the source adding that they shot indiscriminately as they escaped.

Bauchi Police Arrest Armed Robber, GSM Mast Vandal

The Bauchi State police command has announced the arrest of a notorious robbery suspect and recovered arms and ammunition from him. The command also arrested a Global System Communication (GSM) mast vandal. The command’s spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, disclosed that the suspect, one Saminu Idris, 30, was arrested on November 24 by detectives attached to Toro division of the command. According to him, one fabricated revolver pistol and 13 rounds of live ammunition of 7.65mm were recovered from Idris. In another development, a police patrol team attached to GRA Division in Bauchi arrested one Monday Jeremiah, also known as Karaka. He added that the 43-year-old suspect was intercepted with 18 inverter heavy duty batteries used in GSM masts base stations. According to Mohammed, further investigation led to the recovery of 16 additional batteries at a location at Tambari Housing Estate Bauchi.

Police Nab 10 Suspected Robbers, Recover Ammunition

Ten suspected armed robbers have been arrested in different parts of Lagos State by the police. The suspects, arrested between November 22 and 23 were said to be involved in different crimes, ranging from robbery, possession of illegal arms, kidnapping to diversion of goods and receiving of stolen goods in Lagos State. Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, said that the suspects were members of different notorious robbery gangs terrorising the state.

Gang Incidents

Hoodlums Attack Ibadan Community, Kill Three

At least 3 persons were killed and several buildings and vehicles were vandalized on November 23 when suspected political thugs unleashed mayhem in Ibadan, Oyo State. It was gathered that the hoodlums arrived at the affected Born Photo area around 9am and began to shoot sporadically, burning houses, looting shops and destroying vehicles. The mayhem continued for about two hours before policemen arrived to restore order. Residents linked the violence to the attack that happened on November 21, where a policeman was shot dead and another seriously injured. The scene of Friday’s attack was about four kilometres to Born Photo, where Sunday’s attack began.

IGP Warns against Cultism

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, has expressed concern over the recent reports from some states of the federation on the involvement of youths in cult activities and thuggery. In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the IGP was concerned about the wastage of young human lives in the unworthy exercise and felt the hurts of parents whose children and wards are following the ways of destruction. Abba enjoined the youths to appropriate the many opportunities of development in the nation, obey the laws of the land, face their academics and vocations, and prepare adequately to lead the nation in the years ahead. While advising the youths to embrace good virtues, he warned that the full weight of the law would be applied on recalcitrant, wayward and delinquent youths.

One Killed in Edo Community Clash

One person was on November 22 killed during a clash at Aruogba community in Oredo LGA of Edo State, over the leadership of the community. It was gathered that trouble started when one of the factional leaders in the community, was said to have recruited thugs from neighbouring communities to unleash mayhem on the community. A witness disclosed that there was heavy shooting in the fracas which left five houses and several cars completely razed by the warring factions.

Suspected Cultists Attack Islamic Cleric

Armed hoodlums, on November 24, attacked and inflicted serious injuries on an Islamic cleric, Abdulwahab Akinola, in Iwo, Osun State. Akinola was returning from a place where he had gone to preach when he ran into the hoodlums, who attacked him with machetes, axes, knives and other weapons. He was said to have been left for dead before he was rushed to a hospital. The Muslim community in Iwo called on security agencies in the state and Governor Rauf Aregbesola to stop cult groups from unleashing further terror on innocent people in the town. Some residents of the town lamented the harassment and maiming of innocent residents by various cult groups.

5 Remanded in Prison over Assault on Policewomen

The Benin Magistrate’s Court, November 25, remanded five persons allegedly involved in the assault on three Policewomen at Ikpoba Hill in Prison custody. The accused persons are facing charges of attempted murder. The accused persons, who were arraigned before Magistrate Jonathan Ogbeide, were said to have conspired among themselves to commit felony with attempted murder. The accused persons, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, were alleged to have attacked the policewomen with bottles and planks. Magistrate Ogbeide remanded the accused persons in prison after refusing the bail application argued by their counsel.

10 Killed in Adamawa Community Chieftaincy Tussle

A chieftaincy tussle, November 25, claimed over 10 lives in Kwah community of Adamawa State. The fracas resulted in the burning of several houses belonging to the Dwenti clan in the community. Mayhem first started after the son of the Tamuna Nickson, the yet-to-be installed chief appointed by the HRH Col. (rtd) Honest Stephen Irmiya, was reported to have accosted a youth from the rival ruling clan, who had gone to court to challenge the alleged unlawful deposition of the traditional ruler of the community, Hama Zakka Mah. The aggrieved group, wielding bows, machete and cutlasses, swooped on the relatives of the youth from the Dwenti clan, setting ablaze houses. Corpses of those who died in the mayhem were said to have been deposited at the Numan General Hospital.

Students Shot as UNIJOS is Shut Down

Four students of the University of Jos in Plateau State were on November 25 shot and wounded during a protest by some students which led to the closure of the institution by the school authority. The spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF) on peace in Jos, Captain Ikedichi Iwela, confirmed the incident, saying that the injured students were receiving treatment at the STF Clinic at the force’s headquarters and were responding to treatment. He denied the involvement of the task force in the shooting. Similarly, the police have also exonerated its men, saying the Force had nothing to do with the shooting. Thousands of students of the university had started a protest, shutting down academic activities and demanding the reversal of the decision of the management of the institution to increase their development levy.

Drugs

Customs, NAFDAC Destroy N350m Drugs

The Kaduna/Katsina Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, November 25, handed over drugs with duty paid value of N347.9 million to NAFDAC for destruction. Customs Area Controller, Muhammad Suleiman Ndako listed the destroyed drugs to include tramadol, cough syrup and mixagrip. He said the drugs were seized through the combined efforts of men of the Federal Operations Unit and staff from the headquarters of the service, assuring that strident measures would be put in place to discourage smuggling of illicit drugs and other goods. Ndako said the seizure underscored customs determination to halt importation of dangerous substances and illicit drugs. Ndako who appealed for public support in the struggle to halt importation of illicit drugs warned smugglers to “desist from the act or face the wrath of the law”.

Two Docked for Selling Fake Drugs

Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on November 21, ordered the remand in prison custody of two businessmen, Kingsley Chibueze and Osita Ezea, over the sale and distribution of fake drugs in Nigeria. The accused persons are being prosecuted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Chibueze was charged on three counts of illegal distribution of fake Chloroquine tablets and unknown yellow capsules, while Ezea was charged on four counts of importing fake Buscomac and Primolut-N tablets. Both accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Court Remands Businessman for Drug Trafficking

Justice Musa Kurya of a Federal High Court in Lagos, November 26, ordered that a businessman, Moses Nwizu (36), charged with drug trafficking, be remanded in prison custody. Nwizu is being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a charge of unlawfully importing about 1.57 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Kurya ordered the remand of the accused in the Ikoyi Prisons, pending the determination of his bail application and adjourned the case till December 5 for trial. The prosecutor, Emmanuel Vembeh, told the court that the accused was arrested by officers of the NDLEA on September 14 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

NDLEA Seizes 4832.74kg of Narcotics in Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), November 21, announced the seizure of 4,832.74kg of various illicit drugs and 102 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine in Abuja. The syrup bottles were found in an abandoned NITEL box at Wuse Zone 4 during a raid operation. The seized drugs, which include Cannabis 4787.35kg, psychotropic substances 44.86kg, cocaine 428 grammes and methamphetamine 103 grammes, were intercepted between January and October 2014, while suspected drug traffickers arrested within the period are 309 consisting of 12 females and 297 males. The NDLEA equally won the conviction of 101 accused persons in ten months, while other cases remain still pending in court.

Maritime Incidents

Navy Arrests 77 Vessels for Illegalities

The Nigerian Navy (NN) said it recorded over 77 arrests of vessels operating illegally in 2014. The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ilesanmi Alade, made the disclosure on November 22nd as the second biannual inspection of the command in Lagos came to an end. He said the vessels were arrested across board within a period of 11months ranging from January till November 2014 for various acts of illegalities on the nation’s waterways. Some of the vessels were arrested for crude oil theft, piracy, carrying petroleum products without naval clearance and overloading. Alade also said the Navy would not relent in eradicating oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sea piracy in Nigeria’s waterways for sustained economic prosperity.

Navy Impounds Stolen Diesel, Arrests 5 Suspects in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy, November 27, announced the seizure of a tug boat and barge laden with 120, 000 litres of stolen diesel worth N20.4 million and arrest five suspects, off the coast of Alakiri Creek in Rivers State. Commander of the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Commodore Godwin Ochai, made this known while parading the five suspects, disclosed that five illegal refineries were also destroyed during a raid. He said troops also impounded and set ablaze two boats from Cotonou, Benin Republic; three storage tanks and over 500 drums, all containing by-products of illegally refined crude oil during the operation.   Ochai explained that the troops stormed the area on November 25 shortly after air surveillance spotted the illegal refineries and barge which the operators hid under the tick cover of the mangrove forest.

Navy Repel Pirates

Men of the Nigerian Navy successfully repelled an attack by pirates on a boat going to Bonny Island. Commander of the Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Godwin Ochai, who disclosed this on November 27, stated that the suspected pirates disappeared into the creeks as the naval gunboats could not chase them into the creeks. Ochai said the Navy would sustain the intensity of its water and air surveillance to reduce incessant attacks by oil thieves and pipeline vandals on the nation’s oil and gas installations.

NIMASA Reads Riot Act to Boat Operators

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), November 27, warned boat operators and users who do not have the permission to use boat on Nigeria waterways, to desist from all illegal operations. NIMASA's Zonal Coordinator, Kunle Olayiwola who handed down the warning in Warri, Delta State directed boat operators in the creeks to stay away from Nigeria waterways. Olayiwola expressed dismay that some of the operators used substandard boats. He warned that anyone caught operating without NIMASA’s authorisation would face the full wrath of the law as enshrined in the provisions of the NIMASA Act 2007.

Terrorism

Scores Killed as Fulani Mercenaries Attack Nasarawa Community

Gunmen, suspected to be Fulani mercenaries, in the early hours of November 22nd, launched an attack at Digan Dogo in Kadarko community of Keana LGA of Nasarawa State, leaving scores dead and injuring many people. Most of the mercenaries vwere, howeer apprehended by the police at Shinge community in Lafia LGA, while strategising on how to carry out another attack in neighbouring communities. The mercenaries, who invaded Kadarko quickly, opened fire on anyone at sight and set buildings ablaze. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ugochukwu Theodore, confirmed the Kadarko attack, adding that the situation was under control.

Policeman Drowns as Herdsmen Attack Jigawa Village

A Police Inspector, Lado Nuhu, serving in Jigawa State command has drowned during an operation in Madaci village in Kirikasamma LGA on November 21. The incident occurred when the Police under operation Salama was informed that some Fulanis invaded farmlands in the area. The Kirikasamma council chairman, Alhaji Mahamud Matafari, explained that the police had been deployed to chase some Fulani herdsmen from invading the community with tear gas. When the police finished their tear gasses and started withdrawing, the Fulanis attacked them with bows, arrows and sticks. The police were exchanging shots with the Fulanis when he mistakenly jumped into the river and drowned. The police said so far two people had been arrested in connection with the incident. Police spokesman, Abdu Jinjiri, confirmed the drowning of the Inspector.

48 Fishermen Ambushed, Killed near Chad

Suspected members of the Boko Haram Islamist sect have killed 48 people in an attack on fish sellers near Nigeria’s border with Chad. A fish traders’ group said some victims had their throats slit, while others were tied up and drowned in the Lake Chad on November 20. The traders were on their way to Chad to buy fish when insurgents ambushed them near the village of Doron Baga. Troops from Nigeria, Chad and Niger have been deployed to the area and had a base at Doron Baga.

Gunmen Kill 50 in Zamfara

About 50 people, including seven soldiers, were November 26, feared killed in Zamfara State by gunmen suspected to be cattle rustlers. The attackers were also alleged to have burnt some houses and destroyed other property worth millions of naira. According to police sources, the alleged reprisal attack occurred at Lilo town in Gusau LGA. The incident followed the recent killing of some rustlers by some people in the area. The attackers reportedly stormed the area when everybody was going about their businesses and opened fire at anybody on sight. Spokesman of the state Police Command, DSP Lawal Abdullahi, confirmed the attack, saying that only eight people were killed.

Military to Continue Offensive against Boko Haram

The Nigerian military has said it would not be deterred from ensuring that the territorial integrity of Nigeria is preserved. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brigadier-General Olajide Laleye, expressed hope that the issue of emergency rule in the North-east states would be resolved amicably. A senior military officer disclosed that the Anti-Terrorism Act in place covers the military’s operations in the troubled states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

35 Killed in Adamawa Roadside Explosion

A road side bomb explosion, November 27, killed 35 persons at the Maraban Mubi area of Adamawa State. The bomb was reportedly targeted at local hunters and military personnel who had been detailed to fortify Mubi town from further attacks. According to an eyewitness, the scene of the blast is a busy area where people returning to the town after the recapture of Mubi gather to conduct business transactions. A resident of the area, Mallam Usman said the explosive may have been planted by members of the Boko Haram on the day before the blast. Meanwhile, hundreds of local hunters keeping vigil with the military in the recovered areas of Adamawa State have vowed to ensure that the sect’s members are completely chased out or eliminated.

30 Suspected Terrorists Killed in Borno

About 30 suspected members of Boko Haram sect were, November 27, killed by vigilante youth, popularly called civilian JTF. This occurred when the sect members, armed with sophisticated weapons, attempted to lay siege on Gubio LGA of Borno State. Sources said the gunmen, using Hilux and motorcycles and armed with Ak47 rifles, improvised explosive devices and petrol bombs were sighted nearby Kareto by some good citizens, who alerted youths from Gubio and Kareto, from where they all mobilised and confronted the sect, killing 30 of them, while several others escaped into the bush with severe injuries. Confirming the killing of the sect members by youth vigilante group, spokesman of Borno Elders’ Forum, Bulama Mali Gubio, said “there was a huge success, as 30 members of the Boko Haram sect, who attempted to overrun Kareto, Gubio and other surrounding communities, were killed.

Scores Killed as 2 Female Suicide Bombers Attack Borno Market

Over 40 people were, November 25, feared dead and about 98 others seriously injured when two female suicide bombers hit a popular market in Maiduguri, Borno State. Some reports said one of the female suicide bombers was a mad woman suspected to have been used by terrorists. This is the second most deadly attacks along Chalarams Road at Monday market. In 2011, some terrorists invaded the market road and killed over 10 traders. A member of the civilian JTF vigilante who does not want his name in print said that “one of the female attackers kept a parcel in one of the shops on One-way, a commercial area beside the popular Monday Market, telling the traders that she had something to pick from the market, while the package detonated few minutes later.

Boko Haram Captures Damask in Borno State

Boko Haram insurgents have reportedly captured Damasak town in Borno State. The insurgents had earlier attacked the town on November 21, but lost five men and came back in large numbers on November 23 in a reprisal and captured the town. Another account of the attack had it that the gunmen disguised as traders and opened fire at a crowded market in the town. Meanwhile the military was more concerned about information on the involvement of local hunters and the Civilian JTF in the war against Boko Haram, stating that the group mostly provides local intelligence for the armed forces in the combat zones. Defence spokesman, Chris Olukolade however assured Nigerians that the military was still on course in its renewed “Operation No Mercy” campaign, saying that the result would soon be manifested for the whole world to see.

Kill 8 Traders Killed in Nasarawa Raid

Some soldiers are reported to have killed eight traders mistaking them for members of the Ombatse militia group at Shinge area in Lafia LGA of Nasarawa state on November 18th. The victims were in front of their residence when soldiers stormed the area and reportedly opened fire on them. Witnesses said the soldiers mistook them for members of Ombatse militia group planning to launch an attack on Kamperis as well as Fulanis and Hausas residing in the area.

Political/Government Agencies

Police Arrest Seven Suspects over NASS Commotion

The police, on November 21, said they arrested seven hoodlums that assaulted and broke the leg of the police aide-de-camp to the Senate President, David Mark, during the scuffle at the National Assembly on November 20. The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, vowed that the suspects would be dealt with, for vandalising public property and attacking Policemen, no matter how highly placed they were. Ojukwu, stressed that the Police personnel acted professionally by preventing the members of the House of Representatives, from accessing their chambers on account of their "dishonourable conduct." The Police spokesman, reiterated that the Force got an intelligence report that the NASS would be attacked, adding that the Police mobilised adequately to forestall an attack on the facility.

IGP Empowered to Promote Up to Inspector

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has delegated the powers to appoint, promote, and discipline police personnel from the rank of Constable up to the rank of Inspector to the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The Commission, a federal executive body, is constitutionally mandated to appoint, promote and discipline members of the Nigeria Police Force except the IGP. The Instrument of Delegation empowers the IGP to exercise on behalf of the Commission powers of appointment of police constables, promotion of policemen from the rank of Constable to Inspector and the discipline of the same category of Officers. While handing over the Instrument of Delegation of Power to the IGP, Suleiman Abba, on November 27, the Chairman, PSC, Mike Okiro, demanded that he must give account of the exercise of these powers.

Alison-Madueke Elected First OPEC Female President

Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been elected the first female president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Alison-Madueke was, November 27, elected President of OPEC at the 166th General Meeting of the body in Vienna, Austria. She replaces former President of OPEC, Libyan Vice Prime Minister for Corporations, Abdourhman Atahar Al-Ahirish. She was before her election, the alternate president of OPEC and is expected to immediately begin to serve her one-year term at the helm of OPEC affairs.

Taraba Speaker Resigns

The Speaker of the Taraba State of Assembly, Honourable Josiah Sabo Kente, has resigned. In a letter addressed to the Clerk of the House, Kente said his resignation was personal. His resignation takes effect from the 24th of November. Kente, who emerged as the Speaker of the House last year November following the death of his predecessor, Honourable Haruna Tsokwa, thanked the members of the House for the opportunity given him to serve as Speaker of the seventh assembly for the past one year just as he pledged to continue to be loyal and contribute his best to the well-being of the assembly.

Oyo Lawmaker Quizzed over Gunrunning

Officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the Oyo State Police Command, on November 20, drilled a member of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Ibrahim Bolomope, over alleged gunrunning. Bolomope was invited by the police in connection with the arrest of a gun-toting political thug at a rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. It was gathered that the thug, in his confessional statement, told the police the arm was given to him by Honourable Bolomope, a former labour leader, prompting the lawmaker’s invitation by the police. The lawmaker, who agreed that he knew the man, identified as Maja, however, denied giving him the gun. The Commissioner of Police, Kola Sodipo, has ordered full scale investigation into the alleged gunrunning.

Explosion Rocks PDP Secretariat in Calabar

The secretariat of the Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), located along Murtala Muhammed Highway, Calabar, was on Monday rocked by explosion suspected to be a bomb blast. The incident happened as the party was gearing up to distribute materials to hold its ward congress, which was rescheduled by its national secretariat after the one it held on November 1 was annulled. It was gathered that the secretariat of the party was slightly affected as the impact of the blast shattered the glasses of some windows and some other delicate components of the building. The impact of the blast also affected some residential houses located within the vicinity of the PDP secretariat. The state police command confirmed the blast at the PDP secretariat, but said it was a minor explosion.

Police Recover 1,700 PVC from Seme Bush

The Area K Command of the Lagos State Police Command has recovered about 1,700 Permanent Voters Card (PVC) from a bush at the Seme area. Police Spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, disclosed that Policemen attached to Area ‘K’ Command Morogbo, recovered about 1,700 Permanent Voters Card (PVC) abandoned by unknown persons in a bush at Seme Area. The PVCs were suspected to have been stolen from members of staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Ajeromi area of Lagos.

Murder/Assassinations

Suspected Cultists Kill Lecturer, Student in Kogi State

A lecturer with Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba, Professor Justice Olurotimi Otitolaye, has been killed by suspected cult members. It was gathered that Professor Otitolaye, was abducted near the campus on November 21. His bullet-riddled body was found two days later about 8 kilometres away from the school. The cultists were said to have fired sporadic shots into the air to scare away people living around the area before taking the lecturer to away. Similarly, a 400 level student of the institution, Jimoh Faruk, was killed by suspected cultist. Faruk was killed around the dreaded Stadium Road on the night of November 22.

Woman Poisons 9-Year-Old girl

The Police in Nasarawa State have arrested a woman, Sandra Linus, for allegedly poisoning the nine-year-old daughter of her business partner. Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Ugochukwu Theodore, said the suspect was arrested when information reached the officers and men of the Masaka Police station that the girl, Miss Nnanna Ogbonna, had been kidnapped. The police found the girl unconscious in the house of a woman, simply identified as Ann Ndidi, and sister to the accused. The girl had been forced to drink sniper, an insecticide. The suspect confessed that she administered the chemical substance on the girl because the father, who is her business partner, refused to remit to her N274,000, being money of a business deal they earlier agreed to share.

Policeman Killed, as Governor Visits LG

A police officer and two others have been reportedly killed and injured respectively on November 21 when Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State was expected to visit Ibadan South West LGA of the state as part of his tour of the 33 LGAs of the state which was expected to take place at the Oke-Ado Market in the heart of the city. The police, according to an eye witness, had made two arrests, but the suspects were later released on the order of the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the council, Taoheed Adeleke. It was gathered that the hoodlums in connection with their colleagues reinforced and disrupted some planned activities of the rally which prompted the policemen to re-arrest them.

Policeman Kills over Girlfriend

A 30-year-old man, Moses Murtala Aminu, was shot dead by a police constable, on November 23. According to his friend and eyewitness, the police constable who was identified as Alex Okpe was beating up Aminu’s girlfriend outside a party venue when he tried to intervene. The constable got angry, brought out his gun and shot at Aminu, killing him on the spot, before escaping on his motorcycle. The killer policeman has been tracked down and arrested by officers from the Barnawa Police Division. The trigger happy cop had reportedly confessed to the killing, claiming that he fired in ‘self-defence’ when Moses and his friends were trying to fight him over his girlfriend. According to the Police, Okpe was not even sent to Barnawa as at that time and he will be tried and dismissed if found guilty.

Gunmen Kill Policeman, Boat Passenger in Bayelsa

A police corporal was, on November 26, killed by unknown persons at his place of duty in at the Akenpai area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, while his service rifle was taken away. The mobile policeman was shot at close range by unidentified gunmen. Confirming the incident, acting police spokesman, Lawrence Eboka, said the police would do everything to apprehend the suspects. Meanwhile, pirates operating in the Bayelsa waterways have killed one person during an hour of unprovoked rage as they shot indiscriminately into a passenger boat. The hoodlums, numbering five, shot the victim along the Akassa-Yenagoa water way. It was gathered that the bandits who were masked also carted away valuables including money, mobile phones and the fuel line of the boat. The fate of the boat driver who escaped with gunshot wounds and other passengers who were rushed to various hospitals was unknown at the time of filing this report.

Police Arrest 3 over Lynching of Septuagenarian

A 72-year-old man, Adamu Muqaddas, was on November 21 tortured to death on the order of the village head of Larna’a, Gabana ward of Warji Local Council of Bauchi State for alleged wizardry. The village head, Gado Abdulkarim, had reportedly ordered his subjects to torture the septuagenarian with a view to forcing him to confess to wizardry. The man, however, died in the process. The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, said that three suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the crime for conspiracy and culpable homicide.

Man, 32, Shot Dead in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has begun investigations into the killing of a 32-year –old man, Adeniyi Asubiaro, who reportedly shot dead by a police inspector chasing hoodlums on November 20. The incident created pandemonium along Oshodi Street as youths protested the killing. The mother of the deceased, Iyabo Ganzalo, stated that the policeman also went away with his phones.

Police Parade OPC Chief over Murder of Ax-NURTW Boss

The Ekiti State Police Command, November 24, paraded a former coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress in the state, Prince Adeniyi Adedipe a.k.a Apase, over the murder of a former Ekiti State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Omolafe Aderiye. Aderiye, was killed on September 25 in Ijigbo area of the state capital, Ado-Ekiti. The police had earlier charged four persons to court after arresting and questioning 19 suspects in respect of the killing to determine their level of culpability. The Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, disclosed that evidence necessitated the arrest and prosecution of the suspect. The police also paraded two members of a four-man gang for conspiracy and armed robbery.

Rape Incidents

Others

15 Die in Enugu Road Accident

A ghastly motor accident occurred at the Oji River area, along the Enugu/Onitsha old road, claiming more than 15 lives. Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, said the accident occurred on November 22 when the driver of a trailer lost control and ran into a Siena bus with passengers on board. He disclosed that the driver of the truck had been arrested by the police, while the bodies of the victims have been deposited at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu.

NIS Deports 40 Illegal Aliens in Edo

The Edo State command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), November 26, commenced deportation of illegal immigrants living in the state, with about 40 aliens expected to be returned to their country. The command said about 250 suspected immigrants had so far been arrested and were being screened. The command, however, added that some of the aliens had been freed after they showed papers allowing them stay in the country. Comptroller of Immigration in the state, Olusegun Alana, said the command carried out the operation for security reasons and to prevent aliens from participating in next year’s general election.

NSCDC Arrest 3 Men over Attempt to Force Abortion of 8-Months Pregnancy

Operatives of Jigawa State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have apprehended three men for allegedly attempting to pull out the baby from the womb of an eight-month pregnant woman at Gusau quarters in Gumel LGA. The suspects, Adamu Usman Barma, 31; Fawas Bala, 28; and Buhari Ahmed, 29, were said to be the 20-year-old woman’s lovers. State Commandant of the corps, Muhammed Gidado, said when his officers got to the scene of the incident, on November 25, one of the suspects was holding the pregnant woman by the neck, and another held her legs, while the third attempted to pull out the baby. He said the lady, identified as Maryam Muhammed, currently on admission in an unnamed hospital, is said to be responding to treatment, while the pregnancy remained intact.

Fire Razes 30 Makeshift Houses in Port Harcourt

Two persons were burnt in an inferno that razed about 30 makeshift houses at Elechi Beach in Diobu area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on November 25. It was gathered that the fire started from a candle that was allegedly lit in one of the makeshift apartments in the neighbourhood. Property worth several millions of naira were consumed in the inferno that raged on for about one hour before fire fighters extinguished it. The two persons, a lady and her child were rushed to an undisclosed hospital. According to sources, the lady was asleep when the fire started. It was said that it took efforts of neighbours to break into her apartment to rescue the baby, who woke up and tried to wake her mummy and at the same time, cried out as the fire was spreading towards to them.

Boy, 15, Killed in Kerosine Explosion

A 15-year-old boy was, on November 27, killed at the Textile Mill area of Benin City, Edo State, by a kerosene explosion. A woman and her five-year-old son also suffered severe burns from the inferno that followed the explosion. The woman, Loveth Odeh, explained that the incident occurred when she was refilling the kerosine inside her lamp, after she discovered that the lamp was almost extinguishing.

Review/Analysis

Robbery/gang related cases remains top on the watch list for the authorities as more of these incidents are becoming very rampant across the country particularly with the south-western part of the country having more records of these incidents and trickles in the south-south region. This may be attributed to the yuletide.

Terrorism activities also remain high as the Federal Government battles the terrorist sect, Boko Haram and attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen/mercenaries in some northern states.  Hostage, Kidnap and Murder incidents are also on the increase in the south-west and the south-south. The targets remain random from the rich to the political class.

A review of these incidents, calls for adequate security alertness from individuals and corporate bodies. We are constantly advised to be security conscious; taking cognisance of our environment and promptly reporting any threat or unusual movements observed to the relevant authorities.