Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 6

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Gunmen Kidnap Community Leader in Delta State

Unidentified gunmen, January 22, abducted President-General of Udu kingdom in Udu LGA of Delta State, Chief Steve Sokoh. The incident, which took place, at New-York Junction, along Udu Road, Ovwian, grounded activities in the local government secretariat. Community youths had, on January 24, barricaded the Udu Express junction and Orhuworhun junction and other major roads to demand the release of the community leader.

Boko Haram Releases 192 Hostages

Boko Haram has released 192 hostages, most of them women, who were kidnapped from a village in Yobe State. A community leader and a military source, January 24, confirmed that 192 people were released on January 23 from two Islamist enclaves, where they had been kept since January 6 when the insurgents raided the town of Katarko. About 218 women and children were abducted during the raid in which 25 men were killed and several house destroyed. The attack was apparently in retaliation over a raid by local hunters and vigilantes in nearby Buni Yadi, where several terrorists were killed and scores of others were arrested, according to local vigilantes.

Gunmen Kidnap Benue Oil Dealer

The Benue Police Command is on the trail of the kidnappers of a businessman, Ronald Mnyim. Mnyim was, January 25, abducted by suspected kidnappers in Katsina-Ala. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), John Bako, said seven gunmen abducted the businessman at a relaxation joint in Katsina-Ala. Bako said Mnyim was relaxing with friends when the hoodlums struck and took him away. The police said no ransom had been demanded by the kidnappers and appealed to the public to volunteer information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits. Mnyim runs petrol stations in Katsina-Ala and Makurdi.

Gunmen Abduct Octogenarian

An 87-year-old woman, Olapeju Fasonu, was January 25 from her residence at Araromi-Obu in Odigbo LGA of Ondo State by gunmen. The octogenarian is the mother of a former Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Chief Bunmi Fasonu. A member of the family, Tayo Ikujuni, disclosed that the gunmen, numbering about three, scaled the fence of the house and overpowered the occupants before whisking the woman away in a waiting car. Ikujuni said the whereabouts of the woman had yet to be ascertained. The state Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, who confirmed the incident, said that the police were on the trail of the perpetrators of the kidnap.

Robbery

Couple Lead Gang to Rob Neighbours

The Ogun State Police Command, January 24, confirmed the arrest of a gang of armed robbers, including a couple, who allegedly went to rob in an estate at the Ijoko area of the state. It was gathered that the four suspects ─ Amache and Seun Augustine, Taiwo Dada and Ezekiel Alawode ─ were apprehended while allegedly robbing at Araromi Estate on January 17. The suspects, who were in possession of a locally-made pistol, were first apprehended by the members of the local vigilance group before they were handed over to the Police. The couple ─ Amache and Seun ─ who had stayed in the estate for about a year, allegedly led the gang on the robbery operation with the connivance of one of the security men in the estate. The suspects have reportedly made confessional statements. Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest.

Robbers Attack Bayelsa Market, Kill Trader

Gunmen, January 24, attacked and killed a trader at the ultra-modern Swali Market in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The robbers, who also shot and wounded another trader, also dispossessed both the deceased and injured of cash and valuables. The leadership of the market lamented the attack and the rising cases of armed attacks on customers and traders in the state. The chairman of the Swali Ultra-Modern Market Traders Association, Famous Odumba, while confirming the development, said the security in the state government-owned market had deteriorated, leading to incessant attacks. He said though the market leadership had filed series of complaints to the authorities of the Joint Military Task Force, the Nigerian Police, NSCDC and the security officials of the state government, the refusal of the security agencies to save the traders from the clutches of the hoodlums has led to dangerous attacks against traders at will.

Robbers Attack Church, Cart Away Offering, Handsets

Armed robbers, January 22, attacked a Pentecostal church in Umutu community in Delta state, carting away the church offering and worshippers’ handsets. Sources said that the robbers had waited for hours in the midst of the worshippers till when the church had collected its offerings from members running into thousands of naira, before they struck. The robbers were said to have gone straight into the church armed with AK-47 rifles and made their way to the offering box where they discovered a huge amount of money after they had allegedly ordered members of the church to lie on the floor with their eyes closed before they escaped in a Peugeot 504 without a number plate. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident. She said that the, following a hot pursuit by the police, abandoned the Peugeot 504 and three guns including expended cartridges.

Victim Arrests Robber in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a member of three-man armed robbery gang. The suspect, identified as Chukwudi Iwueke, was arrested at the scene of the robbery operation along Pedro, Somolu, while two others escaped. It was learned that the trio chartered a Toyota Camry at Lekki Roundabout to take them to Oshodi. Trouble started when the robbers ordered the driver to pull over, while approaching Palmgrove. The driver stopped the vehicle and initially resisted the robbers, but he was immediately dragged out of the car by one of the robbers at gunpoint. But he was able to hold on to one of the robbers and call for help, while the other two zoomed off with the vehicle, his wallet and phones. The police recovered one locally-made gun and four live cartridges at the scene of the robbery operation.

Gunmen Attack Bank ATM

Gunmen, January 28, attacked the Automated Teller Machine of a branch of the United Bank for Africa in the Ajilosun area of Ado Ekiti and carted away an undisclosed amount of money. It was learnt that one person was killed. The Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, who confirmed the attack, said no life was lost in the attack. Lakanu disclosed that the police had commenced investigation and that one of the suspected attackers had been arrested.

Gunmen Attack Speaker of Cross River Assembly

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Larry Odey, was on January 27th attacked by suspected armed robbers at his residence. During the attack, Odey, who was said to be in his residence, was shot at by the assailants whose actual number could not be ascertained. It was gathered that the hail of bullets from the guns of the assailants could not penetrate the speaker’s house because it was bullet proof. His police orderly was reportedly hit on the hand by the attackers’ bullets when he attempted to intercept them. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Hogan Bassey, described the incident as a robbery attempt, which was being investigated by the police.

Gang Incidents

Oil Thieves Attack Police Station, Kill 2 Officers

Over 50 heavily armed oil thieves, January 27, attacked and overran Owutu police station in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, killing two policemen, a commercial motorcyclist and injuring others. Two officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) remain unaccounted for. The armed oil thieves were said to have invaded the police station in many commercial vehicles and motorcycles. They were said to have looted the armoury of the police station. The rampaging hoodlums had invaded the police station on January 26 to release their arrested members, but met stiff resistance. The oil thieves regrouped the following day and invaded the police station. It was gathered that the vandals were returning from Abule Ishawo and Tappa creeks where they had gone to siphon petroleum products when they were accosted by a team of NSCDC on patrol, leading to a gun duel. The NSCDC officials made a distress call to a joint Navy/Army patrol team around Abulewa area, which came to their rescue. Meanwhile, a team of policemen from Owutu Division, said to have been on the verge of moving to the scene on receiving the distress call, were attacked by the fleeing vandals, who eventually raided the police station.

Police, Hoodlums Clash over Arrest Motor Park Chairman

Hoodlums at Mile 12 area of Lagos, January 28, resisted the police from arresting a chairman of the cab operators in the area. Officers of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad had gone to the Wasinmi Park of the Lagos State Taxi Drivers and Cab Operators Association, Mile 12, to arrest the park chairman, Sule Ariku. The police accused him of being a notorious cultist. Some hoodlums in the park attacked the policemen with bottles, planks and other objects. It was learnt that the hoodlums, who claimed the police were not in uniform and therefore had no right to whisk their chairman away, hijacked some commercial buses and tried to stop the police vehicle from leaving the area. Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the unrest, adding that the suspect was now in police custody, while calm had also returned to the area.

Drugs

Two Cannabis Smokers Drown

Two youths from Obunagha community in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, January 24, jumped into the river and drowned while attempting to evade arrest for allegedly smoking cannabis. They were said to be smoking cannabis when men of the state security outfit stormed their hideout. It was learnt that immediately the youths sighted the security operatives, they took to their heels and jumped into the nearby river where they drowned. While the corpse of one of the victims, Meipor Ebinimias, was discovered same day, the second victim was yet to be found. Chiefs of the community had in the past alerted the police to the activities of these youths and accused them of using the community school to commit violent crimes.

NDLEA Arrests 53-Year-Old Woman, 12 Others in Bayelsa

Operatives of the Bayelsa State Command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), January 24, announced the arrest of a 53–year-old woman, Sinoroba John, and 12 others over alleged possession and sale of 20.9kg of Cannabis Sativa and other illicit drugs in the state. The Bayelsa State Commander of the NDLEA, Frank Hanachor, said that the arrests were made at various locations in the state. Hanachor described the seizures as a success and said the command also secured 25 convictions in court in the last few months and recorded over 185 arrests of drug suspects in the state with a total seizure of 247.495kg of hard substances. According to him, some of the suspects were arrested while his men were on duty, while other suspects were handed over to them by the Men of the Nigerian Police.

Drug Traffickers Hideout Busted as NDLEA Nabs Fake Customs Officer

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has busted a hotel allegedly used as a hideout by suspected drug barons in Lagos State. The NDLEA said two suspected barons ─ Chidubem Aguezeala and Stanley Odidiazor ─ used the base to traffic hard drugs to China. It was learnt that Aguezeala, who claimed to be a customs officer, and Odidiazor were arrested following a tip-off by a suspected smuggler, Emmanuel Obi, who was intercepted by the agency’s operatives attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. About 1.2 kilogrammes of heroin was said to have been recovered from him at the airport. It was also gathered that two friends, Henry Ezeocha and Isaac Tochukwu, who wanted to smuggle 34.6 kg of cannabis and heroin, were rounded up along with Obi. The NDLEA Commander at the MMIA, Mr. Hamza Umar, confirmed the arrests.

Court Sentences Drug Dealer to Life Imprisonment

A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a 29-year-old drug dealer, Abiodun Elemoro to life imprisonment. Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia pronounced the sentence on January 29, after Elemoro had pleaded guilty to dealing in 30.5 grammes of heroine. The convict was brought before the court on April 26, 2014 by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the allegation that he was caught in possession of the illicit drugs. Elemoro, who appeared in court without any legal representation, had promptly confessed to committing the crime and pleaded for mercy. In his confession, he told the court that prior to his arrest on April 24, 2014, he operated on Palm Church Street on Lagos Island, where he used to dispense the hard drug to end users. The judge ordered the NDLEA to destroy the hard substance if there was no appeal against the judgment within 30 days.

NAFDAC Seizes N270m Worth of Fake Drugs, Arrests Suspects

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has seized more than five containers of suspected fake and unregistered drugs valued N270 million. NAFDAC Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii, who disclosed this, also paraded two suspects involved in forgery of the agency’s documents and operating illegal production facilities that pose serious threat to public health. The director-general said that the containers, seized with the assistance of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), were filled with Heragra (120 tablets milligramme), Ziagra (120 milligramme tablets), Tramadol (200 milligramme capsules), among others. He said: “Unregistered Ziagra and Heragra brands of sildenafil citrate tablets are usually registered in 25 milligrammes, 50 milligrammes and 100 milligrammes. However, these unregistered products came at strength of 120 milligrammes.

Maritime

Terrorism

Boko Haram Attacks, Captures Monguno

Boko Haram insurgents have captured Monguno, a town that shares borders with Baga in Borno State. The town was attacked at about the same time with Maiduguri, the state capital on January 25. While the terrorists were routed from the state capital, it was gathered that Monguno fell to the terrorists. It was also gathered that some of the people that were killed were Customs officers that were deployed to the entrance of Maiduguri. Also killed were some residents that fled their homes during the attack on Maiduguri into the streets. They were said to have been hit by stray bullets. It was learnt some of the insurgents fled into some residences in the town and were picked up by the youth vigilante and soldiers.

Soldiers Kill 56 Terrorists in Maiduguri

About 56 terrorists were killed in the attempt by Boko Haram sect to capture Maiduguri, Borno State capital on January 25. It was also reported that nine soldiers lost their lives in the battle where the soldiers successfully repelled an attack by the sect. It was gathered that hundreds of the heavily armed terrorists tried to gain entrance into the town through Jinikin-Moronti on the outskirts on the road leading from Maiduguri to Damaturu. The terrorist group was confronted by eagle-eyed soldiers and other security operatives. Other security operatives and members of the youth vigilante group joined in the mission and ensured the insurgents were successfully repelled. A curfew was imposed on Maiduguri following the attack; however, it was lifted after 24 hours.

FG Uncovers Plans by Boko Haram Plans to Bomb Soft Targets Using Livestock

The Federal Government has said has uncovered plans by Boko Haram insurgents to hide and detonate explosives using livestock such as goats, cows, donkeys and camels. Coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC) and Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri, January 29, also revealed that the sect was planning to arm young male suicide bombers such as cobblers to attack soft targets with explosives hidden in their toolboxes. Also, there is indication of a plan by this group to use livestock such as goats, cow, donkeys and camels laden with explosives to attack chosen targets. Persons who rear goats and cows in the centre are advised to restrict such movements because actions could be taken. He advised the general public to be vigilant and mindful of suspicious activities within their environment.

Military Retakes Borno, Adamawa Towns from Boko Haram

Meanwhile, Chad and Nigerian troops have driven Boko Haram militants out of Malamfatori and Michika towns in Borno and Adamawa States, respectively. Malamfatori, which lies near the borders of Chad and Niger, was captured following two days of fighting. Both ground and air forces were reported to have been used in the assault. Niger officials said Chadian ground forces moved into the town after crossing Lake Chad. Boko Haram insurgents have carried out a number of cross-border attacks on Nigeria’s neighbours in recent months, attacking villages and military bases. The Nigerian military confirmed that the town had been recaptured but said that the feat was performed by soldiers from the Multinational Task involved in the ongoing operation against the insurgents in the North-East. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said that the town is within the Area of Operation (AOR) covered by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) of which Chad has always been a part.

Women Abducted as Boko Haram Raids Adamawa Villages

Boko Haram insurgents, January 24, raided six villages in Michika LGA of Adamawa State, according to a local hunter, Ibrahim Gulak. Gulak disclosed that the insurgents killed several people, kidnapped several youths and women and destroyed property worth millions of Naira during the attack. He listed the affected areas as Mbororo, Shahu, Liddle, Garta, Kamale and Ghumci. Adamu Kamale, representing Michika in the state House of Assembly, confirmed the attack. At least 10,000 Higgi people of Michika, mostly farmers, now live as refugees in Yola, the state capital and its environs.

Village Head, 29 others Killed in Boko Haram Attack

At least 30 people, including the village head, were, January 23, killed when Bok Haram insurgents attacked Kambari village in Konduga LGA of Borno State. The attack took place less than 24 hours before President Goodluck Jonathan launched his re-election campaign in Maiduguri, the state capital. The insurgents reportedly attacked and set the hamlet ablaze after their unsuccessful efforts to enter Maiduguri through Konduga. A resident reported that the insurgents also went away with some women.

53 Insurgents Killed as Jonathan Promises More Equipment for Troops

President Goodluck Jonathan, January 26, said the Nigerian Armed Forces would take delivery of more military hardware during this week. This is just as the continuing coordinated ground and air mop-up operations by the military in Maiduguri and Kodunga in Borno State led to the killing of 53 Boko Haram terrorists. The sect had launched multiple attacks on Maiduguri and Mongonu on January 24th and 25th, but was repelled by Nigerian troops in Maiduguri and neighbouring Kodunga. However, Mongonu and a military installation in the border town were captured by the Islamists after fierce fighting with the troops. The President assured that the administration was poised to move the nation forward by creating more jobs, as well as diversifying the economy.

Military, Hunters Battle for Control as Boko Haram Attacks Michika

The headquarters of Michika LGA in Adamawa state was reported to be under attack by the Boko Haram sect. The military authority had drafted more troops to the area so as to repel the insurgents from taking over control of the town and its environs. A source said the Nigerian troops with the collaboration of the local hunters were involved in a fierce battle with insurgents. He noted that he believed that the troops will overwhelm the insurgents at the end of the battle. Also confirming the attack, the Secretary of the local hunters, James Philip, said that people living in the affected communities had fled. The troops had killed several insurgents. Meanwhile the total curfew imposed in Maiduguri after the January 25 attack has been lifted.

Military Regains Full Control of Maiduguri, Konduga

Military authorities January 26, said that Nigerian troops were fully in control of Maiduguri and Konduga, the two cities Boko Haram attacked in the early hours of January 25 by Boko Haram terrorists. With the report given, the curfew imposed on the capital, Maiduguri, was lifted, while members of President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign train, who were trapped as a result of the curfew, have reportedly left for Abuja. The military disclosed that more casualties were inflicted on terrorists as troops battled fleeing ones and reinforcement at outskirts of Maiduguri and Konduga Sunday night.

Bomb Maker Arrested by Security Forces in Yobe

A man suspected of being behind the manufacture of explosives used in a series of Boko Haram suicide attacks has been arrested. The man, identified only as Ba’na, was on January 25, arrested at the Arikime area of Potiskum, after several weeks of surveillance. Potiskum, the commercial capital of Yobe State, has been hit by a wave of bombings in recent months, including a suicide attack on a secondary school on November 10, in which 58 people were killed. Ba’na was in his mid-thirties, has reportedly admitted making the bombs. “He confessed to being responsible for the manufacture of the explosives used in at least three suicide attacks and the car explosion outside the divisional police station,” a source disclosed. Nine alleged accomplices were also arrested in a hideout in the town hours after Ba’na’s arrest.

Political/Government Agencies

IGP Orders Crackdown on Political Thugs

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, has ordered a crackdown on political thugs and their sponsors in the light of the escalating acts of political violence in parts of the country. He has directed all Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police to thoroughly investigate all acts by political thugs, their sponsors and agents that contravene the provisions of the laws with a view to dealing with them appropriately. He expressed concern that despite several warnings to political actors, their sponsors and collaborators against the recourse to violence and the use of thugs in furthering political interests, there have been reports of untoward activities in political campaigns and meetings.

APC Supporters, Police Clash Claim 3 Lives in Taraba

Three persons were, January 25, reported killed by soldiers at the venue of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign at Wukari, Taraba State, following a shoot-out between soldiers and protesting civilians. The incident occurred when the candidate of APC in Taraba State, Aisha Jumei Arhasan, visited Wukari to solicit for votes. It was gathered that youths numbering over two hundred, protested to Atoshi Recreation Centre Wukari, venue of the governorship rally to show their dismay to the candidate. Thomas Aduku, a residence of Wukari, who was at the venue of the rally, disclosed that the youths were not allowed entrance into the venue by the security agents who were drafted to secure the venue of the occasion. The bodies of the dead were taken to Wukari General Hospital mortuary, while those injured were taken to Wukari General Hospital for treatment.

IGP Orders Prosecution of Suspects in Connection with Election Violence

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, January 28, ordered the immediate prosecution of suspected thugs arrested during political campaigns across the country. The IGP had earlier directed Zonal AIGs and state Commissioners of Police to crack down on political thugs and miscreants perpetrating mayhem and causing an untold discomfort for supporters and actors of opposing political parties in the on-going political campaigns. He assured members of the public of their safety always and equally enjoined them to support the police by reporting any untoward criminal act in their areas promptly at the nearest police station. The IGP has promised that adequate personnel would be provided to man the 155,000 polling units and 9,000 collation centres across the country during the elections.

Murder/Assassinations

Police Search of Killer of Ondo Girls

Police in Ondo State are searching for a man who murdered two girls, Oyinkasola Owoeye and Folasade Bello, at Iju, Akure North LGA on January 24. The bodies of the 12-year-old girls were found at the nearby Igbo Ajogun forest by residents who immediately called the police. It was gathered that the girls had left home that morning to fetch firewood at the bush when an unknown assailant attacked them with a machete. Police Public Relations Officer, Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the incident, said that the Police had spread its drag net to ensure the culprit was apprehended. Ogodo solicited useful information from the public that would assist the police to arrest persons behind the heinous crime.

17 Killed as Herdsmen Raid Benue Community

Fulani herdsmen, January 26, invaded Agatu community in Benue State, killing about 17 people. It was gathered that the Fulani herdsmen crossed from Loko in Nasarawa State to Agatu, killing eight people in Abugbe, two in Okoklo, four from Ogwule, one in Ocholoyan, and two in other villages. An eyewitness disclosed that the Fulani herdsmen, who came in tens, attacked the villages in the local government area, leading to several people moving from the troubled communities to safer havens. The member representing the constituency in the state assembly, Honourable Sule Audu, confirmed the report and alleged that the Fulanis were still planning to launch more attacks on the Agatu people. He appealed to the Federal Government to come to the aid of his people, as well as wade into the matter, with a view to bringing lasting solution to the perennial crisis. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP John Bako, who confirmed the attack, said only five people were killed by the invading Fulanis.

Octogenarian Village Head Beheaded in Edo State

Unknown killers have beheaded an octogenarian, Goodluck Uwumwanrogie (85), at Arougba village in Edo State over alleged land tussle. The deceased, who was the next in command to the Village Head, was alone in his in-law’s residence at Irhirhi village when the killers allegedly shot him before chopping off his head. He had fled to Irhirhi village shortly after crisis broke out in 2014 at Aruogba, where many houses were burnt and three persons killed. Widow of the deceased, Julie, alleged that her husband was killed over tussle for the community land. She disclosed that a man had earlier threatened to kill her husband before the crisis. According to her, after they ran to seek refuge at her father’s village at Irhirhi, the same man saw her husband and still threatened to kill him. Edo State Police spokesman, Joseph Edogiawerie, who confirmed the killing, said two suspects had been arrested. He said the police were on the trail of the killers.

Man Flees after Beheading Kinsman

A young man, Ahamefula Mba, was beheaded by his kinsman, Chinedu Okorie, in Umuokwe Umuhu Ezechi community in Bende LGA of Abia State. The incident was said to have happened at the village stream, where he had gone to fetch water. Late Mba was fetching water from the stream when his assailant came from behind and chopped off his head. The suspect, Okorie, is said to have gone into hiding since the incident as both the community and the police have been on his trail. According to a source in the community, the suspect bought a new machete and sharpened if for seven days without those around him knowing what he needed it for. Mba’s headless body was discovered by children who went to the stream and raised alarm, which attracted the attention of the villagers, who immediately began searching for the suspect who the children saw before he made his escape. Unable to track down Okorie, angry youths in the community were said to have gone on rampage, destroying the home, farmland and other economic trees of the suspect’s family. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Geoffrey Ogbonna, confirmed the incident.

Gunman Kills Seven, Injures 14 in Kaduna Village

Seven people were, January 27, killed in Jangal in Kamantan chiefdom of Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State when a lone gunman opened fire on residents of the community during a celebration. About 14 people also sustained gunshot injuries from gunshots. The National President of Kamantan Development Association, Markus Fangan, said the community was celebrating the passage of an old woman when the gunman in the company of another person who was not armed, struck. The attackers, suspected to be Fulani men, made their escape as people scampered for safety. The acting Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, Jonathan Asake, who confirmed the incident, said that no arrest was made.

Commissioner Killed in Imo State

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has lamented a resurgence of criminal activities in the state, following the January 25 gruesome killing of a Commissioner in the state House of Assembly Service Commission, Tobias Onyekele. Onyekele was murdered by unknown gunmen at Ugwu Orji, Owerri North LGA. There have been anger and apprehension in the state over new wave of criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery and snatching of cars. Okorocha called on the security agencies to leave no stone unturned in their investigation to unveil the elements behind the murder, and to ensure that they were brought to book. The governor vowed to give the police all the needed support and cooperation to ensure that the culprits were apprehended.

Suspect Cultist Trail, Kill Man in Enugu

A middle-aged man, simply identified as Tochukwu, popularly called Schwarzenegger, was on January 29, shot dead by suspected rival cult members at Independence Layout area of Enugu State. An eyewitness said the victim was trailed to the spot and shot at close range by two men, who then ran into a nearby bush. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident. The corpse had been deposited at the Mount Calvary Hospital mortuary, while Police investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing and apprehend the suspects.

Thugs Kill One, Injure Six after Political Rally

Suspected political thugs, January 24, attacked a group of youth returning from a political rally and hacked one of them to death at Glover Street in the Lagos Island area. The deceased, Jubril Sulaimon, along with other youths were returning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally held at the Ports Authority area in Apapa when they were attacked by the thugs. It was learnt that while others escaped with bullet wounds, Sulaimon was pursued, hacked with cutlass and left for dead. It was gathered that some residents later rushed Sulaimon to the Lagos Island General Hospital where he eventually died. Policemen from the Adeniji Adele Division were said to have arrived at the scene and made some arrests. Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed that there was unrest in the area, but added that there was no record of death.

Woman Shot Dead as Political Rally Turns Bloody in Ogun

The All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Erunbe community in Ago-Oko area of Ogun State, January 28, turned bloody as a police orderly attached to a member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Segun Williams, was said to have allegedly shot dead a petty trader, identified as Mama Ola. It was learnt that the lawmaker was in the community for his re-election campaign bid when the incident happened. It was said that the deceased, a mother of two, was inside her kiosk selling banana and was said to have been hit by a stray bullet, while a middle-aged man hawking insecticide was hit by the same bullet also. The Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that preliminary report had it that one of the hoodlums who invaded the rally was responsible for the shooting and not the police orderly.

Rape Incidents

Others

Mother, Two Children Killed as Truck Rams into Lagos Buses

About four persons were, January 23, killed and two others injured in an accident that occurred in Ketu, Lagos State. The victims, including a mother and her two children, lost their lives when a truck rammed into three commercial buses. The Head of Operations of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lucas Oguntade, who confirmed the incident, said the victims were taken to the Mainland Hospital at Yaba, Lagos. Witnesses said the accident involving a trailer carrying two containers and two commercial buses, popularly known as Danfo, occurred at about 5.10 a.m. The witnesses said that three buses were loading passengers by the expressway when the trailer had brake failure and hit one of the buses. It was learnt that immediately the trailer hit the bus, the bus rammed into the two Danfo buses, crushing the buses with passengers inside. The containers on the trailer, it was learnt, moved from their positions as a result of the impact of the accident and fell on the two commercial buses.

JTF Arrests 8 Suspects, Destroys Illegal Refineries

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta says it has arrested eight suspected oil thieves. The task force said it also raided illegal distillation camp where the outfit destroyed illegal refineries. Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, Lt. Col. Ado Isa, on January 27, said that the JTF discovered an oil theft syndicate that specialised in pipeline vandalism. Isa said the suspects, Longinus Adizua and Ijeoma Chidi, were arrested while vandalising oil pipeline belonging to Agip. He further said the suspects and items recovered were handed over to 34 Artillery Brigade Provost Group. In another development, the JTF arrested Collins Duru and Chidi Eme for illegal oil bunkering.

Man Jailed 10 Years for Contract Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on January 28, recorded its first conviction in 2015 when Justice A. Ongetenu of the Federal High Court Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, convicted and sentenced one Monday Agha to 10 years imprisonment for conspiracy, impersonation and obtaining money by false pretence. Agha, who was arraigned on July 20, 2013, allegedly fraudulently opened several accounts in different banks using fictitious names with which he conspired with one Moses to defraud some unsuspecting victims. A statement by the Head, Media & Publicity of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said, after diligent prosecution, Justice Ongetenu convicted the accused on six of the eight-count charge preferred against him and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment. The convict, who was also ordered to pay N2,730,000 in restitution to the complainant, had previously been convicted by a Federal High Court, Enugu and sentenced to seven years in prison for defrauding a don of N805,000.

NSCDC Recovers Corpses of Drowned Students in Osun River

Corpses of two students of Ifeolu Secondary School, Osogbo, were January 29, found floating on River Osun by a woman who had gone to fetch water. The case was reported to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a rescue team from the agency was immediately deployed to the scene to remove the corpses of the students. It was revealed that the students had gone missing since January 26 and their parents had been looking for them. The students, Samson and Kabiru, were classmates. The Head, Disaster Rescue Team of NSCDC in Osun State, Olufemi Awofade, confirmed the incident.

20 Die in Bayelsa Cholera Outbreak

About 20 persons have lost their lives in Bayelsa State as cholera outbreak hits Sagbama and Southern Ijaw LGAs. Children and women were said to be the most hit. It was further learnt that over eight persons were killed by the disease in two communities of Osiama and Ekede in Sagbama, the local government of Governor Seriake Dickson. Twelve others were said to have been killed by the disease in Southern Ijaw, the local council of the Bayelsa House of Assembly Speaker Kombowei Benson. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ayiabatonye Owei, was said to have visited the communities following the panic caused by the epidemic.

Customs Intercepts over N4m Poultry Products

Men of the Nigeria Customs Service with the Headquarters Monitoring Team, Idiroko Axis, have intercepted a poultry products worth over N4 million. The controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Turaki Usman Adamu, confirmed that the monitoring team in charge of Idiroko axis, acting on a tip off, intercepted one IVECO truck on the Sagamu-Ijebuode Expressway carrying offending/prohibited goods. Their suspicion became apparent when, on interception, two male occupants of the vehicle jumped down and absconded, thereby making the officers suspicious that something was fishing. The controller said the truck was immediately taken to the Government Warehouse in Ikeja, where a thorough examination was conducted, revealing that 850 cartons of assorted smuggled frozen poultry products were concealed with various electrical parts. The Customs, however, pointed out that the ingenuity of the smugglers to conceal with a view to escaping the eyes of the Customs operatives made the seizure an unprecedented feat.  He lauded the team for their doggedness and vigilance.

Vandals Attack Trans Forcados Pipeline

The Trans Forcados oil pipeline has again been vandalised at Oteghele axis in Bayelsa State by yet-to-be identified persons, causing a crude oil spill in the area. This latest incident, according to a statement by the Special Adviser, Media to the Minister of Power, Kande Daniel, is the third this year, occurring within a space of 17 days. According to her, “Consequent to this incident, all oil and gas production into this pipeline has been shut down to allow for damage assessment and repairs. The 24” TFP section of the Trans Forcados pipeline at Okuokoko/Ugbomro was vandalised on the 2nd of January 2015; and two days later, on the 4th of January, the vandals destroyed the 243 TFP section at Egbokodo and the 283 TFP section at Yeye/Chanomi axis of the same pipeline.

NSCDC Nabs Suspected Oil Thief

The Lagos state command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested four suspects for engaging in illegal oil bunkering. It was learnt that the suspects – Jamiu Sittu, Bolaji Isila, Sola Ogunlade and Semiu Bello – were rounded up on January 16 around Eyita Sabo in the Ikorodu area of the state. The NSCDC recovered 52 jerry cans, with each containing 50 litres of petrol, from two vehicles used by the suspects.

Bird Flu Hits 11 States

The Federal Government has said that the Avian Influenza virus called bird flu has affected additional four states, making the number of affected states 11. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, disclosed this at an emergency meeting on the flu with state Commissioners for Agriculture. The resurgence of bird flu was first recorded in Kano and Lagos states early this year. The affected states, according to the minister, were Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Imo, Oyo and Jigawa. The minister further explained that “the most affected state has been Kano, where the initial case was found. A total of 136,905 birds have been reportedly exposed to the infection in Kano State with 17,987 (13%) mortality reported. The minister, however, said that the government have mapped out N145 million to compensate the farmers with the estimation of N1,450 per bird.

Cholera Outbreak Kills 8 in Anambra

Eight persons have been confirmed dead in Anambra West LGA of Anambra State, following an outbreak of cholera in the area. State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Josephat Akabuke, who confirmed the casualty figure on January 27, said there were 25 other cases currently being managed by a team of health workers. According to him, some medical doctors have also been drafted to the affected communities to control further spread of the inspection. He also said the state government had directed immediate sinking of boreholes in the affected communities to provide the people with potable water. He added that it was discovered that the source of water supply in the area was unhygienic. Meanwhile, officials of the state Ministry of Health have sent truckloads of packs of water to the people, even as an enlightenment campaign had commenced in the area to educate the people on the symptoms of the infection.

INEC Recovers 7,812 Snatched PVCs

Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Austin Okojie, has implored those who snatched the commission’s Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC), to return them, adding that 7,812 of the 10,000 cards had been recovered by the police. He also assured that the commission would organize what would be the most credible election in the history of Nigeria. According to Okojie, over 10,000 PVCs were recently snatched from INEC staff by thugs in Uruan LGA. He said 7,812 of the cards had, however, been recovered by the police. He added that over 3,000 of the cards were yet to be recovered. He also informed that the commission had so far distributed 1,468,780 PVCs, representing 91.4 percent, and encouraged all registered voters, yet to get their cards, to go to their respective political wards to collect theirs.

EFCC Warns Raises Alarm on Increasing Cyber-Crime in Nigeria

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), January 27, raised the alarm over increasing rate of cyber-crime in Nigeria, advising people to be wary of the menace. Head of Operation of the commission in the South East Zone, David Iloyanome, advised people to be wary of unsolicited mails, adding that opening unsolicited mails could reveal vital information to criminals. He further disclosed that cyber-crime was fast overtaking conventional crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery, among others, assuring that the commission was fully committed to fighting the ugly development. He, however, assured that people could avoid cyber-crime if they are well educated by the media and advised the media to enlighten people.

Review/Analysis

Terrorist activities in the north-east remain high as more towns and villages are being captured, individuals killed and some held hostages by the insurgent group, Boko Haram. It is, however, reassuring that the Nigerian military, in its sustained battle to purge the nation of terrorism, has recorded major victories over the insurgents with the killing of about 53 Boko Haram terrorists in Maiduguri and Kodunga in Borno State, and the arrest of a man suspected of being behind the manufacture of explosives used in series of suicide attacks.

Murder/assassination incidents are on the rise, cutting across different parts of the country and various strata of the society. Individuals and political figures become the victims of this gruesome act. This rise cannot be fully dissociated from the February general elections as politicians and their supporters strive for dominance.

Robbery and gang cases also are on a high. There is a noticeable increase in robbery/gang related cases, while the authorities have remained vigilant, tracking down and arresting suspects. A large amount of these incidents were recorded in the south-south and south-western parts of the nation. Drug related incidents are slowing climbing up the chain of crime cases as the NDLEA makes arrests and seizures, and cracking down on cartels harbouring hoodlums.

Individuals and corporate entities are strongly advised to maintain high security consciousness and remain alert to their environments. Timely reporting of suspicious activities to the authorities could prevent crime and save lives.
The priority remains to stay safe.