Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 4

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	5
2	Robbery	4
3	Gang	3
4	Drugs	2
5	Maritime Incidents
6	Terrorism	12
7	Political/Government Agencies	5
8	Murder/Assassinations	3
9	Rape Incidents	4
10	Others	9
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnapper Nabbed in Bauchi State

A 21-year-old man, Uba Daniel, who kidnapped a 10-month-old baby, has been nabbed by police detectives from the Bogoro division of Bauchi state. The kidnapper, a resident of Boi Village in kidnapped the baby boy, Godwin Alhamdu, and took to his heel on January 6. Luck ran out of him when the mother of the baby raised the alarm, which led to his arrest with the assistance of good Samaritans. While confessing to the crime, the suspect stated that he did not know what took over him as he was not in his senses when he committed the crime. Meanwhile, the PPRO said investigation into the kidnapping was in progress to ascertain the motive behind the kidnapper’s act after which he would be charged to court.

Police Rescue Centenarian, 3 Others from Kidnappers

The Police in Umeh Community, Isoko-South LGA of Delta State have rescued a centenarian mother, a pastor and two girls from suspected kidnappers who stormed the community on January 6. Reports said the heavily armed hoodlums shot sporadically to scare residents of the community and passers-by, as they whisked the old woman away to an unknown destination. While the hoodlums were driving out of the community, they took along a man and two girls seen by the road side but some youths in the community in collaboration with the local vigilante and the police, acting on a tip-off, trailed the suspects. Their efforts paid off when the old woman was rescued unhurt and two of the suspects were arrested after a long gun battle with the police. State PPRO, Celestina Kalu said the victims have been reunited with family members while efforts were been made to apprehend others linked to the crime.

Gunmen Abduct Bayelsa Assembly Candidate

A Bayelsa State House of Assembly candidate on the platform of National Conscience Party, NPC, Lucky Ogbazi, was abducted by gunmen from his home town in Azikoro, a suburb of Yenagoa, January 12. According to his wife Grace, about four gunmen, who came in two Hilux trucks, broke into their house about 12 midnight, saying they were taking him in for questioning. His family declared him kidnapped after concerted efforts made to ascertain his whereabouts did not yield any result. The abducted politician is contesting for a seat to represent Sagbama constituency 1 in the state House of Assembly.

Malaysian Returnee Kidnapped in Imo State

Dare devil kidnappers, January 11, stormed Obinze, Owerri West LGA of Imo State and whisked away one Iheanyichukwu Chima from his residence to an unknown destination. A member of the community disclosed that the kidnappers carefully cut off the spiral wires used to secure the family building before gaining entrance into the house. Chima, who had recently returned from Malaysia was said to have had police protection until January 10. Further details of the kidnap remain sketchy as the kidnappers were yet to make contact with anyone.

Businessman Found Dead 4 Days after Abduction

The body of Chief Edwin Okechukwu, a prominent Makurdi business man, has been found on the streets four days after he was abducted by gunmen. The body of deceased was reportedly dumped at the High Level area of Makurdi town in the early hours of January 10 by unknown persons. Chief Okechukwu was on January 6th, kidnapped from his home and taken to an unknown destination by four armed men. Family sources disclosed that his abductors had demanded a ransom of N15 million, which the family could not raise. Police Public Relations Officer, John Bako, confirmed the incident and stated that investigations into the unfortunate incident were still ongoing. He disclosed that preliminary investigations showed that there were no signs of torture or injuries on the corpse.

Robbery

Police Foil Bank Robbery in Lagos

Policemen in Lagos State have foiled a bank robbery, arresting four suspected members of the gang. The five-man robbery gang had planned to storm the Creek road, Apapa branch of a bank on January 12. One of the gang members had reportedly approached a private guard attached to the bank, with a promise to share the loot with him. But unknown to the suspect, the private guard was an undercover policeman. On the D-day, the five man robbery gang reportedly stormed the bank and positioned themselves strategically to wade off intruders. Things however fell apart for them as two members of the gang who went inside the premises were reportedly apprehended by policemen who had laid ambush for them. A shoot-out reportedly ensued after one of the armed men stationed by the gate noticed the struggle between his colleagues and the intruders inside the banking hall.

Robbers on Rampage, Kill 18 in Ondo Bank Robbery

Fifteen persons, including four policemen, were feared killed during a bank robbery in Ikare area of Ondo State, January 13. Ten of those feared killed were transacting business inside the banking hall and the ATM of the first generation bank, while 8 others were policemen. An unspecified amount of money was reportedly carted away by the robbers. A police station on Ikare/Owo Road was their first port of call, where four of the policemen on duty were gunned down, while others fled. After the attack on the police station, the robbers, said to be dressed in army uniform, headed for the bank located on Jubilee Road. According to an eyewitness, the entrance of the bank and the strong room were reportedly attacked with dynamite by the gang, which reportedly split into two groups on arrival. It was gathered that the robbers carried out their operation unhindered for over one hour, following the havoc they had earlier wreaked on the police station. Five policemen were shot on their arrival at the two of the banks, while three others were shot at the police station, which was earlier raided by the bandits.

6 Robbery Suspects Arrested in Delta State

The police in Ozoro Divisional Police Command, Delta State, have arrested six suspected robbery syndicates that have been terrorizing the community and its environs in the recent times. The Divisional Police Officer, Steve Yabanet, in the area, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, disclosed that the police will do everything possible to eradicate all forms of nefarious activities in the community. He added that the suspects had confessed to have been waylaying unsuspecting members of the public as well as dispossessing them of their belongings along Ozoro/Ughelli Road in the recent times. Yabanet maintained that the police would continue to deal with robbery syndicates in and around the community especially those who aid and abate them.

Warning: New Trend in Lagos Robbery Attacks

Criminality has taken a new dimension in Lagos as hoodlums now use children to lure their victims. The new trend involves underage persons throwing objects at you to get you angry and force you into an argument with the hoodlum, who passes himself off as an adult trying to intervene, but he eventually robs you. It is reported that some underage persons are being initiated into three cults to perpetrate the evil act. These nefarious groups comprise both genders, usually between ages eight and 14 years and move in twos or threes depending on their mode of operations. Findings reveal that they are usually found in parties, market places, bus-stops and some gridlock-prone areas. During the daytime, they come very close to your car, pretending to mop the windscreen unknown to you that they are with dangerous implements ready to launch an attack in case one does not ‘cooperate’ with them. Residents are advised to be on the look out to avoid being victims.

Gang Incidents

Police Arrest 32 Suspected Cultists in Edo State

Thirty two suspected cultists were on January 9, paraded in Benin by the Edo State police command for their involvement in cult activities. Edo State Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo, said the suspects were arrested at Navis Street in Benin while planning to carry out an attack. Exhibits recovered from them included two locally-made pistols, one cut-to- size double-barrel gun, one cut to size single-barrel gun, one toy gun, one knife, 23 cartridges, two battle axes and other weapons. The command also paraded five suspected members of the Eiye confraternity, who allegedly engaged themselves in a clash on Thursday in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

Five Feared Dead as Thugs Clash in Lagos

Five persons were killed and several others injured in a renewed fight between political thugs in Ijora area of Lagos, on January 14. Trouble reportedly started two months ago after a politician in the area gave an unspecified amount of money to some social miscreants, who were his loyalists, and some of them, who claimed they were edged out in the sharing, took to the streets, destroying property. In a bid to calm the aggrieved persons, the politician was said to have doled out additional cash to them, an action that, escalated the already tensed situation as those who did not benefit resorted to the use of force. Residents disclosed that the warring factions had been attacking each other and unleashing mayhem on innocent persons in the process. The hoodlums, about 50 in number, reportedly brandished sophisticated arms. The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Kenneth Nwosu, said 27 suspects had been arrested.

Residents Flee as Battle Rages in Osun Communities

Residents of Ipetumodu and Ashipa communities in the Ife North LGA of Osun State have fled their houses as fighting continued among the indigenes of the two areas over a land dispute. The violence started on January 14 and continued for two days as some indigenes of the two communities engaged in a battle of supremacy. Armed youths blocked the road linking the two warring communities and prevented armed policemen from entering the town. The presence of the policemen in the community had restored peace in the troubled community. The monarch of Ipetumodu, Oba James Adegoke, blamed the crisis on the people of Ashipa community, saying they invaded his community and set many houses ablaze, including the hostels for the pre-degree students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. The monarch alleged that the fighters from Ashipa community stormed Ipetumodu and chased out 46 students who resided in the hostel before setting the property ablaze.

Drugs

Court Jails 27 Drug Dealers in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has disclosed that it won 27 convictions at the Federal High Court, Uyo, in 2014. The convicts included 24 males and three females, who were sentenced to various jail terms for drug offences. The state Commander, Ruth Obi, who disclosed this on January 12, added that the convicts were among the 401 suspects arrested in 2014. She stated that the total number of drugs that was seized in 2014 included 228 litres of combine (mixture of cannabis sativa and alcohol). The total weight of exhibits seized was 157.373 kilogrammes and 22 litres of combine.

NDLEA Impounds N2.9bn Worth of Illicit Drugs in Lagos

The Lagos State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has released its statistics on arrests and seizures made in 2014. The agency said 129 suspected drug traffickers were apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, adding that the arrests indicated 16.2 per cent increase in two years. The NDLEA’s spokesperson, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the suspects were arrested in 18 airlines. Cocaine has the largest quantity with 120.4 kilogrammes, while Methamphetamine was next with 108.6kg; cannabis sativa, 107.9kg; heroin, 51kg; psychotropic substances 37.3kg and ephedrine, 10.8kg. The estimated street value of the seized drugs in 2014 is N2.9bn. Drug seizures decreased by 33.68kg. Of the 129 suspected drug traffickers, 118 were males and 11 were females. The statement further stated that the command received 229 persons who were deported on drug-related charges from abroad in 2014.

Maritime

Terrorism

Five Killed, 46 Injured in Potiskum Market Blasts

At least five persons were killed in the twin blast that hit the Potiskum Market in Yobe state on January 10. About 46 persons were injured in the explosion. Hours later, a suspicious vehicle that had been stopped at a checkpoint outside the city of Potiskum, exploded at a police station as its driver was being taken in for questioning. A police officer accompanying the car and the driver were killed. Militants, had, on January 9, fought running battles with troops in the state capital, Damaturu, leading to the destruction of a mosque, shops and a market. The attack was said to be a reprisal for an offensive by civilian vigilantes and local hunters against a Boko Haram enclave in southern Yobe on January 6.

Defence HQ Puts Baga Death Toll at 150, Refutes Media Figures

Defence Headquarters, January 12, said that contrary to reports in foreign media that over 2,000 persons were killed by Boko Haram terrorists when they attacked the headquarters of the multi-national Joint Task Force in Baga, Borno State, not more than 150 persons were killed. Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, who made this clarification in Abuja, confirmed that there had been a terror attack on the town of Baga in Borno State.

10-Year-Old Suicide Bomber Hits Maiduguri Market

A major market in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, came under a suicide bomb attack on January 10 and led to the death of 20 people, with 18 others left with varied degrees of injuries. Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Police, Borno State Command, Gideon Jubrin, confirmed that the suicide bomb attack on the Maiduguri market left the female suicide bomber and 19 others dead. The suicide bomber was said to be a girl, whose age could not be more than 10 years.

Boko Haram: Over 11,000 Nigerian Flee into Chad

The United Nations, January 13, said that the latest wave of Boko Haram's "vicious, ruthless attacks" in the north-eastern part of the country had sent 11,320 people fleeing into Chad in recent days. While it has been impossible for aid workers to enter Baga and other areas attacked recently to verify accounts of the slaughter and of corpses decaying in the streets, the attack is feared to have been the worst massacre since Boko Haram's deadly insurgency began in 2009. Some 20,000 people are alleged to have fled their homes in the area since the attack, and the UN refugee agency said that around 11,320 people had arrived in neighbouring Chad alone. About 60 per cent of the new arrivals in Chad were women and girls, including 84 unaccompanied children, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesman, William Spindler, disclosed.

Boko Haram Attacks Borno, Adamawa Border Town, Askira

Terrorist group, Boko Haram, has attacked another town, Askira, in Borno State, some fleeing residents disclosed on January 13. According to the residents, who fled to Maiduguri, the insurgents attacked the town on January 12, armed with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and petrol-bombs. They reportedly torched several public buildings, including a secondary school, Divisional Police Station and telecoms mast. Their vehicles were reportedly mounted with Rapid Propelled Grenades (RPGs) as they shot sporadically and chanted Allahu Akbaru (God is great, in Arabic).

5 Killed as Suicide Bomber Targets Gombe Mosque

A suspected suicide bomber, January 13, died in his attempt to unleash terror on Muslim faithful worshipping in a mosque at Tudun Wada area of Gombe metropolis. The bomber, who was on an explosives-laden motorcycle, was heading for the mosque when the explosives went off before he could get to his target. Four other persons were killed when the device went off, while 21 others were injured. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Fwaje Atajiri, confirmed the incident, while the Gombe zonal office of the National Emergence Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the death toll.

IDP Hits 981,416 -NEMA

The Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi, has disclosed that the number of people so far displaced from their homes due to the conflict in the north-eastern part of the country is now 981,416. According him, out the total figure, over 41 per cent (406,310) are children. According to the NEMA DG, the federal government had made sure that the children continue their education under Safe School Initiative and special attention had been paid to the children, elderly and nursing mothers who are the vulnerable groups in conflict. He said the president has directed security agencies to keep an eye on the IDPs especially on the children, women and the vulnerable to ensure that there is no record of rape and abuse.

Three Killed as Fresh Explosion Rocks Gombe

An explosion has hit Gombe with at least three people feared dead, residents have said. The blast occurred in Kasuwan Mata area of the town, and was carried out by a female suicide bomber. A resident of the town, Ahmed Hamza, disclosed that the explosion, which targeted an (anti-Kalare) office used by the military, killed three people and injured several others. He also said the explosion took place during the evening Muslim prayer, adding that most of those affected by the blast were Alma Jiri boys (street beggars) who throng the area in the evenings.

Military Repels Attack on Biu

Nigerian troops, January 14, recorded a major victory over the Boko Haram insurgents as they repelled the terrorists' bid to take over Biu, a large town in Borno State, killing over 42 insurgents. A source also revealed that an armoured tank was recovered from the insurgents. Biu is over 200 kilometres from Maiduguri, the birthplace of Boko Haram. One of the residents of the town disclosed that the Nigerian troops fought hard to ward off the threat by the insurgents that attempted to take-over the town. A senior military source in Maiduguri, said it took the gallantry of the Nigerian military to repel the insurgents, adding that the attack was expected and the military was fully prepared. The Coordinator of the centre and National Orientation Agency (NOA) Mr. Mike Omeri, who had said the counter attack on insurgents left 42 terrorists dead, disclosed there were 15 Chadians among them. Five militants were captured and have been taken to a secure facility for questioning, Omeri said. Two anti-aircraft guns were captured from the terrorists during the operation.

Cameroonian Troops Kill 143 Boko Haram Fighters

Cameroon’s army has said it killed 143 Boko Haram fighters, with the government saying it was the biggest defeat it had inflicted to date on the Islamist group. The government spokesman, Issa Bakary, made the announcement on January 13 in Yaoundé. He said the insurgents were killed after they attacked a military camp in Kolofata, in the north of Cameroon. The military initially said that 143 Boko Haram fighters had died in the over five hours of fighting. Bakary said the battle ended after the army bombed the attackers, forcing them to retreat to the Nigerian border. Cameroon has deployed over 1,000 troops in its Far North region, where Boko Haram members frequently enter from Nigeria to stage attacks. Boko Haram, which wanted to create an Islamist state in Nigeria, had killed thousands of people in the country’s North-East in 2014.

Troops Foil Boko Haram Attack in Damaturu

The Military High Command has disclosed that troops prosecuting the war on terror have successfully repelled Boko Haram terrorists who attacked Damaturu, the Yobe State capital on January 9, and were currently carrying out a mop up operation in the town. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that the terrorists had launched massive attacks from different angles, but were repelled by the military. Weapons including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) & rapid propelled grenade launchers were captured. While noting that the number of dead terrorists and civilian casualty were being compiled, the DHQ said five soldiers were wounded and being treated.

Fulani Attack Claims 4 Lives

Four people were reportedly killed in Kupa Abugi community in Lokoja Council Area of Kogi State, following an alleged attack by Fulani herdsmen on January 10. Reports indicate that Kupa Abugi community and the herdsmen have been at logger heads over the alleged killing of a youth in November 2014 by some Fulani herdsmen. Following that there have been attacks and reprisals by youths of the community and Fulani herdsmen. After the alleged attack by the youth, it was learnt that the leader of the Fulani herdsmen conveyed a peace meeting with the traditional ruler in the community where they agreed to sheath swords and allow peace to reign. However, despite the peace meeting, it was learnt that the herdsmen carried out a reprisal attack, killing five people, burning many houses and destroying property worth millions of naira. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Aguebor Elvis, who confirmed the crisis, said security men have been drafted to the area and that normalcy has since returned.

Political/Government Agencies

Jonathan Directs Military to Fish-Out Saboteurs

President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the Military High Command to identify those sabotaging the efforts of the Federal Government to crush the Boko Haram insurgents and flush them out of the military. Jonathan’s directive followed series of security reports indicating the existence of fifth columnists in the armed forces especially with regards to the war against terrorists in the North-East. Speaking at the commissioning and unveiling of the new cenotaph at the Military Cemetery in Abuja on January 14, the President charged the military to detect those who are not working at par and those who are not committed to the country.

Police Promote 24 Officers

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of Adeola Adeniji from the Assistant Inspector-General of Police to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police. The commission also elevated 13 other senior officers, including Adenrele Shinaba and Ikemefuna Okoye, who were promoted from Commissioners of Police to AIGs. The promotions are with immediate effect. Similarly 10 Deputy Commissioners of Police were promoted to CP, while one Assistant Superintendent of Police was elevated to Deputy Superintendent of Police. The statement said that the PSC Chairman, Dr. Mike Okiro, congratulated the newly promoted officers.

Police Raise Alarm over Increasing Firearms Recovery in Rivers State
…Revoke Firearm Licenses in Rivers State Ahead of Polls

The Rivers State Police Command has raised the alarm over the increasing recovery of firearms and ammunition from individuals across the state. It informed Individuals and associations in possession of licensed firearms that such licenses have since been revoked and ordered members of the public to surrender such firearms and ammunition to the public armouries in their area of jurisdiction. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, disclosed that the command would henceforth treat anyone arrested with such firearms as a criminal and be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Police Detonate Bomb in Imo State

The Imo State Police Command has detonated two bombs planted under a palm tree close to the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) office. According to reports, a loud noise was heard from where the bombs were planted in front of the Owerri Capital Development Agency (OCDA).

2 Policemen Detained for Shooting Soldier, 3 Others

Two policemen, including an Inspector, have been detained for allegedly shooting an Army officer during an argument. The Inspector was detained at the Central Police Station, Onitsha, while his junior colleague was detained at the military cantonment, Onitsha. A source said the Army officer, a Lieutenant, was about to board a bus to Borno State, when a police patrol team stormed the park and reportedly demanded money by the management of the park. Afterwards, they asked the officer to identify himself and produce his ‘pass authority’, which the soldier produced with his identity card. An argument was said to have ensued and the policemen shot the officer. When a mob wanted to lynch them, the policemen began to shoot indiscriminately, and stray bullets hit three people.

Murder/Assassinations

Suspected Cultists Kill 2 in Rivers Community

No fewer than two youths, including a barber, were feared killed on January 8 when suspected cultists invaded Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State. Residents of the community have deserted their homes over increasing cult activities that have left many dead and maimed, and also led to the destruction of property worth millions of naira. A source in the community disclosed that series of crimes are committed on daily basis in the area and the police have become helpless since these hoodlums use sophisticated weapons. The source stated that residents of the community, which hosts most of the multinational oil and gas firms, have been subjected to fear as no one is aware who the next victim is.

29-Year-Old Shoots Ex-Lover Dead

The Police in Cross River state have arrested a 29-year-old man, simply identified as Dominic, over the January 1 killing of his ex-lover, Angela Agbor, at Ochon in Obubra LGA of the State. Dominic allegedly shot and killed Angela after their relationship went sour. Angela was killed when she arrived at Ochon to join her parents for the New Year celebration. The source disclosed that the jealous lover lured the late Angela to accompany him to the market to buy clothes for their four-year-old daughter. But he suddenly pulled out a gun and shot Angela and she died on the spot. He reportedly made a call to a close relation of his, who called in the police. Police ambushed and arrested the suspect. Acting Divisional Police Officer of Obubra, Noah Ntuen, who confirmed the incident, said police recovered a locally-made pistol from the suspect and that the case had been transferred to the state police headquarters for further investigations.

168 Murder Cases Recorded in Akwa Ibom -Akpabio

Over 168 suspected murder cases were reported in Akwa Ibom State in 2014. The state Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, who disclosed this during the swearing in of the new Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in the state, Uwenedimo Nwoko and five permanent secretaries, berated the rising cases of murder in the state. He lamented that it was worrisome that children killed their parents and husbands murdered their wives and vice versa. He disclosed that 147 murder cases occurred in different villages last year; with 17 cases of children killing their parents from September to December while four involved husbands-wives killing themselves during minor arguments.

Rape Incidents

Man, 25, Rapes 85-Year-Old Woman

A 25-year-old man, Familola Ayodeji has been arrested by operatives of the Department of Criminal Investigation in Ekiti State for allegedly raping an 85- year-old woman. The octogenarian was said to be asleep when the suspect sneaked into her room, locked the door and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti state police command, Victor Babayemi, in a statement said the suspect initially went into hiding after the act but was caught in the dragnet spread for him by detectives. He said medical report confirmed that the victim was raped by the suspect and he will soon be charged to court.

Woman Gang-Raped to Death

A young lady, Grace Ebiloma, who was on her way from a vigil, was gang-raped to death by hoodlums in Lokoja, Kogi State. The lady was reportedly dragged her into the bush where she was raped. According to evangelist Enechojo Agene of Uleju Ojo Power House Ministry, the lady had gone to a nearby structure opposite the church to rest after the vigil, when the hoodlums struck. The body of the victim was recovered from the bush after a search was conducted. Agene called on security operatives to intensify efforts at bringing the hoodlums to book.

Octogenarian Arrested over Rape of 12-Year-Old Street Trader

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested an 80-year old man, Olajide Ojo, for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old hawker on December 24, 2014. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Victor Babayemi, disclosed that the victim was on street trading when the suspect allegedly lured her into his room under the pretext that he wanted to buy something. The PPRO added that the medical report as well as the bloodstained exhibits recovered from the scene confirmed that the victim was defiled by the suspect. Babayemi declared that the suspect would be charged to court as soon as the industrial action embarked upon by judiciary staff was called off. He further appealed to parents and guardians to be protective of their children and wards to prevent recurrence of such a sordid scenario. Babayemi, who decried the rampancy of rape in Ekiti, threatened that whoever was caught in the act would be made to face the full weight of the law.

Okpanam Residents Lament Rape, Robbery

Residents of Okpanam community in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State, lamenting incessant rape of married women along old Okpanam/Ibusa Road, have urged the police to embark on the regular surveillance and patrol of the road. The group alleged that the road and the surrounding bush had turned out to be den of bandits, who within the last year had been notorious for alleged rape of married women and robbery. The group disclosed women, who had farms along that area, were too scared to go to their farms due to the activities of the bandits.

Others

Mob Burns Down Police Post in Jos

A mob again January 11, attacked a Police post along Bauchi road, setting it on fire. Riot broke out when the Special Task Force (STF) deployed to restore peace in the state stormed the area where one of the campaign buses of President Goodluck Jonathan was set ablaze a day earlier and arrested six youths. The arrest of the youths, whom some members of the community claimed were innocent, led to a riot, with the STF soldiers shooting sporadically in the air to disperse the mob. The mob then took to the streets, a development that degenerated into a riot, leading to the burning down of the Police post. State Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Oki, confirmed the incident, and said investigations were ongoing.

Lagos Police Nab Two Suspected Gunrunners

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspects for allegedly bringing in guns to sell in the state. The suspects, Tunde Jimoh and Matthew Olu, were nabbed from a hideout in Ilorin, Kwara State. According to the police, the suspects wanted to purchase four AK-47 guns with 128 rounds of ammunition from Kwara State, which would be escorted by a fake soldier to Lagos (SARS). They were, however, arrested by operatives of the state Special Anti-Robbery Squad. The police said the gang members lived and operated from Kogi State. Jimoh, 28, who hails from Okenne, denied the knowlege of the guns. Forty-three-year-old Olu, an indigene of Yegba in Kogi State, who usually disguised as a soldier during their trips, confessed that he went into the gunrunning business because of poverty. Police Spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, said other members were still being hunted by the police.

Police Nab Suspected Oil Thief in Delta

Police detectives, January 11, arrested a 46-year-old suspected oil thief from Arhavwrien community in Delta State. The suspect was arrested with the aid of youths of Oviri Olomu community, who took the detectives to the spot where crude oil was being refined by bunkerers. It was learned that a crude oil pipeline that traversed the community’s river, bordering Arhavwarien community was earlier vandalised. Following the vandalism, oil bunkerers stormed the area with bunkering equipment and were allegedly refining crude oil locally.

20 Die in Rivers Cholera Outbreak

At least 20 persons have died from outbreak of cholera in Andoni LGA of Rivers State. The state Commissioner for Health, Sampson Parker, on January 14, said about 171 cases had been reported in some communities in the LGA. According to him, the outbreak of gastroenteritis suspected to be cholera broke out in the area on January 5. He added that the LGA Rapid Response team and the state emergency response team had risen to the task, with the opening of two treatment centres to manage cases. Affected people are advised to assess the facilities. Parker said boreholes would be sunk in the area as part of measures to tackle the spread.

Navy Nabs 14 Suspected Oil Thieves in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy says it has arrested   14 suspected oil thieves, including two women at Ibaka in Mbo LGA of Akwa Ibom. The Commanding Officer, Forward Operation Base Ibaka, Commodore Abdul Odumu, said the suspects were all arrested on the high sea following a vigorous surveillance of the maritime area by his men. Various items impounded from the criminals, according to Commander Odumu, included a 60- feet long smugglers boat laden with over 200 drums of petroleum Motor Spirit ( PMS, ) containing 150 litres each, four standard pumping machines, and 20 drums of illicit gin. Commander Odumu lamented the continuous activities of criminals on the nation’s territorial waters despite tough measure taken by the security agencies, and urged those involved to desist from such act as their activities is affecting   the revenue base of the country.

4 Killed, over N30bn Lost in Balogun, Okobaba Infernos

Four people were, January 11, killed in the inferno that occurred in Okobaba in Ebute-Meta area of Lagos state. The cause of the fire was as a result of a candle light which one of the residents forgot to put out in her room before she headed for the bathroom. Residents of the plank market have called on the Lagos State government to come to their aid. In a related development, traders at the ever busy Balogun Market on Lagos Island have been counting their losses, as scores of shops were razed in the early hours of January 12 after fire gut six buildings in the market. The cause of the inferno remained unknown. Goods and property worth over N30 billion were lost in the fire.

Navy Nabs MASSOB Members for Public Disturbance, Flag Hoisting

The Nigerian Navy, January 12, arrested six members of the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), for allegedly causing breach of peace, disturbance and hoisting of unauthorised flags in Onitsha. Handing over the suspects to the Anambra police command, the Commanding Officer of the Naval Out-post, Onitsha, Navy Captain Mike Oamen, said navy officials apprehended the MASSOB members after they blocked the Onitsha-Enugu Road at Awkuzu junction. Oamen said apart from blocking the road and threatening the peace of the law abiding citizens; they commenced to hoist some authorised flags before they were apprehended.

2 Dead in Eket Gas Explosion

Two persons, January 12, lost their lives; while over 10 others sustained serious injuries in a gas explosion that occurred on Afaha Uqua Road in Eket LGA of Akwa Ibom State. It was gathered that a staff of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) died from the explosion, while the second staff is receiving treatment. An eyewitness said the incident occurred due to gas leakage from a cylinder, which fell from a gas shop and caught fire from the restaurant nearby. The quick intervention of the fire service prevented the fire from extending to nearby buildings. The NDLEA state commander, Mrs. Ruth Obi, said it was shocking when she received the news, saying she earlier thought it was a small fire from the kitchen of the restaurant where the officer went to eat, not knowing that it was a gas explosion.

Bird Flu Hits Lagos, Kano

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), January 15, announced that there had been unusual high mortality in two poultry farms and live bird markets in Kano and Lagos states. The ministry said the bird’s blood samples forwarded to the National Veterinary Research Institute tested positive for H5 Strain of Avian Influenza virus, otherwise known as bird flu, adding that another confirmatory samples were sent to the International Reference Laboratory in Padova, Italy for further characterization. Avian influenza, known informally as avian flu or bird flu, refers to influenza caused by viruses adapted to birds. The ministry noted that it had taken some measures in the affected sites to contain the reported outbreaks. FMARD said it had quarantined the infected premises and placed restriction of movement on poultry and poultry products into and out of areas around infected premises. It added that it had ensured immediate reactivation of all animal health components of the Emergency Preparedness Plan on bird flu for Nigeria.

Review/Analysis

As individuals and businessmen in the society keep getting missing, killed and held hostage by criminal gangs, security agencies have been engaged in the fight to reduce and flush out kidnap and hostage incidents. This is evident in the arrests of gang leaders and perpetrators in such activities.

The latest wave of Boko Haram's ruthless attacks in the north-eastern part of the country has sent over 11,000 Nigerian fleeing into Chad and neighbouring state. The rise in terrorist activities in the country has taken a huge toll on residents of the affected areas. It is, however, reassuring that the Nigerian military, in its sustained battle to purge the nation of terrorism, has recorded a major victory over the Boko Haram insurgents with the January 14 killing of over 42 insurgents, who had planned to take over Biu, a large town in Borno State. Aside the burden of Boko Haram terrorism, frequent attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen have some communities in Plateau and Kaduna states into shadows of themselves as residents live in fear of midnight attacks.

Political activities are heating up as the February general elections draw closer. Supporters of major political parties have drawn swords against themselves. While the major players in the elections (PDP and APC), at the presidential level have signed a non-violence pact, it is advised that residents remain watchful of overzealous supporters and political thugs.

Security consciousness remains the watchword. 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.

Rivers State also announced the outbreak of Cholera, which has claimed lives. We are advised to maintain high hygiene levels at all times to keep us and our loved ones safe.

Villeworth urges everyone to be security conscious to stay safe.