Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 7

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

NAOC Employees Kidnapped in Bayelsa Creeks

Gunmen operating on a speedboat, February 2, kidnapped four employees of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC). It was gathered that the workers were travelling on a speedboat from Amassomma to Ogoimbiri, when their speedboat was double-crossed by gun-wielding men who shot sporadically into the air to frighten them. Confirming the incident the spokesman of the JTF, Lieutenant-Colonel Isa Ado, said the oil workers were kidnapped around Osisama community and were without security escort. Ado said the JTF had commenced search and rescue operations.

Police Kill 4 Kidnappers in Edo

The Edo State police command, on February 2, killed four suspected kidnappers in two separate operations in the state and rescued one of the kidnapped victims. Police spokesman, Joseph Edoigiawerie, disclosed that the police intercepted a gang of kidnappers at Kojo Road, off Ikpoba Hill. The alleged kidnappers reportedly opened fire on the police, leading to a gun duel, during which four of them sustained fatal injuries, while others escaped. Three of the four kidnappers made confessional statements before dying. Items recovered from them included two automatic pump action guns, 34 live cartridges, one AK-47 rifle magazine and 96 7.62mm live ammunition. In a similar operation same day, the police raided the den of kidnappers, who had abducted a robbery victim on the Benin/Auchi bypass. In an ensuing gun duel one of the suspects was killed. One pump action gun and nine live cartridges were recovered from the kidnappers.

Gunmen Abduct Business Woman in Ogun State

A four-man gang of kidnappers, February 2, abducted a major newspaper distributor, Funlayo Ajayi, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The woman was reportedly travelling in her car to collect the day’s consignment of newspapers at the distribution point along Ejinrin Road, in Ijebu Ode, when the four gunmen blocked her car and abducted her. She operates her business under the name of Joke Agency in Lagos garage area and was popularly known as Mama Joke. She was said to be in company of one her aides at the time of the incident. The kidnappers were said to have reached out to Ajayi’s family and demanded N40 million as ransom.

Police, Family Search for Missing 13-Year-Old Girl

The family members of Moshood Sadiku say they are hoping that the Lagos State Police Command will find their 13-year-old daughter, Latifat, who had gone missing since December 25, 2014. It was learnt that Latifat, the first child of her parents, left home at about 7pm on the Christmas Day and had not been seen. The teenage girl, who is in Junior Secondary School 3, lived with her family in a rented apartment on Oredapo Street, Idimangoro in the Agege area of Lagos. Police spokesman Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed that Latifat was on the police’s list of missing persons, adding that any member of the public with useful information should contact the Dopemu Police Station. Latifat speaks both Yoruba and English languages.

NAPTIP Arraigns Suspected Trafficker in Court

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other related matters (NAPTIP) has arraigned a 24-year-old woman, Ife Yusuf, before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly luring two minors and another 22-year-old lady into prostitution. The accused, who appeared before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia on February 2, was charged with nine counts bordering on human trafficking. The NAPTIP prosecutor, Kehinde Falade, told the court that Yusuf had secured travelling documents for the girls with the aim of taking them to Burkina Faso for the purpose of prostitution. Falade said the accused was arrested on December 20, 2012 in the Ketu area of Lagos. Yusuf pleaded not guilty to all the nine counts preferred against her by NAPTIP. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to March 6, 2015 for trial.

Permanent Secretary Abducted in Imo State

Colleagues of the Permanent Secretary in the Imo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Johnny Ihebereme, February 4, announced that the permanent secretary had been abducted by a gang of hoodlums. According to his colleagues, Ihebereme was last seen 7 days earlier. It was disclosed that Ihebereme, was abducted in front of his private hospital, along Ajoku Street, Owerri and no contact had been made with the kidnappers. His colleagues lamented that the periodic kidnap and assassination of civil servants in the state was getting out of hand and gave a litany of names of victims. However, the police said no such report had been lodged with the police.

Robbery

Police Arrest 6 Suspected Robbers in Lagos

The police in Lagos State, February, 2, announced the arrest of six members of a notorious robbery gang that had been terrorizing motorists and pedestrians on Lagos Badagry Expressway and residents of Ijanikin area. The suspects were arrested when men of the anti-robbery squad accosted them at Ketu-Ijanikin axis of the expressway, dispossessing innocent motorists of their valuables. The bandits, armed with locally-made guns and cutlasses, took advantage of bad spots on the expressway to rob motorists and pedestrians at nights. They were also said to have raided some homes at Divine and Ketu areas of Ijanikin, recently. The Ijanikin DPO, Robinson Eregare, deployed anti-robbery police to the area in search of the robbers, when he received intelligence report on their activities.

Three-Man Robbery Gang Nabbed in Lagos

One of the members of a three-man robbery gang busted by the Police in Lagos State at Magbon, Oko-Afo, Ile-Epo area of the state, has said that they were caught because their charms failed. Dosumu Sadiq, 21, the second-in-command of the gang, confessed that he produces charms used during operations, to protect and prevent police from arresting them. The other two members are Ibikunle Samson, 23, and Adebayo Moses, 20. The Police, February 4, disclosed that they were arrested during a recent robbery operation along Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

Gang Incidents

Two Killed as Factional Groups Clash over Girlfriend in Benue

Two persons, February 1, lost their lives as factional groups clashed over a girlfriend at Adekaa, in Gboko area of Benue State. It was gathered that the factional group fought over a lady identified as Aisha, in which two people, including the lady, died. It was gathered that one Tersoo and the lady in the centre of controversy lost their lives in the process. Police spokesman, John Bako, confirmed the report. The police spokesman said problem started as a struggle between two men from either of the groups, which laid claim to the late Aisha.

Community Leader Killed in Cult-Related Shootout

A combined team of Ughelli Vigilante outfit, nicknamed Bakassi, and policemen, February 4, killed the Vice Chairman of Oteri Community Executive in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State on the allegation that he was the brain behind series of cult-related killings in Ughelli and its environs. The suspect, identified as Dennis, alias Erhio, had been on the wanted list of security agents in the area and was said to have been operating under the guise of the community executive. According to an executive of vigilante outfit, Dennis, whose remains were taken to the community town hall, was killed during a gun duel with police officers and members of the vigilance group.

Three Killed as Thugs Clash in Lagos

Hoodlums, suspected to be political thugs, have killed three persons in separate clashes in the Ajegunle and Lagos Island areas of Lagos. It was gathered that the thugs, who reportedly belonged to a cult gang caused mayhem at Akindele and Apata streets in Amukoko on February 1 when two factions clashed. Policemen from the Amukoko Police Division were said to have arrived the scene to curtail the crisis, but residents said it was to no avail. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed that there were skirmishes in the Ajegunle area, during which two persons were said to have died. He added that normalcy had been restored in the area, while visibility patrols and discreet surveillance have been activated.

Ondo Police Parade 39 Suspected Cultists, Robbers

The Ondo State Police Command at the weekend paraded 39 suspected criminals arrested for different offences. Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, while parading the suspects, said the command was out to ensure that the elections were peaceful and without bloodshed. Eke explained that 33 cultists and six armed robbery suspects were arrested through concerted efforts of the men of the command. He noted that those arrested would be investigated and prosecuted so that they would not have the chance to be involved in any violence before and after the elections. Eke said the command was able to make the arrests through the cordial relationship the police had with the members of the public. He noted that his men succeeded in picking up one of the highly notorious and wanted cultists in the state, Kola Adigun.

Man Shot Dead in Ondo Cult Clash

A middle-aged man, identified as Bolaji, was February 3, killed in Ondo town. It was gathered that the deceased, said to be a strong member of Eiye Confraternity, attended the birthday party organized by another cult leader for his girlfriend when an altercation ensued between him and another cult member. The deceased was attacked when he came out of the venue of the party. It was learned that his assailants pursued him to a relaxation centre and shot him. He reportedly died instantly, even before those who were at the relaxation centre could rush him to a nearby hospital. Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the murder and promised that the command’s war against criminal activities had started yielding results.

Policeman, Militants Killed in Bayelsa Gun Duel

A policeman, attached to Bayelsa State security outfit, codenamed Operation Doo Akpo, and two gunmen suspected to be militants, were, February 2, killed in a gun duel. It was learnt that the suspected militants allegedly attacked a patrol van of the security outfit resulting in a gun battle between them. It was also learnt that two of the militants lost their lives in the confrontation. The attack that led to the death of the policeman was said to have happened at about 5pm in Opiama, Nembe LGA. The slain policeman, a sergeant, who was identified as Mathew Simon, was said to have been hit by the assailants’ bullets.

Drugs

Woman Jailed for Possession of Cannabis

A 50-year-old widow, Nwakpa Nwore, was, on January 30, sentenced by a Federal High Court in Lagos to three years imprisonment for possession of cannabis. Justice C. J. Aneke handed the sentence after Nwoke had pleaded guilty to a one-count charge bordering on the offence. The convict was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in September 2014, at Isiu Village in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. Nwore was caught in possession of nine sacks of Cannabis sativa weighing 59.15 kilogrammes.

Trader Jailed 4 Years for Drug Trafficking

A trader, Obijiofor Jones, was February 4, sentenced to five years imprisonment by Justice Mohammed Idris, for attempting to smuggle 1.82 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine to Malaysia. The prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, had informed the court that the convict was arrested on May 31, 2014 during the outward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines flight to Malaysia at the screening point of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The convict told the court that when the factory fitted bag was given to him, he was not aware that it was drugs.

Court Jails Footballer 2 Years for Drug Trafficking

A Federal High Court in Lagos, February 4, sentenced a Brazil-based Nigerian footballer, Umeh Henry, to two years imprisonment, for drug trafficking. Justice Mohammed Idris sentenced the accused after he pleaded guilty to a one-count charge preferred against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He was sentenced to two years imprisonment, beginning from the date of his arrest. Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr. Vembe Emmanuel, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on October 6, 2014, at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos. He said the accused was arrested during the inward clearance of an Emirate Airline flight from Brazil, with about 15 grammes of cocaine recovered from him.

Friends Nabbed for Drug Trafficking

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have recovered 19.8 kilogrammes of dried weeds, said to be cannabis sativa, from two friends; 30-year-old Sandra Ebere and Maureen Obidike, 33. It was gathered that the suspects were arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos State during the screening of passengers on an Etihad flight en route to Dubai, United Arab Emirate. It was learnt that the drug was packaged into about 80 parcels and concealed inside foodstuffs and bottles. The NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Umar Hamza, said the case was under investigation.

Maritime

Terrorism

Chadian Soldiers Chase Boko Haram Retake Border Town from Boko Haram

Chadian Forces, February 3, wrested control of the border town of Gamboru from Boko Haram within hours of launching a ground offensive against the jihadist group. About 2,000 Chadian troops backed by armoured vehicles crossed the border into Gamboru from the Cameroonian town of Fotokol after days of clashes with the insurgents. Chad's army has said it has killed more than 200 militant Islamists and lost nine men during the battle. The commander of the Chadian contingent, Ahmat Dari, confirming the victory, vowed to continue the fight against the insurgents “until the end”. The ground intervention by Chad came after the African Union backed a regional five-nation, 7,500-strong force to take on the extremists amid growing fears about their threat to regional security. Nigerian Defense spokesman, Chris Olukolade, has assured that the presence of foreign troops on Nigerian soil would not compromise the country’s sovereignty.

Six Suspected Suicide Bombers Arrested in Yola

Six suspected suicide bombers were, February 1, arrested by the military authorities in Yola, Adamawa state. An eyewitness disclosed that a suspected male suicide bomber was seen entering an uncompleted building and later disguised himself wearing female dress. The eyewitness said unknown to the suspect that some of the residents were watching his moves, after disguising himself as he was about to board a commercial tricycle, the residents alerted the military detailed to cordon off the roundabout. He said the military immediately arrested the suspect and when he was interrogated he confessed and led them to the five others who also dressed in female attires. According to the eyewitness, the suspects attempted to escape, but were apprehended.

Military Recovers Armoured Vehicles, Artillery Guns from Boko Haram in Maiduguri

The Nigerian military has said the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, fighters that attacked Maiduguri on February 1, incurred massive casualties, with large cache of weapons captured from them. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, disclosed that the terrorists attack on Maiduguri was quickly contained. He assured that the situation is calm as mopping up operation in the affected area is ongoing. The Defence spokesman said that there are ongoing operations being coordinated under the Multinational Joint Task (MJTF) arrangement to dislodge Boko Haram from the occupied towns in Borno and Adamawa states. According to Olukolade, the MJTF latest offensive is in line with the arrangement for a comprehensive and coordinated military operation with inputs by military forces in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.

Twin Explosions Claim 5 Lives in Gombe

Two bomb explosions were, February 1, witnessed in Gombe metropolis killing five people including the perpetrators of the blasts. The blasts which occurred within an interval of five minutes occurred at the gate of the old Gombe market and the timber market, which is directly behind the 301 Artillery Regiment Quarter Guard of the Nigerian Army. According to eye witness accounts, the blast at the old Gombe market claimed the lives of a man and the female bomber on a motorcycle at the main road directly opposite one of the gates of the market. It was learnt that the explosives were hidden inside a food flask the woman was carrying. The Command’s spokesman, Fwaje Atajiri, confirmed the occurrence of the twin blasts.

Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon in Onslaught against Boko Haram

Gamborou Ngala, Malam Fatori, Michika, have been captured by Chadian, Cameroonian and Nigerian troops. A major coordinated military onslaught against Boko Haram has commenced. While Chadian and Cameroonian troops are approaching Nigeria from the borders, Nigerian troops are moving northward from inside. The result is that several towns and villages previously controlled by Boko Haram have been retaken given the new fire power of the Nigerian and Chadian troops. There is also heavy fighting going on in Gwoza, it is gathered. About 80 insurgents were killed, while several others escaped with bullet wounds. The assault on terrorists’ main positions was concluded on January 29 as many of them died in the combat. Nigerian troops have taken Michika and have surrounded Gulak, while Chadians have surrounded Gwoza. The latest successes recorded have been attributed to the arrival of new arms and the use of Special Forces. According to military sources, the plan is to recapture all territories so that people can vote.

Six Killed in Potiskum Suicide Bomb Attack

Six persons were, February 1, killed in a fresh suicide bomb attack in Potiskum, Yobe state. Witnesses said the explosions occurred in front of the residence of a politician, Sabo Garbu. Sabo Garbu is the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Potiskum/Nangere Federal constituency in Yobe state. The bomber came to the residence of the politician and detonated the explosives just in front of his house while he was hosting a lot of party supporters. He said the explosive which went off killed six persons on the spot with several others sustaining injuries. Authorities are yet to confirm the incidents but hospital authority, who pleaded anonymity, said six corpses were brought to the hospital with several others injured.

Female Bombers Plan to Detonate Explosives at Polling Stations -FG

The Federal Government, February 5, revealed plans by female suicide bombers to hijack voter cards of female electorate, so as to access polling stations to detonate explosives. The Coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC) and Director General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri, who disclosed, called on eligible voters, particularly female electorate to safeguard their voters’ cards. He also stated that there were ongoing operations in the Sambisa forest and its environs, to dislodge insurgents from their hideouts.

Suspected Top Boko Haram Commander Feared Killed

The renewed onslaught by the troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) comprising Chad, Niger, Cameroun and Nigeria to flush out Boko Haram terrorists from their congruent boundaries is yielding results with the reported recapture of many towns and the killing of a top terrorist commander. There is also the reported death of a top-ranking Boko Haram leader operating in the North-East region. This came as members of the Islamic terrorist group were said to have killed more than 100 people in the north Cameroun town of Fotokol, murdering residents inside their homes and a mosque, a local civic leader said on February 4.

Gunmen Kill 30 in Attack on Taraba Village

About 30 persons again lost their lives in Taraba State on January 29 as Fulani gunmen attacked Nwonko village in Wukari LGA of the state. The attack, which started in the early hours of the day, lasted for a couple of hours and resulted in the destruction of houses as well as farm produce. The member, representing Wukari constituency in the state’s House of Assembly, Mr Daniel Ishaya Gani, said most of the deceased were women and children and regretted that the killings are still going on across the state. According to Gani, the villagers actually mistook the attackers for Boko Haram insurgents due to their numbers. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), John Kwaji, while confirming the attack, noted that the crisis was between the Fulani herdsmen and the Jukuns.

Bomb Blast Kills Two in Gombe

Two persons were, February 2, killed in Gombe State when it was hit by a bomb blast. The female suicide bomber was also killed in the attack that took place near the Pantami International Stadium less than 5 minutes after President Goodluck Jonathan addressed supporters in campaign rally for his re-election bid in the February 14 presidential elections. Spokesperson for the Gombe State Police Command, Fwaje Atajiri confirmed the bombing, adding that 18 others were injured.

Military Kills Scores of Insurgents in Battle for Maiduguri

The Boko Haram insurgents, February 2, suffered more losses and a crushing defeat as its members were routed by the Nigerian military, when the group attempted to overrun Tungushe, a strategic town in Konduga LGA near Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. Dozens of the insurgents were killed in the ensuing battle as the Nigerian troops, again repelled the Islamist fighters. Less than 24 hours after the terrorist group, which invaded Maiduguri and were pushed back, they regrouped and launched another attack on Tungushe. The town has a strong military presence because of its very close proximity to Maiduguri. The terrorist group has made several attempts to capture Maiduguri, which they claim will be used as the headquarters of their proposed Islamic caliphate.

Boko Haram Kills Dozens in Fotokol

Boko Haram fighters, February 4, went on the rampage in the Cameroonian border town of Fotokol, killing dozens of civilians and torching a mosque before being repelled by regional forces. The onslaught came a day after Chad sent troops across the border to flush the jihadists out of the Nigerian town of Gamboru, which lies some 500 metres (yards) from Fotokol on the other side of a bridge. Chad’s army said it had killed more than 200 Boko Haram militants in the intervention — the first by regional forces against Boko Haram on its home ground. But some of the insurgents escaped, it added. On the Cameroonian side of the border, the Boko Haram assault on Fotokol left nearly 70 civilians and six Cameroonian soldiers dead, residents disclosed.

Political/Government Agencies

INEC Postpones General Elections

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, on February 7, announced the 6 weeks postponement of the earlier scheduled general elections. His announced followed alleged irregularities in the distribution of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and security advice from the security agencies. In a meeting with political parties, 16 parties participating in the elections called for the postponement, while 9 objected, with 2 abstaining. The elections previously scheduled for February 14 and 28 and now been postponed to March 28 and April 11, 2015.

AU Approves 7,500 Troops to Boost Fight against Boko Haram

Coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mike Omeri, February 2, disclosed that the African Union Peace and Security Council had approved the mobilization and immediate deployment of 7,500 troops to Nigeria to fight Boko Haram. According to him, the recent regional and continental synergy and resolutions to establish a multinational military force by Nigeria’s neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon as well as the AU decision on the matter is point of reference. The African Union Peace and Security Council, at the recently concluded 24th ordinary session had approved the mobilization and deployment of 7,500 troops to Nigeria to fight Boko Haram. The AU Peace and Security Council is to meet in Cameroon on February 9 to authorize and finalize the concept of the operation in the fight against Boko Haram.

French Planes in Surveillance Mission against Boko Haram

French military aircraft have been carrying out surveillance missions to help countries bordering Nigeria tackle Boko Haram militants, officials disclosed on February 3. This comes amid efforts by African countries to coordinate a response to the threat posed by the terror group. The African Union (AU) has authorised a force of 7,500 troops from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroun and Niger that make up the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) under the Lake Chad Basin Commission to fight the insurgents. A French defense ministry source confirmed that their air force was carrying out reconnaissance missions, but not over Nigeria. The support is limited to neighbouring countries such as Chad and Niger, reports indicate. The source added that intelligence was being given to Chadian forces currently engaged in the bombardment of Boko Haram insurgents hiding in the Sambisa forest on the Cameroun and Nigeria border region.

Jonathan Launches National Security Documents in Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan, February 5, launched three national security documents. The documents were tagged National Security Strategy; Counter Terrorism Strategy; and Cyber Security Plan and Strategy. At the launch held at the Presidential Villa, Jonathan advised all security agencies to adopt the principles enshrined in the documents. According to him, the document on cyber crime strategy is aimed at identifying forensic measures to address the nation’s cyber space exposure and risks. Jonathan stressed that public private sector partnership; multi stakeholder engagement and international cooperation are the three key approaches to a successful national cyber security programme. He urged for cooperation among stakeholders to eliminate the security threats.

Party Loyalists Clash in Jigawa State

At least 10 houses, six local warehouses and a car were, February 5, burnt in a clash between the supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Giwa village, Birnin Kudu LGA of Jigawa State. Reports from the state indicated that the violence started when the PDP House of Representatives candidate, Alhaji Ali Tukur Gantsa and his supporters stormed the village for campaign. It was gathered that the supporters allegedly destroyed and set ablaze billboards and posters of APC candidate in the area. An eye witness told our reporter that in retaliation, the APC supporters set ablaze a car belonging to the PDP. There was no loss of life, but the violence led to the destruction of humans and animal foods in some stores and local warehouses worth millions of Naira. Police spokesman, Abdu Jinjiri, confirmed the clash.

PSC Approves Redeployment of 16 Police Commissioners

The Police Service Commission, February 3, approved the immediate redeployment of 16 police commissioners in the country in line with its drive to reposition the police for optimal performance. Those affected include the Commissioner of Police for Ekiti State, Fredrick Lakanu who has been moved to Ogun State; Ibrahim Idris from Police Mobile Force, FHQ Abuja to Kano State command; Musa Katsina Mohammed from Jos to Oyo State; Usman Tilli Abubakar from Jos to Jigawa State Command; Olufemi Ogunbayode, NIPSS Jos to Zamfara State; Mohammed Usman CP M.S ‘F’ Department FHQ to Nasarawa Command; Nyats Nyehsu Jatau CP Railway Lagos to Taraba State Command; Mohammed K. Mohammed, Dep. CMDT, PSC, Jos to Bauchi Command; Karma Hosea Hassan from Anambra State to Rivers State; Joshak Habila from CTU, FHQ to Abia State; Salisu Fagge Abdullahi from SFU FHQ to Sokoto State; Damilola Samuel Adegbuyi from SFU FHQ to Edo State Command; and Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi from Interpol FCID to Ekiti State. They also include Dibal Paul Yakadi FC2i/c Anambra State to CP Anambra State; Tonye Ebitibituwa from ‘A’ R&P FHQ Abuja to Cross River State; and Danladi Mshelbwala EOD FHQ Abuja to Kebbi State. Chairman of the Commission, Mike Okiro wished the newly redeployed commissioners of police success in their new postings

Nyako, Son Declared Wanted by EFCC

Former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC). Also declared wanted by the EFCC is Nyako’s son, Abdul Aziz, a retired naval officer. The EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, February 4, stated that both were wanted for criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering.” The former governor’s was impeached in 2014 by the state House of Assembly following allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. Since then, Nyako’s whereabouts have been unknown for fear of imminent arrest by the anti-graft agency. Nyako’s decision to decamp to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) was said to have triggered his impeachment.

Political Thugs Attack Governor’s Campaign Team

Two members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State were shot and wounded, while several others sustained varying degrees of injury, when suspected political thugs, February 4, attacked them in Isapa, Ekiti LGA of Kwara State, the home town of the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Simeon Ajibola. The APC campaign train had embarked on campaign tour of communities in Ekiti LGA with Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and leader of the party in the state, Senator Bukola Saraki, among other APC leaders. It was gathered that the hoodlums, who had laid ambush for advance team of the APC members coming to Isapa, attacked them and destroyed a campaign vehicle belonging to APC. Speaking on the development, Governor Ahmed described the attack as unfortunate, saying that he was committed to peace.

3 Killed, 20 Injured as Party Supporters Clash in Lagos

Supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC), February 4, clashed with those of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leaving three people dead, with 20 injured at Ajegunle area of Lagos State. It was gathered that the crisis started around 3pm when the party supporters accosted themselves at Ayetoro area of Ajegunle during campaign rallies, leading to a fight. An eyewitness blamed the fights, which quickly spread to Boundary Bus Stop, on some APC supporters who were quarrelling over money given to them by one of the party candidates. The eyewitness said: “The fight started when party supporters were sharing money given them by an aspirant. “Unfortunately some PDP supporters met them at Ayetoro and APC supporters attacked them.”

Murder/Assassinations

Herdsmen Kill 9 in Benue

Fulani herdsmen, January 30, launched a deadly attack on five villages in Logo LGA of Benue State killing nine people in the process and burning over 100 hundred houses. The villages attacked included Chembe, Tse-Mue, Ifer, Mgbakpa and Oragbai all in Ukemberagya council ward. The gunmen had attacked the area at the early hours of the day and shot sporadically into the air for several hours, leaving scores of people displaced. Senior Special Assistance to Governor Gabriel Suswam on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Joseph Anawah, who is an indigene of the area, said that the insurgents numbering about 100 used different routes to invade the villages. The lasted attack is coming on the heels of recent efforts by the state government and the leadership of the Mayyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, to find lasting solution to the protracted crisis.

NIS Officers in Police Custody for Killing Colleague at Work

Some officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for killing their colleague, identified simply as Egun, in the line of duty. It was learnt that the officers were on duty at the Departure Terminal, Seme Border, Lagos, on January 24, when the incident occurred. It was gathered that the officers, at about 2pm, intercepted a commercial bus at the border, which was suspected to be conveying illegal immigrants, and requested their documents. It was gathered that the travellers, who the officers later discovered to be thugs, engaged the NIS men in a scuffle and fled from the scene during the questioning. After the scuffle, an argument reportedly ensued among the officers during which one of them allegedly fired at Egun in the neck. Egun, who was rushed to the Badagry General Hospital, however, died on the way.

Woman Stabs Husband to Death in Bayelsa

A 28-year-old woman, February 5, allegedly stabbed her husband to death at Akenfa, a suburb of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The deceased was identified as Henry Gagariga, a legal practitioner. The incident occurred at the couple’s residence along Ebisam Road, Akenfa. The woman, whose name was given as Victoria, according to a security source, is currently being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department. She was said to have allegedly stabbed her husband in the neck with a kitchen knife, following a bitter quarrel over a domestic issue. Gagariga was said to have died in the hospital he was rushed to after losing a lot of blood. Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident and arrest of the suspect.

Jilted Man Kills Couple at Wedding Ceremony

A couple in Ukala Community of Delta State was shot and killed by a jilted ex-boyfriend at their wedding ceremony on January 31. The ex-boyfriend simply identified as Teddy, who was angry that the lady getting married dumped him, allegedly shot indiscriminately at people who were gathered to celebrate the marriage after he was said to have killed the couple. Trouble started when the bride identified as Stephany, broke up with Teddy after being in a relationship with him 8 years, and with wedding plans on ground. Teddy reportedly got frustrated and heartbroken, leading to the violence at the wedding.

Gunmen Kill Civil Servant in Failed Kidnap Bid

Gunmen, February 5, killed a senior civil servant at a mosque in Bauchi State. It was learned that the suspect, known as Babangida Garba, was killed by the gunmen while resisting their kidnap attempt. An eyewitness said the gunmen tried to force Babangida into their vehicle, but he struggled with them. The witness disclosed that gunmen came to the premises of the mosque and waited for their victim until after the early prayers around 6am. Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Lawal Shehu, said the gunmen stormed a mosque at the new G.R.A, opposite Larema Hotel and killed one Babangida Garba. He said the 53-year-old staff of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs in Bauchi State was killed when he resisted being kidnapped by the gunmen.

5 Killed over Politicians’ Gifts

Two brothers along with three other persons were, February 4, shot dead in the Ajegunle area of Lagos after hoodlums hijacked a campaign rally while the politicians were distributing gifts to the residents. It was learnt that the campaign rally, which was organised by a Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), turned violent when some politicians, who were said to have accompanied the Senatorial candidate, began to share out gifts. It was learnt that as the supporters and residents scrambled for the items, some thugs, who felt they were being sidelined, attacked the supporters. Two other factions of the thugs also reportedly clashed, shooting at one another and vandalising property. Our correspondent learnt that two young men of the same parents, identified simply as Abeeb and Idris, were among the five persons killed by the bullets.

Rape Incidents

NSCDC Arrests 5 over Gang-Rape of 14-Year-Old

Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), February 4, arrested five suspects for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl. The state commandant, Andekin Amos Musa, who paraded the suspects, said the suspects were labourers, working at a construction site, while the girl was a sachet water seller in the same area. Mr Musa gave the suspects’ name as Wada Mohammed (37), Tanko Adamu (36), Abubakar Ogachi (40), Yusuf Ogar (35) and Samaila Ali (35) who would all be prosecuted after the investigation. He explained that the victim was lured by the suspects on January 30 into an uncompleted building beside Doma market and raped her repeatedly. According to him, the suspects have allegedly been in the habit of raping underage girls. We have been receiving reports of similar cases in that area. Father of the victim, Mallam Umar Mohammed, commended the NSCDC for the prompt intervention in arresting the suspects.

Man Rapes 11-Year-Old Daughter in Bauchi

Bauchi state police command has arrested a 45-year-old man for allegedly raping his 11-year-old daughter. According to the suspect, Abubakar Magaji, he engaged in the ugly act because his wife left him. Magaji, a father of four confessed to have had unlawful canal knowledge of his daughter twice. Parading the suspect along others at the police headquarters on February 5, the State Commissioner of Police, Lawal Shehu, who expressed worry over the increased rate of rape cases in the state, vowed that suspected rapists would be prosecuted.

Painter Docked for Raping Three-Year-Old Girl

The police, on February 4, arraigned 25-year-old painter, Hamzat Afeez, in court for allegedly raping a three-year-old girl in the Egbeda area of Lagos State. Afeez allegedly took the victim’s younger sister into his room while their mother washed clothes in the house on December 13, 2014. The victim was said to have followed Afeez into his room in a bid to play with her sister. The toddler was said to have narrated the incident to her parents, who alerted policemen from the Gowon Estate Police Station. The Lagos State Government and a non-governmental organisation, Project Alert on Violence against Women, intervened and the suspect was re-arrested and arraigned in court on one count of rape. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. A.A. Demi-Ajayi, granted him bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Driver, 47, in Court over Rape of 16-Year-Old Girl

A 49-year old man, Napoleon Okonta, was, February 4, arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Apapa, Lagos State for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl. It was learnt that Okonta was a neighbour to the victim’s parents. The suspect, a father of two, had, on December 27, lured the victim into his room, pulled off her pants and raped her. Residents reportedly rescued the girl after being drawn by her cries. It was gathered that a medical test conducted on the victim indicated that she was raped. A police prosecutor, Olusoji Ojaokoma, brought Okonta before a presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.I. Adelaja, on one count of rape. The magistrate admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety in like sum. The case was adjourned till March 9, 2015.

Others

Pipeline Explosions Rock Ogun, Lagos States

There were two different pipeline explosions in Arepo area of Ogun State and Elepete Imagbon near Ikorodu in Lagos State on February 1. Both explosions were said to have started from the activities of pipeline vandals, who have been a terror to residents of Arepo Estate in Ogun State. Fire fighters and emergency workers, who were at the scene, had serious difficulty accessing the point of explosion for fear of being attacked by vandals, who might be hiding in the creek. It was gathered that both incidents occurred around the same time but the Imagbon fire was more serious. The Imagbon fire was also said to have started after the suspected vandals had punctured the pipeline at Arepo and needed more products. Ibrahim Farinloye, the spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed both explosions.

Rivers High Courts Hit by Bomb Attacks as JUSUN Suspends 8-Month Strike

Barely 48 hours after the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria declared the suspension of the eight-month-old strike in Rivers State; unknown persons have bombed three separate High Courts in Degema, Isiokpo and Port Harcourt areas of the state. The incidents were coordinated and happened almost simultaneously in the early hours of February 2. The State Police Command confirmed that minimal damages were recorded and no life was lost. It was gathered that one of the courts in Degema was completely razed by unidentified arsonists with many documents burnt beyond recognition. Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad said dynamites were hurled into the premises by unknown persons in the early hours of the day.

17 Killed as Trailer, Luxury Bus Collide in Yobe

Seventeen people were, on February 2, killed in a road accident in Dogon-Kukah village of Damagum LGA of Yobe State. Head of the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Damagum General Hospital, Mallam Isa Yusuf, confirmed that 17 corpses were brought to the hospital and 50 others are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. A witness, Mallam Isa Yahaya, disclosed that the accident was as a result of head on collusion involving a luxurious bus and a trailer coming from opposite direction. Dogon Kukah residents assisted in the rescue before the arrival of soldiers, who were at the checkpoint in Dogon Kukah village. The corpses of the 17 people had been deposited at the Damagum General Hospital.

Cholera Outbreak Hits Enugu, Claims Lives in Anambra

Eight lives have been lost to an outbreak of cholera in Inoma community in the northern part of Anambra State since January 2015. Following the report, the Anambra State Rapid Response Team (RRT) led by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Akabuike swung into action by visiting the community to assess the situation. According to investigations, the probable source of contamination was said to be a nearby stream and the sole water source for the community, for bathing, drinking, cooking and general washing. The outbreak of cholera is also recorded in Enugu State. Although no life had been reportedly lost in Enugu state, efforts had been intensified by the state government to ensure it does not escalate. Commissioner for Health, Dr. George Eze, visited the affected patients in the various hospitals on January 31 and donated drugs to be administered free of charge.

Mutilated Corpse of Destitute Found

A woman has been strangled to death by yet-to-be identified persons, who reportedly cut off her genitals and abandoned her corpse in front of a shop on Oniyanrin Street in the Mile 12, Ketu area of Lagos State. Residents, who discovered the corpse, disclosed that there was no gunshot wound or stab injury on the body. A resident, Abayomi Odegbami, disclosed that the deceased was a regular face in the area, and usually slept in one of the shops. He added that she was last seen by residents on January 31. The Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident. He, however, said it was a case of sudden and unnatural death. He added that the victim’s genitals were not cut off as speculated by residents.

Bird Flu Hits Plateau
…NVMA Assures of Containment

The Plateau State government, February 4, confirmed the outbreak of Avian Influenza in the state, saying that it had destroyed seven poultry farms affected by the bird flu. Dr Doris Bitrus, Chief Veterinary Officer in Plateau, who disclosed this, said that the state’s Ministry of Agriculture had taken measures to contain the disease. She added that other affected poultry farms had been depopulated and disinfected. Bitrus advised poultry farm owners and live bird marketers to step up bio-security and hygiene measures within and around their farms and markets. She also advised members of the poultry association against the sale, slaughter and consumption of sick and dead birds. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has assured Nigerians of early containment of the outbreak of bird flu like it did in 2006. Bird Flu has hit nearly 10 states in Nigeria since January 2015

Review/Analysis

The rise in terrorist activities in the North-East has taken a huge toll on residents of the affected areas. The Nigerian military, in its sustained battle to purge the nation of terrorism, keeps recording victory over the Boko Haram insurgents as Gamborou Ngala, Malam Fatori, Michika, have been retaken by Chadian, Cameroonian and Nigerian troops. Several insurgents have been killed and several injured in a bid by the military to recapture Gwoza in Bornu State.

Political activities are also heating up as the general elections draw near. Several political clashes and killings indicate that supporters of major political parties have drawn battle lines. The 2015 general elections in Nigeria are seen as catalyst for the upsurge in cult clashes.

Murder/assassination incidents have been on the rise, cutting across different parts of the country and various strata of the society with the south-south and south-west witnessing more of such cases.

Gang activities remain high as gangs and cult groups battle for territorial supremacy.

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.