Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 8

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	4
2	Robbery	5
3	Gang	3
4	Drugs	2
5	Maritime Incidents	2
6	Terrorism	15
7	Political/Government Agencies	3
8	Murder/Assassinations	11
9	Rape Incidents	4
10	Others	6
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Ex-Governor’s Father Rescued from Kidnappers

The father of former Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau State, Pa Dariye Dafweng (87), who was kidnapped on February 7, was on February 8, rescued from his abductors by a vigilante group in a village bordering Plateau and Nasarawa States. A source disclosed that the group also arrested two of his abductors while the rest narrowly escaped. Pa Dafweng’s abductors had demanded for $10 million as ransom. Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, stormed the home of the octogenarian in the Mushere area of Bokkos, in the Bokkos LGA, shooting sporadically and in the confusion, whisked away their victim on a motorcycle and headed towards Wamba in the neighbouring Nasarawa State.

JTF Rescues Kidnap Victim

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, February 10, said it had rescued a kidnap victim and arrested two suspected oil thieves within the last 10 days of the week under review. The spokesman of the task force, Lt.-Col. Isa Ado, disclosed that troops of the JTF rescued Julius Omeregie, who was kidnapped by gunmen at Okhuaihie community in Uhumwode LGA of Edo state. The victim and his family of five were reportedly abducted in his vehicle but the kidnappers later abandoned the vehicle with the family members before whisking the victim away. One of the kidnappers was killed during a shootout between the troops and the kidnappers. In another operation, two suspected oil thieves were also arrested at Orerokpe community in Okpe LGA of Delta while conveying illegally refined diesel in a car. The suspects reportedly confessed to have carried out oil bunkering around Nigerian Port Authority waterside in Warri South LGA of Delta.

Police Arrest Suspects of Stealing, Selling of Baby

Police at Ogidi, Idemili North LGA of Anambra State, February 10, announced the arrest of four women for their alleged involvement in stealing, selling and buying a two-month old baby girl for N625,000. The baby was reportedly stolen from her mother at Nnewi by three of the suspects, who sold her to one of the suspects. According to the source, the suspected seller had stolen the baby from her mother and sold her to the buyer who claimed to have resolved to procure a baby girl because she needed a female child that would look after her when she grew old. Confirming the arrest of the buyer and sellers, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of Ogidi Police Station, Hassan Musa, on February 10, said the recovered baby was also in Police custody, while efforts were being intensified to find the mother.

Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command, February 11, said it had arrested two alleged kidnappers, and recovered a Toyota car and cash. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kenneth Nwosu, said that the suspects were nabbed on February 7. According to the statement, the alleged kidnappers, namely; John Paul, the gang leader and Garba Adam, kidnapped one Mr Saheed Kolawole, an hotelier, in Ikorodu on January 31. The suspects had demanded for a ransom of $ 200,000 that was later negotiated to $100,000. The police swung into action after the case was reported and we were able to arrest two of the kidnappers, recover the ransom and rescue the victim. The suspects sustained bullet wounds while trying to escape with the money and the victim’s phone with the vehicle used by the kidnappers was all recovered.

Robbery

Two Charged with N2.5m Gold Robbery

Two persons, Hossein Jibo and Umaru Haruna, have been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos for allegedly robbing Biodun Babalola of his gold jewelry worth N2.5m. Jibo and Haruna, both 30 years of age, are being accused of committing the alleged offence on October 27, 2014 in Lagos. The duo was also accused of robbing one Mrs Alebiodu Joy of her N1.3m, while armed with gun, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. They were, on February 6, arraigned on a 4-count charge of armed robbery. Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties who are to have paid tax for a period of 3 years. She adjourned the matter to March 5 for mention.

Guard Nabbed after Stealing Car, Jewellery from Employer

A 28-year-old guard, Paul Onazi, has been arrested for allegedly stealing a Toyota Camry and jewelry belonging to his employers, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ekpesi, in the Egbeda area of Lagos. It was alleged that Onazi and his friend, who is still at large, committed the act on January 25, 2015. It was said the suspects broke into the couple’s apartment and made off with foreign currencies, laptops and phones, among other valuables – all of which were valued at N9m. The crime was said to have been reported to policemen attached to the Gowon Estate Police station, leading to Onazi’s arrest. The police said the car and other stolen items had been recovered while efforts were being made to track down the fleeing accomplice.

Robber Arrested With Toy Gun

The Edo State Police Command has apprehended one Victor Edomoba, who specializes in robbing guests at hotels in Benin with a wooden gun during the week under review. It was stated that many guests in some of the high-brow hotels in the state capital have fallen victims to the activities of armed robbers, who often check into some of these hotels to perpetrate their heinous crime. Parading the suspect, the Edo state Police Commissioner, Folusho Adebanjo, said the Command received a distress call that some armed bandit are robbing a guest house along Boundary Road in GRA, Benin City. He said the police operatives immediately swung into action and arrested one of the suspects and recovered one dummy wooden gun. The suspect however confessed to the crime.

JTF Destroys Illegal Bunkering Camps

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) says it has destroyed two illegal oil bunkering camps. The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, JTF, Lt.-Col. Ado Isa, February 10, said troops of the Sector 2 anti-illegal oil bunkering and oil theft operating alongside Directorate of State Security Service, within the last 10 days, discovered and destroyed two illegal oil distillation camps around Akassa 06 and 103 Cawton Channel 2 in Rivers State. He said two suspected illegal oil thieves were also arrested at Oreerokpe community in Okpe LGA of Delta State while conveying illegally acquired Automated Gas Oil in a Jetta car with number plate, Delta AM 306 JRT.

Police Re-Arrest 2 Prison Escapees in Ekiti

The police in Ekiti State have re-arrested two of the inmates of Ado Ekiti prisons, who escaped during an attack on the facility on November 30, 2014. The prison break benefactors, Sunday Adegboye and Kayode Ajimoko, were arrested by the Ekiti State police command in connection with a fresh case of robbery. The state Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, disclosed this on February 11, during the parade of the suspects. One of the prison escapees, Adegboye, allegedly attempted to rob one Akingbinsola Feyi, a resident of Ori Apata area of Ado Ekiti on December 5, 2014 and was arrested. The runaway prisoner led three other robbery suspects, who were armed with cutlasses, to the scene of the incident. Another prison escapee, Ajimoko, was arrested after leading a gang of four on a robbery operation on January 20. Lakanu explained that almost 40 robbery suspects recently apprehended are now in the custody of the police.

Gang Incidents

Police Arraign Five Suspected Cultists for Murder

The Lagos police have arraigned five men before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos State for allegedly killing a 23-year-old man, Damilayo Ayodele. The defendants were arraigned on February 9 on three counts of belonging to an unlawful society and murder. It was learnt that the men were members of the Aiye Confraternity. Three of the suspects were said to have, on December 7, 2014, plotted how to kill another suspected cultist in a rival group. One of them was said to have shot him in the neck, killing him on the spot. The Investigating Police Officer, Corporal Felix Usogu, said the police recovered exhibits and fingerprint evidence from the suspects. The Chief Magistrate, Tunbosun Abolarinwa, remanded Eguku, Qudus and Deji in prison custody, but granted bail to Oladeji and Ekenjoku in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum. The matter was adjourned till March 19, 2015 for legal advice from the DPP.

3 Killed in Ughelli Cult Clash

A group of suspected cultists that have been terrorizing Ughelli community in Delta State within the last 30 days, has allegedly killed a female trader and two others during a cult clash. The suspected cultists stormed a bar along Affesere Road, Ughelli, on a man-hunt for a member of a rival cult group. According to an eyewitness, the suspected cultist, numbering over ten, stormed the joint and shot sporadically. In the process, a stray bullet allegedly killed a trader and two others. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident on February 9. She further disclosed a similar attack on a man in his 50’s who was shot dead by the suspected cultists. She said that the police have made several arrests of some suspected members of the cult group, disclosing that the suspect currently in detention will be charged to court after investigations.

Gunmen Attack, Kill 2 Workers at Okomu Oil Palm Company

Two workers of Okomu Oil Palm Plc in Udo, Ovia South-West LGA of Edo State, were killed by gunmen, who invaded the plantation on February 10. Five other workers in the palm oil and rubber-producing company were also injured. The community is host to a large Ijaw population and there had been fight in the past between Ijaw youths and the company, with the former asking for compensation over the occupation of their land. The gunmen were said to have invaded the highly-policed plantation through the bush and shot at the workers, killing two instantly. A source said a large portion of the plantation was set also set ablaze by attackers. Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the company, Ikponmwosa Osunbor, confirmed the killing.

Drugs

Court Jails Student over Drug Deal

A 30-year-old Polytechnic student, Nwokeoma Adimoha, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for illicit drug deal. The accused was charged by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a one-count charge bordering on the offence. He pleaded guilty to the offence. Following his plea, Justice Mohammed Idris, February 11, sentenced him to six months imprisonment beginning from the date of his arrest. The prosecutor, Mr Orji Kalu, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on October 10, 2014. He said the accused was arrested by surveillance of the NDLEA, at an uncompleted building in Satellite town, Lagos.

NDLEA Arraigns Man in Court for Importing Cocaine

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), February 12, arraigned Mbachu Ifeanyi before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly importing 1.14 kilogrammes of cocaine in July 2014. According to the NDLEA prosecutor, Vembe Emmanuel, the accused was apprehended during the inward clearance of an Emirate Airline from Dubai at the E-Arrival Hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the one count brought against him in respect of the alleged crime. He was subsequently admitted to bail by Justice C.J. Aneke. The court subsequently admitted the tendered items as exhibits. The matter was adjourned till March 2.

Maritime

Pirates Kill Tanker Crew, Take Hostage

A pirate attack killed a supertanker crewman off the coast of Nigeria on February 9. The 2 million barrel Kalamos Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) was heading to Nigeria's main oil terminal when it was attacked, leaving the ship's Greek deputy captain dead and three crew members taken hostage. Security experts say the waters off Nigeria are deadly. Cyrus Mody, assistant director of the piracy-tracking International Maritime Bureau said incidents in the region were hugely underreported due to fear of further attacks, concerns over insurance or a belief that information on vessels is sensitive or proprietary. Security experts say the pirates have emerged from militant groups in Nigeria's oil-producing Niger Delta.

JTF Seizes Cache of Arms from Sea Pirates

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, February 9, seized heavy arms and ammunition from sea pirates. The sea pirates were said to have initially attacked the JTF troops on January 8. The Coordinator Joint Media Campaign Centre, Lieutenant-Colonel Ado Isa, disclosed that the arms were recovered after the JTF embarked on search operations conducted by the 146 battalion of the task force. “During the operation, one AK-47 rifle with registration number 02430 and Butt number 897 were recovered together with two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition each,” he added.

Terrorism

109 Boko Haram Fighters Killed after Attack on Niger

Boko Haram launched its first major attack in Niger Republic on February 6, triggering a forceful response from regional troops who claimed to have killed 109 members the sect. The clashes in Bosso and Diffa, along the border with Nigeria, marked yet another expansion of violence attributed to Boko Haram. Niger’s Defense Minister, Mahamadou Karidjo, reported that 109 of the Islamists were killed, along with four soldiers and a civilian. Seventeen other troops were wounded. The sect on February 8, launched a second an attack on a southeastern border town in Niger Republic, where a blast killed at least one person and left 10 injured. The Islamist militants launched their assault around the town of Diffa in Niger before dawn. Karidjo said calm had been restored to both Bosso and Diffa. The clashes in Niger came as regional efforts intensified to battle Boko Haram, which has waged a six-year insurgency centred in northeastern Nigeria, where the Islamists have seized swathes of territory.

Boko Haram Attacks Yobe Barracks, Nigerien Village

Boko Haram fighters, February 8, waged an attack on a barracks in Yobe State. Members of the terror group were reported to have launched an attack on a military barracks in Gaida, Yobe State. Details of the attack remain sketchy. In a bid to stem the attacks in North-eastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries, Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroun and Benin Republic at the weekend pledged to deploy 8,700 troops, police and civilians as part of a regional effort to fight Boko Haram terrorists.

Police Defuse High Calibre Bombs in Adamawa

The Adamawa State police command, February 6, disclosed that it had defused 19 high caliber bombs in the state. The state commissioner of police, Gabriel Adaji, disclosed that the state police command made a discovery of 19 high caliber Bombs at Song LGA with which the Islamist terrorist were planning to launch series of attacks on the state capital. He further explained that the bombs were ready for use when they were detected, adding that they were at 90 per cent completion and only needed to be connected to batteries to work. He said the discovery of the bombs followed a tip off by an informant who disclosed the activities of the terrorists. He assured the public that the police were on top of the security in the state just as he advised them to go about their normal activities and not hesitate in reporting suspicious people and movement.

Scores of Boko Haram Terrorists killed by Chadian Troops
…Nigerian Military Arrest 40 Suspects

Chadian troops in Gamboru town of Ngala LGA of Borno State, February 11, killed scores of Boko Haram terrorists, arrested some, and recovered Hilux vehicles and armoured tankers. Similarly, troops of the Nigerian Army and members of the youth vigilante have arrested 40 members of Boko Haram terrorists disguised as herdsmen near Ngom Village of Mafa LGA of Borno State. A member of civilian JTF, Ibrahim Garba, said the terrorists wanted to enter Maiduguri but with the intervention of their colleagues, backed by the troops of the Nigerian Army, they arrested the insurgents.

Suicide Bomb Attack Kills Five in Borno

A bomb attack on Biu’s main market in Borno State, February 12, claimed five lives and injured 10 others. An eyewitness, Yusuf Gunda, a member of the youth vigilante group in the town, disclosed that a woman was caught trying to set up the explosive device very close to the market about 3.30p.m, which aroused suspicion, but as they accosted her, the explosive device detonated and killed five persons including the woman. Ten other persons were injured in the explosion and taken to the Biu General Hospital to receive treatment.

Nigeria Arrested Boko Haram Mastermind of Nigerien Attacks

The suspected mastermind of different attacks by Boko Haram sect in Niger’s Diffa region near the Nigerian border has been arrested by Nigerian security forces. Niger’s authorities identified the suspect, Kaka Bounou, as a trader based in Diffa. He had a title of a captain in Boko Haram, and was behind all the attacks carried out in Diffa. Meanwhile, security forces in Maine-Soroa town, near Diffa, February 3, stopped a suicide bomber, who was carrying explosives. Nigerien forces have continued with the fight against Boko Haram and are still in the Nigerian territory where they have liberated the town of Damasak that had been held by the Islamist sect.

Boko Haram Launches Attack in Chad

Boko Haram Islamist fighters, February 13, attacked a Chadian village and a military camp on the shores of Lake Chad, killing five people in an early morning assault. Residents disclosed that the attackers came on board three canoes. A security source said the militants had killed at least four villagers and one Chadian soldier before the army was able to push them back. This is the first Boko Haram attack on Chad. Boko Haram militants based in northern Nigeria have staged a number of cross-border attacks in recent weeks in their campaign to carve out an Islamist emirate around the Lake Chad area which borders Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger. Chad’s army has joined a regional offensive against them and says it has killed hundreds of fighters in the recent days.

Suicide Attack Foiled in Yobe
…Insurgents Attack Police Station

An attempted suicide attack was, on February 12, foiled outside a political office in Potiskum, Yobe State. The suspect reportedly raised suspicion by loitering outside the outside the campaign office of Governor Ibrahim Geidam and was confronted by a crowd, causing him to run into an abandoned building where he blew himself up, according to witnesses. Meanwhile scores of insurgents armed with guns and explosives reportedly stormed a police station in the town of Kanamma in Yobe State on February 9. The terrorists reportedly set the police station on fire before kidnapping the District Police Officer (DPO), whose body was later found in the bush. Several other policemen were reportedly killed. That account was supported by Kanamma resident Maina Kachalla, who said the police station was bombed and burnt down.

Boko Haram Kills Seven in Borno Market

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists, February 10, invaded Gajiganna market of Magumeri LGA of Borno State, killing seven people. A witness, Mallam Muhamadu Isa, said the gunmen struck when people were arriving for the daily village market and opened fire sporadically on sellers and buyers. He disclosed that the terrorists, after killing the people, also carted away food stuffs such as beans, millet and other household material before they left unchallenged. Mallam Isa said one of their drivers who came from Maiduguri and six others were killed, adding that after the attack, people continued with their normal bossiness, as people were getting used to the attack.

Soldiers Kill 82 Insurgents in Damboa

Nigerian military, February 8, foiled an attempt by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, to capture Damboa, as men of the military, in conjunction with local vigilantes, popularly called Civilian JTF, repelled their attacks, killing at least 82 insurgents. According to witnesses, the battle took place when some of the insurgents being pursued by the Cameroon military from Gwoza axis, following the fall of their caliphate in Gwoza, made an inroad to Damboa, but met a strong opposition as the Nigerian military fought gallantly to repel them. The insurgents, who reportedly struck in the afternoon, were crushed by the troops of 195 Battalion of the Nigerian Army that intercepted them at Kalla village on the outskirts of Damboa.

Boko Haram Kidnaps, Executes 12 in Northern Cameroon

Suspected members of Boko Haram attacked 20 people from a bus in northern Cameroon, then executed 12 of them, a security source and resident said February 9. The kidnapping occurred on February 8, and all of the survivors have since been released, said a resident, on condition of anonymity, whose wife was among those abducted. The victims were travelling in a bus stormed by alleged Boko Haram members. The bus was coming from Koza and was travelling to Mora; two towns in the country’s extreme north near the Nigerian border.

Niger to Send Troops to Nigeria to Fight Boko Haram

Niger’s parliament, February 9, voted unanimously to send troops to Nigeria to join a regional fight against Islamist extremist group Boko Haram. The resolution authorizes the country to send some 750 troops to Nigeria. Niger, while housing thousands of refugees from the conflict, had been mainly spared the violence until last week, with a number of attacks carried out on its territory in recent days in the run up to the vote. The Boko Haram insurgency has been centred in northeastern Nigeria, where the Islamists have seized swathes of territory. The conflict has killed more than 13,000 people since 2009.

Police Recover 147 Cluster Bombs in Borno

The Borno state Commissioner of Police, Clement Adoda, has disclosed the recovery of 147 cluster bombs at Auno village in Konduga LGA of the state on February 8. He said the combined team of bomb disposal unit, policemen and troops attached to Jakana area recovered and destroyed them in good time without injuries or damages to lives and property. The commissioner further explained that the state bomb disposal team had also recovered unexploded ordinance (UXO) suspected to have been launched during one of the Boko Haram attacks on Maiduguri at the residence of the state Director of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) along Damboa Road Maiduguri. According to him, the explosives were detonated safely without damages to lives and property, adding this feat wouldn’t have been achieved without the timely rendering of information to security agents by the members of the public.

Boko Haram Abducts 20 In Borno Village Attack

About 20 persons, including women and children were reportedly abducted on February 8 by suspected Boko Haram terrorists that attack Akada-Banga village in Bama LGA of Borno State, security sources said. The victims were abducted while traveling to another village in Chad. They reportedly abandoned the bus in the village.

Boko Haram Killed 20 in Attacks on Two Borno Villages

More than two dozen suspected members of Boko Haram gunmen, February 12, attacked Alkideow and Mbuta villages in Mafa LGA of Borno State, killing 20 people and razing buildings. According to the village head of Mbuta, Mallam Zakari, the insurgents attacked Alkideow village first, killing nine people, before proceeding to Mbuta village, shooting sporadically and killing 11. The Borno State police command also said that there were attacks on the outskirts of Maiduguri with some villagers killed same day.

Political/Government Agencies

Navy Acquires New Warship

The Nigerian Navy fleet, February 5, received a boost in its fight against piracy and other maritime crime, with the acquisition of a warship, named the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS Centenary, an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). The vessel berthed at the NN dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos and was received by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin. Receiving the vessel, Vice Admiral Jibrin, boasted that the addition of the OPV to the NN fleet   would enhance the NN capacity to execute her constitutional roles which included the war against maritime crimes such as arms proliferation, crude oil theft, smuggling and piracy, among others. The CNS therefore lauded President Goodluck Jonathan’s support to the fleet recapitalization pillar of the NN transformation plan for the period of 2010-2020.

Police Intercept Vehicles Laden with Arms

Officers of Kwara State Police Command, February 7, intercepted some vehicles laden with arms around Kosubosu, a border town in Baruten LGA of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Salihu Garba, who confirmed the arrest of the vehicles laden with arms, said the arrests were made separately on February 6 and 7. The police boss said investigations had commenced into the incident. Police sources said one of the vehicles was a truck and was said to be coming from Burkina-Faso to Ibadan before officials of the Kosubosu Divisional Police Headquarters nabbed the driver alongside an accomplice. The ammunition, which comprised several cartons of cartridges, was hidden in the truck.

Navy Intensifies Security in Waterways

The Navy assured of effective policing of the waterways in the Niger Delta before and after the March and April general elections. New Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral, Henry Babalola, in Port Harcourt, said the deployment of troops on the waterways was in compliance with the request of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) adding that it was part of move to guard against ballot box snatching and issues of electoral violence. He said the Navy would continue to assist the electoral body to deliver credible elections to Nigerians. Continuing, he said his men were free to vote for candidates of their choice but should do so in mufti and should not hang around polling booths after casting their votes.

Murder/Assassinations

Man Arrested Over Cousin’s Murder, Arson

Men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Enugu Police Command, February 8, arrested one Eko Goddey, from Uyi-Ette in Olamobara LGA of Kogi State over alleged killing of Gabriel Apula, his cousin. The deceased allegedly died following the injuries allegedly inflicted on him by the suspect over land tussle which had claimed lives in border communities of Enugu and Kogi states. Police spokesperson, Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed that the suspects tied the victim, roasted him and set some houses ablaze. Police operatives, through intelligence report, swooped on them at their hideout in Eteh and arrested the suspect. The Police are on the trail of other fleeing members of the gang. The suspect is accused of being responsible for the burning of 47 houses during the communal land clash between border communities of Eteh in Enugu and Kogi states.

Policeman Kills Infant, Shoots Woman, Girl

A policeman with the Kano Police Command has shot dead an infant. The policeman was also said to have shot at a woman and a lady at a police checkpoint in Bichi LGA. Malam Inusa Imamu Mainasara, the father of the girl, disclosed that his 10-year-old daughter accompanied relatives on a visit in a small village called Yana’ on February 8 when the incident occurred. According to him his daughter was unlucky to be the victim of the heinous act committed by the policeman. Mainasara could not hide his tears and grief over the incident. The woman and the girl, who were shot, remained hospitalized. The girl has had her surgery while the woman was about to have hers

Tenant Kills Landlord over Unpaid Rent

A 41-year-old man simply identified as Wilfred in Agbor community of Delta State has been arrested over the killing of his landlord. The suspect was said to have confessed that he killed his landlord after he was unable to pay his rent. He told the police that he committed the crime under extreme provocation, adding that his landlord had allegedly threatened to kill him. It was reliably gathered that the suspect owed his landlord seven- month rent and paid two months out of it. He promised to pay the remaining months but never did. Police spokeswoman, Celestine Kālu, who confirmed the incident on February 9, said the suspect killed his landlord with a dangerous object.

Bloody Clash Averted after Killing in Jos

The Special Task Force (STF) in Plateau State, February 8, averted a bloody clash between youths of Yan Shanu community and members of a vigilante group in the area over the killing of a youth in Jos North LGA. It was gathered that the incident occurred after the suspect assaulted a lady for failing to comply with a 9pm curfew imposed by the vigilante in the area. According to a former councilor of Naraguta, Hon. Danjuma Mohammed, the lady was chatting with a suitor when the suspect accosted them, leading to an argument and the suspect assaulting her. The girl’s brother returned home and intervened and the suspect brought out a knife and cut him on the hand and then slit his throat. Youths in the area went on rampage in search of vigilante members and later burnt three vigilante offices in Dutse Uku, Filin Ball and Anguwan Shanu before they were dispersed by security forces. The STF media and information officer, Captain Ikedichi Iweha said the task force was working closely with the police to track the suspect.

One Killed in Delta Communal Clash

One person was feared dead, February 11, in a clash between Ijaw community of Ezebiri and their Urhobo counterpart at Furukama in Bomadi and Ughelli South LGAs of Delta State. It was gathered that the remains of the dead villager, Ayetoro,   were seen by the people of neighbouring Ogbeingbene floating on the river with machete wounds. However, two abducted men have been rescued by the Joint Task Force (JTF), who stormed Furukama. Chairman of Ogbeingbene, Mr. Oldtom Aseta, confirmed the recovery of the remains of deceased, saying assailants from Furukama attacked six Ezebiri men. Chairman of Ezebiri, Mr Clifford Abada, also confirmed the incident and urged government to intervene.

Court Remands Killer Cop in Prison

A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting at the Ebute-Metta area of Lagos State, February 6, ordered that a policeman, Otene Godwin be remanded in prison custody for alleged unlawful killing of one Oyoma Edewor, aged 33, with his service riffle. The trigger happy cop was said to have killed the deceased on May 10, 2014, while on illegal duty. The police sergeant was accused by the prosecuting police officer, Inspector Richard Odigie, of abandoning his duty post at the Area Command, where he was a station guard, to commit the heinous crime. His plea was however not taken. Magistrate Layeni Nurudeen, ordered the remand of the policeman in prison custody pending the advice of the Directorates of Public Prosecution on the case. The magistrate however adjourned the matter till March 4.

Cult Members Killed Enugu Magistrate — Police

The Enugu State Police Command has unravelled the killers of Mr. OJ Nwani of Enugu-East Magistrate Court who was murdered on September 1, 2014. Police spokesperson, Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed that the suspect, one Abuchi Afam (21), had confessed to the alleged murder of Nwani during interrogation. Abuchi reportedly confessed that their intention was not to kill him but to snatch his car and use it for operations.

Party Supporter Killed in Rivers State

An indigene of Abonnema community in Akuku Toru LGA of Rivers State, Tamuno-Obufia Manuel, was February 4, attacked and feared killed by assailants. The caretaker chairman of the LGA, Otiasah Livingstone, said Manuel was a supporter of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said the deceased was attacked and killed at his family’s Cyclops’ Briggs compound in Abonnema, allegedly by political thugs within the community. He described the incident as barbaric and wicked.

18 Dead, Several Missing as Herdsmen Sack Benue Villages

No fewer than 18 persons were feared dead, with many sustaining injuries in Logo LGA of Benue State, as suspected Fulani herdsmen sacked over 24 communities and villages in the area on February 9. It was gathered that the marauders laid siege to the area shooting, burning houses, huts and farmlands in the affected communities. An eyewitness disclosed that the crisis started days back. The latest attack forced Governor Gabriel Suswam to pay an unscheduled visit to the area, on February 10. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), John Bako, said confirmed that there had been skirmishes in the area between herdsmen and the natives within the last two weeks. He disclosed that policemen had been deployed to maintain peace.

6 Arrested over Killing of PDP Supporters in Niger

Niger State Police command, February 10, announced the arrest of six persons alleged to be part of the people that killed six Peoples Democratic Party supporters. The incident occurred at Dogo Fadama village in Maria Council, on February 7. The campaign team of PDP’s gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Umar Nasko, was returning from Bangi village, when the convoy was ambushed by the hoodlums alleged to be supporters of All Progressives Congress.

Woman Raped, Hacked to Death in Her Farm

A middle-aged woman, Ayesi Balogun, has been reported killed by Fulani herdsmen on her farm in Asa, Yewa North LGA of Ogun State. The incident, according a statement signed by the coordinators of Ketu Advancement Front, Kunle Abiose and Joseph Bankole happened on February 7. The victim was said to have been raped and hacked to death. The statement had it that the development had brought the number of casualties to over 25 in recent times. The group lamented the state of insecurity in the area as regards the activities of herdsmen and faulted the state government for not tackling the problem headlong. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the command was aware of the killing of a woman in the town, but could not confirm if the deceased was actually killed by herdsmen as alleged by the group. He said a body of a Fulani herdsman was earlier found dead in a bush in the area.

Rape

NEMA Probes Alleged Rape Cases in IDP Camps

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), February 10, said it has constituted an investigative panel to look into allegations of child trafficking and rape in some internally displaced persons’ camps in the North-east. Senior Information Officer with the agency, Mr. Sani Datti, said the panel has two weeks to complete its investigation. The committee has the membership of Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Office of National Security Adviser, National Human Rights Commission, National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons, Journalists Against Disaster and NEMA, amongst others. There have been rising allegations of rape of minors and child trafficking at various IDP camps.

Serial Rapist Arrested in Calabar

A 27-year-old serial rapist, Stephen Nyong, was, February 10, arrested by youths of Mount Zion area in Calabar, Cross River state. It was gathered that Stephen and his gang, who have been on rampage terrorizing women in the neighbourhood for about a decade, intensified their nefarious activities by visiting almost every compound each night since the beginning of this year, where they rape women and girls. According to the village head of Ndom Ndang, Muri Okon Effiong, the gang had raped over 60 girls. Stephen is alleged to have defiled over 20 girls since January 2015. Chief Effiong revealed that the suspects also stabs and injures his victims before robbing them of other valuables.

Man Arraigned in Court for Raping, Impregnating 13-Year-Old Girl

The police, February 12, arraigned a 27-year-old man, Tope Akintade, for impregnating a 13-year-old girl after he allegedly raped her. It was learnt that the 13-year-old victim was outside washing plates in the afternoon, sometime in November 2014, when Akintade lured her to his room and forcefully had sex with her. It was gathered that the act, which the minor had kept secret, became apparent when she was discovered to be three months pregnant. Akintade was eventually arrested by police officials attached to the Satellite Police Division and charged with rape. The suspect had confessed to the crime and was arraigned in court. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty before the magistrate, Mrs. O.I. Adelaja, who admitted him to bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned till March 23, 2015 for mention.

Man, 30, Arrested for Impregnating 18-Year-Old Lunatic

Operatives of Jigawa State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, have arrested 30-year-old Bello Muhammed for allegedly impregnating mentally-ill Daharatu Isyaku, aged 18. Parading the suspect on February 11, state Commandant of the Corps, Dr. Muhammad Gidado, said the suspect admitted committing the crime. He said the agency was still investigating the matter He also disclosed that the suspect had named some accomplices during the investigation, stressing that they would be fished out, investigated and arraigned for prosecution. Muhammed enjoined parents and guardians to take their mentally-imbalanced children to psychiatric hospitals for medical attention to avoid abuse.

Others

Group Claims Attacks on Military Formations, Piracy

The leadership of Ifalibabou Revolutionary Movement (IRV), February 8, claimed responsibility for the recent attacks on military formations and rising piracy on the waterways along the creeks of Niger Delta. The statement by its leader, General Sese, said the failure of those in charge of the amnesty programme to include members of IRV in the third phase of the programme has forced them back to the creeks to take up arms against the society. It noted that of about 3,000 of its followers, only 26 persons were absorbed in the amnesty programme. The group added that when the JTF came to Foropa Town in Southern Ijaw LGA for a disarmament programme on December 30, 2010, over 100 members of Ifalibabou group relinquished their arms, lamenting, however, that only one was absorbed from the community.

APC, PDP Supporters Clash Claims Life in Lagos

Loyalists of the All Progressives Congress clashed with some members of the Peoples Democratic Party at the Jakande, Lekki area of Lagos State, leaving one dead, while many others were injured. There were, however, different versions to the cause of the clash on February 7. A resident disclosed that the fight started after some people tried to stop members of the APC from destroying billboards and posters belonging to the PDP. He said there was sporadic shooting as gunfire rent the air.

NIS Seizes 191 PVCs from Foreigners in Northern Nigeria

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has seized 191 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from foreigners as part of efforts to ensure that non-Nigerians do not participate in the general elections. A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of NIS, Chukwuemeka Obua, on February 11, stated that the service also recovered 57 Temporary Voter Cards, 367 old national identity cards and 11 old TVC slips from the foreigners. According to the statement, the service also seized 68 new national identity cards, 10 birth certificates and three NIS registration certificates. The items were reportedly recovered in Sokoto, Jigawa and Zamfara states.

Bar Manager Sets 13-Year-Old Attendant Ablaze for Stealing

The Ogun State Police Command is searching for a bar manager, Bidemi Shittu, who allegedly poured petrol on his 13-year-old attendant, Ezekiel Emmanuel, and set him ablaze on February 9 in the Akoka area of Ibafo. It was gathered that the manager took the action after he accused the teenager of stealing N1,500 from him. Bidemi, who had accused Emmanuel of theft a day earlier, tied the teenager’s hands and feet in a room for over 24 hours before setting him on fire. It was learnt that some residents, who were out at the time, rescued the victim. They were said to have rushed Emmanuel to a private hospital in the area where he was initially treated before he was referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.. It was gathered that the suspect, Bidemi, fled before he could be arrested. Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident, adding that the police had intensified efforts to arrest the suspect.

Fake Currency Dealer Arrested in Lagos

A fraudster, Akeem Alo, who specialized in producing and selling counterfeit currency, was February 12, arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery, Squad (SARS) in Lagos. The 42-year-old suspect was arrested when the operatives stormed his hideout in Ikorodu and recovered fake local and foreign currencies. The police confirmed that fake $100, £100 notes, and N20,000 were found with the suspects, when he was arrested. Alo was described as a habitual offender, who had been arrested several times for the same offence. Meanwhile, policemen in Lagos, February 12, foiled attempt by a mob to lynch a middle-aged man, who allegedly bought wares from a young girl with fake N1,000 notes. The fraud was discovered when the young girl went to her neighbour to request for help in getting smaller denominations. The neighbour raised alarm and the suspect was apprehended by neighbours and passers-by.

Police Arraign Six Cable Vandals

The Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department has apprehended six men for allegedly tampering with underground armoured cables belonging to the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited. The six accused were, on February 12, arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos on two counts bordering on conspiracy and unlawful damage of NITEL property. According to the charge filed before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, the accused, with some persons still at large, allegedly committed the offence on October 22, 2013, at Union Bank Car Park, Marina, Lagos. The six accused, however, denied the allegations as they pleaded not guilty. Meanwhile, the court ordered his prison remand along with the others pending when he would perfect the bail conditions. The case was subsequently adjourned till March 25, 2015 for trial.

Review/Analysis

Recent activities in showed that the Boko Haram insurgents are not in a hurry to end their reign of terror as they continuously bomb towns and kill innocent civilians; but the Nigerian military with support from Chad, Niger and Cameroon, has significantly triumphed over the insurgent as continue to repel attacks by the insurgents, killing hundreds of them. The north-eastern Nigeria bears the brunt of these gruesome terrorist activities, while the terrorist have spread their scope of attacks beyond the borders of Nigeria to Chad and Niger.

Murder/assassination has been on the rise in recent weeks as cult clashed, communal crises, and premeditated killings are recorded across the country. The authorities have also stepped up their act with the arrests of culprits following some tip-offs and investigations.

Although, robbery and kidnap, remain on the low in recent times (thanks to the Nigerian police force and other law enforcement agencies for their bravery), we cannot simply rule out its existence as few cases are recorded within the south-south and south-western regions of Nigeria. People are advised to be constantly on the lookout for suspicious movements and activities.
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.