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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

Week 11

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY


S/N

CATEGORY

MAJOR INCIDENTS

1

Kidnap/Hostage

5

2

Robbery

12

3

Gang

3

4

Drugs

3

5

Maritime Incidents

6

Terrorism

7

7

Political/Government Agencies

4

8

Murder/Assassinations

5

9

Rape Incidents

5

10

Others

9

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnapped Chinese Worker Released

The Chinese construction worker and project manager of CGC construction company, Chui Fu Long, kidnapped on February 22, at a construction site in Nasarawa State, was on February 27, released from captivity. The state police spokesperson, Ismaila Numan, said that Long was found around Chikara, along Lokoja- Abuja road, Abaji area council of Abuja. Numan said security agencies have commenced investigation to ensure the arrest of the criminals. It was gathered that Long was released after the payment of an undisclosed amount of ransom.

Police Arrest 4 for Kidnapping, 3-Year-Old Victim Rescued

The police in Bauchi have arrested a 19-year-old man, Salisu Salmanu, who was alleged to have connived with his friends to kidnap his three-year-old younger brother at Kofar Idi in Bauchi and demanded a ransom of N10 million from his father. Salisu Salmanu was arrested with his three friends, Imrana Abdullahi, Abdullahi Mohammed, and Umar Musa. The spokesman of the Bauchi State Police Command, DSP Haruna Mohammed, said police detectives attached to Township Division on February 28, arrested the four suspects who connived with four others still at large to commit the crime.

Police Rescue Kidnapped Corporal, 2 Others from Kidnappers’ Den

The Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Asaba, Delta State, March 4, stormed a kidnappers den in a forest at Ibusa to rescue an abducted police Corporal, Abraham Ujah, and two others. The police team recovered a pump action rifle from the four-man gang which, on February 26, kidnapped two men and a lady at a construction site in Ibusa. They were all rescued. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the rescue, adding that the victims were unhurt.

Police in Rivers Kill Kidnapper of Slain Doctor

The police in Rivers State have said they have killed one of the leaders of a gang of kidnappers that abducted and killed Dr. Samuel Okpara in Port Harcourt. The police said the suspect was killed in a gun duel with the police at Obite Waterfront in Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State on February 26. Okpara, a medical doctor, who was abducted in early February, died in the hands of his kidnappers and his remains were dumped in a cassava farm at Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri, Port Harcourt. The State Police Commissioner, Dan Bature, who disclosed this, said that a police corporal was injured during the gun duel. He promised that efforts have been intensified to rescue other kidnap victims, who were still held hostage by kidnappers.

Kidnapper Want N17m as Ransom to Release Kidnapped Monarch

Kidnappers of the traditional ruler of the Ikeighenbiri community of Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, Chief Collins Adikoko, have demanded for the sum of N17million as ransom for his release. The traditional ruler, Chief Collins Idoko, was abducted from his home residence on February 21 by gunmen, numbering over six.

Robbery

Police Kill Notorious Hoodlum in Ilorin

A notorious hoodlum was on March 1, killed at the Pakata area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, in a fierce battle with security agents that lasted nine hours. Residents of the area were held hostage for hours, while the main road around Government Girls Day Secondary School was blocked by the security team, thus preventing vehicular movement from both sides. The suspect, believed to be in his thirties, suspected to be a policeman from Okene, Kogi State, reportedly rented an apartment in the area for his wife and aged mother from where he had been carrying out his nefarious activities.

Policeman, Suspected Robber Killed in Gun Battle

A police corporal and an armed robbery suspect were, on February 28, killed in Calabar, Cross River state. The corporal died when the suspect attempted to disarm him, while the suspect was gunned down by other policemen. An eye witness disclosedthat a team of policemen on patrol stopped a taxi in front of 268 Murtala Muhammed highway (8 Miles) and asked two men seated at the back of the taxi to alight but they refused. Their refusal allegedly prompted the police to use force to bring them out and when one of the men was forced out of the cab, he tried to disarm the policeman which caused the gun to discharge and kill the policeman on the spot.

Police Arrest Bank Robber in Anambra

A member of a four-man armed robbery gang that has been terrorising people at the Nkpor Flyover axis and environs, Idemili North LGA of Anambra State, was on March 4, arrested by the police while trying to rob a bank customer, who had raised the alarm and attracted the attention of security operatives. On seeing that their accomplice has been arrested, his gang members numbering about three started shooting into the air in a desperate move to frighten the security operatives to release him. Policemen attached to the bank, however, responded immediately, while traders within the axis scampered for safety. The robber, who was finally arrested was forced into a waiting van and whisked away to an unknown destination by the police while his members escaped.

Robbers Kill 23-Year-Old Woman in Delta State

Suspected armed robbers have shot dead a 23-year-old girl, Favour Ogun, after robbing her of N30,000 cash at Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. The deceased was returning home at night when two armed men accosted and shot her dead on February 28. She was rushed to Ogwashi-Uku General Hospital for medical attention, but eventually died from the gunshot wounds. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, said that detectives swung into action and arrested one Chuks Ojie (25) in connection with the crime, while further investigations have commenced.

Siblings, Others Nabbed for Car Theft

Detectives from Ondo State police command have arrested three suspected robbers, including two brothers, who at gun point, snatched an unregistered BMW car valued at N4 million and sold it for N700,000. The suspects, including Olubunmi Ojo, Adekunle Ojo and Isaac Fadairo, are part of the 27 suspected criminals paraded by the command in Akure, on February 28. Ten other suspected members of secret cults, a rapist and three other suspected house breakers, were also paraded by the state police commissioner, Mr Isaac Eke. Eke said the criminals were arrested in different parts of the state in February. According to him, one vehicle and three rifles were recovered from the suspects. He said the suspects were arrested in Ifon, Ore, Iju, Ondo, Owo and Akure, the state capital.

Police Nab 3 Suspected Robbers in Lagos

Lagos State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a five-man armed robbery gang terrorizing residents and commuters along Lagos-Badagry Expressway. The suspect, identified as Aliu Abubakar, Anas Mohammed and Ali Adamu, were arrested at Okokomaiko area of Lagos after successfully carrying out a robbery operation on February 21. The victim, later in the day, was able to recognize one of the suspects and quickly alerted the police. The suspect was promptly arrested and he took the police to their hide out, where the others were arrested. A locally-made pistol, live cartridges and three machetes where recovered from their hide-out.

Edo Police Kill Two Church Robbers

Two suspected armed robbers, who were said to have allegedly invaded the Bishop’s Court at St James Cathedral in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State were shot dead by the Police, March 2. The suspects were shot in an attempt to escape while being interrogated by the police. A third suspect, said to have been the informant to the robbers, remained in police custody for further interrogation. The main suspect is described as a close confidant of the Bishop and had been an adopted son of the Bishop, Rt. Reverend Jolly Oyekpen. He was said to have informed his other two accomplices about N954,000 at the Bishop’s Court. The two dead suspects were said to have met their waterloo in nearby Ikpeshi, where the police, through the principal suspect, called on the two to come for another deal of N2 million. On arrival, they were said to have sensed danger and wanted to escape when police opened fire on them.

Police Kill 3, Arrest 6 Suspected Armed Robbers in Delta

The police in Delta State, March 3, killed three suspected armed robbers and arrested six others during a gun battle in in Okpanam community near Asaba. The armed robbery suspects were ambushed by the police in the area on a tip-off. It was reliable said that the suspects were robbing some visitors to the community during the night, when the police swooped on them following a distress call. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Celestina Kalu, said the suspects were arrested at the scene of their operation, adding that during their arrest, three of the suspects in a 10-man gang tried to escape and the police opened fire on them.

17-Year-Old Armed Robbery Suspect Nabbed in Enugu

Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Enugu State police command, have arrested one Uchenna Ikwuegbu who was allegedly on the verge of launching a robbery attack on residents of Maryland axis of Enugu. The 17-year-old suspect was arrested on February 16, following surveillance reports. He was arrested with a locally-made pistol, cut to seize with two live cartridges.

Robbers Attack Church in Kwara

Six armed robbers, March 2, robbed the entire residents of Emmanuel Baptist Church Cathedral in Ilorin, Kwara State. A source disclosed that the pastorate was robbed of laptops, trinkets and unspecified amount of money. The bandits were said to have come in search of the proceeds of the funds raiser of the church which took place on March 1. They were said to have scaled the fence of the church from the back, overpowered the five private guards on duty and tied them with ropes. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ajayi Okasanmi, said the police did not get any distress call from the church about the robbery. He added that the command had yet to get an official report of the robbery from the church.

4 Killed in as Police, Robber Engage in Gun Battle in Port Harcourt

Four persons, March 2, lost their lives when caught in a crossfire between the police and suspected robbers at the Agip area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the police, acting on a tip off that some robbers were operating at one hotel in the area, stormed the spot. He said a gunfire exchange ensued and the robbers shot about four persons dead in their bid to escape from the area when the policemen arrived the scene.

6 Notorious Robbers in Police Net

Policein Lagos, March 5, announced the arrest of six members of a notorious robbery gang that had been terrorizing motorists, pedestrians and residents around Amukoko canal in Ajegunle. The suspects, who allegedly parade themselves as “Akamayi boys”, attack and rob residents and commuters in broad day light. The suspects were arrested after the police received a tip off that the gang was unleashing terror on residents in the community, dispossessing innocent motorists and residents of their valuables. A community leader Alfa Rasheed, expressed dismay at the activities of the hoodlums.

Gang Incidents

5 Killed as Hoodlums Clash in Lagos

Hoodlums battling for supremacy at Alaba, Mosafejo, Apasa and Ojo Road in Amukoko-Ajegunle areas of Lagos, March 3, engaged themselves in a free-for-all, leaving five persons dead, while many others sustained injuries. It was gathered that a renewed clash among Apasa, Alaba and Amukoko boys, who had been in a protracted battle over the control of motor and tricycle parks in the area, started on February 28 on Apasa Street. Resident of these areas have blamed the continued hostilities by the hoodlums on politicians in the area, who engaged their services for political ends.

Police Arrest CSO for Financing Cultism

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Kafas Aboyi, was on March 2 arrested by the police for allegedly promoting and financing cultism in the institution. The CSO was reportedly nabbed at his residence by the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), after some arrested cultists indicted him. The arrested cultists were nabbed following the gruesome killing of one Mr Campus, on March 1. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ismaila Numan, confirmed the arrest of the CSO and some suspects in connection with cult-related issues.

2 Killed as Thugs Attack Accord Party Rally in Ibadan

Electioneering campaign turned sour in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on March 1, as thugs attacked supporters of the Accord Party, killing two people on the spot, leaving 15 others with gunshot injuries. The incident, according to the Director-General of Ladoja Campaign Organisation (LCO), Honourable Adeolu Adeleke, occurred during a campaign rally of the party’s House of Assembly and House of Representatives candidates. The thugs were said to have stormed the campaign ground and opened fire on the assembly while many of the supporters, whose number was yet to be ascertained, scampered away with varying degrees of injuries. A team from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), led by one Inspector Ismail, was said to have arrived at the rally venue and arrested three of the thugs with pump action rifles and subsequently whisked them away.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrest 2 Suspected Drug Traffickers

The National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), March 2, announced the arrest of four suspected drug traffickers attempting to smuggles drugs to China and Malaysia, where drug trafficking attracts capital punishment. The suspects were arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, in connection with unlawful importation and exportation of illicit drugs that tested positive for cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis with a total weight of 25.25 kg. One of the suspects, Okafor Deburah (30), a professional dancer, was going to Malaysia with 3.5kg of amphetamine hidden in jeans trouser, while Utobo Chidiebere (33) was found with 18kg of cannabis hidden inside bitter leaf on his way to China. The other two suspects were arrested while returning from Brazil with various quantities of cocaine.

NAFDAC Arrests Indian for Importing Fake Goods

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), February 28, arrested an Indian national, Prakarsh Mohinani, in Rivers state for importing and distributing fake and unregistered regulated products into Nigeria. The Indian was arrested along with a Nigerian, Chibuike Onuoha, who allegedly distributes the products for the Indian to other customers in the state. Public Relations Officer of the Unit, Anslem Okonkwor, said the arrest was sequel to a special raid and enforcement operation in some markets and locations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He said the raid was carried out by the Investigation and Enforcement directorate of the Agency from Lagos. The Indian was arrested with several cartons of unregistered confectionery worth millions of naira.

NDLEA Nabs Indian Hemp Dealers

Operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested suspects dealing on Indian hemp in Lagos. Two of the suspects, Raji Kabir (22) and Yusuf Bako (19), alleged to be importing dried weeds which tested positive for cannabis sativa, otherwise known as Indian hemp, from Ghana, were arrested at Agege area of Lagos, where 151.3 kilogrammes of the substance were recovered during routine raids by the agency. The NDLEA Lagos State commander, Aliyu Sule, who disclosed this on March 5, said that the NDLEA, acting on intelligence report, raided the water front at Alaba Rago area where they found compressed dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis. The team also raided Kasamu Street in Agege where 151.3 kilogrammes of cannabis was found hidden in the ceiling.

Maritime

Terrorism

Suicide Bomber Kills Three in Maiduguri

A female suicide bomber on February 28, killed two passers-by and her accomplice in an attack in Maiduguri, Borno State. The bomber and her accomplice had tried to board a bus but were stopped by the driver. The suicide mission reportedly took place after two women wearing hijabs tried to board a commercial vehicle but were prevented from boarding by the wary driver. One of the women was wearing the bomb around her waist and it exploded after the bus departed, killing the other woman and two other people. After the explosion, residents of the village shut themselves up in their homes leaving the four dead bodies on the road.

Troops Take Control of Mafa

The Defence Headquarters, March 5, said that Nigerian troops were now in full control of Mafa, Borno, after clearing terrorists from the town a day earlier. About 1,500 troops from across West African countries were said to have arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, in an effort to completely weed out the Islamic sect, Boko Haram. It was gathered that there was military readiness to fight the insurgents to finish, as new military equipment, which arrived Maiduguri and driven by white combat soldiers stormed the capital after a successful operation around Dikwa Local Government Council, where hundreds of the insurgents were said to have been killed in battle.

Boko Haram Raid Borno Villages after Chadian Offensive

Boko Haram fighters have raided villages in Borno State on the border with Cameroon, apparently in reprisal for a Chadian offensive against its hideouts, residents reported. Scores of heavily armed militants, February 25, rampaged through more than a dozen villages in the Kala-Balge district in Borno state, shooting, hacking residents to death and razing homes. Hundreds of residents fled across the border into Cameroon, prompting Chad — part of a regional coalition against the Islamists — to respond by bombarding rebel positions. Residents said Boko Haram suffered heavy casualties in the Chadian attacks, which were near the group’s Sambisa Forest stronghold, where they have long had camps.

Military Liberates Gulak, Others from Boko Haram

The military, February 27, made more gains in its offensive against the Boko Haram sect by routing them from Bara, the headquarters of Gulani LGA of Yobe State and Gulak, the headquarters of Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. Aside from Gulak and Bara liberated by the military, other locations also cleared in the course of the two-day operation against the terrorists in the North-east included Shikah, Fikayel, Tetebah, Buza, Kamla and Bumsa. The military authorities disclosed that fierce fighting that preceded the clearing of the towns and other communities resulted in arrests and casualties on the side of the terrorists. The military said it recovered thousands of assorted rounds of ammunition as well as vehicles and other equipment including; Anti-Aircraft Guns, General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Grenades, Multi-barrel bombs, Multi-barrel Grenade Launchers, rifles and mortar guns. The Nigerian military has so far succeeded in liberating more than 30 communities in the region.

Suicide Bomber Killed by Hunters in Adamawa
…as Mob Kills Suspected Female Suicide Bomber in Bauchi

A suspected suicide bomber was, March 2, killed by local hunters while trying to launch an attack on a Mosque at Tashar Marghi area of Gombi town in Adamawa state. The incident took place when the Muslim faithful were observing prayers. In an earlier incident on March 1 in Bauchi State, a teenage girl accused of planning a suicide attack was beaten n set her ablaze by an irate mob, while a second suspect, also a teenage girl, was arrested at Muda Lawal Market in Bauchi city. The two girls aroused suspicion by refusing to be searched when they arrived at the gate to the vegetable market, a witness disclosed. People overpowered one girl and discovered she had two bottles strapped to her body. They clubbed her to death, put a tyre doused in fuel over her head and set it on fire, he said.

73 Terrorists Killed as Military Foils in Konduga Attack

At least 73 terrorists were killed by troops from the 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Konduga LGA of Borno State on March 2. The terrorists, who attempted to invade Konduga had disguised as herdsmen as they moved with many cattle. They were said to have, however, been sighted by the troops at about 7am while approaching the town before they reportedly opened fire, targeting troops positioned at different locations in the area. Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukokade, confirmed the incident.

Boko Haram Kills 68 in Borno Village

Boko Haram fighters have killed 68 people in a fresh attack on Njaba, a village in Damboa GA of Borno State. A civilian JTF leader disclosed that the fleeing fighters, who attacked the remote village on March 3, torched houses in the community. The attack was not immediately known because the village was very remote. The fighters reportedly killed 68 men, who were said to have refused to join the sect when they arrived at the village to recruit more men to fight.

Political/Government Agencies

DSS Warns Nigerians to Be Vigilant

The Directorate of State Security Services (DSS), March 1, advised Nigerians to be very vigilant whenever they are in crowded areas. A security alert has thus been sounded for Nigerians to be vigilant and on the lookout for potential suicide bombers already brainwashed and probably drugged by the terrorists. Intelligence reports disclosed that Boko Haram members, in their desperation to escape the military onslaughts on their camps and their bid to retaliate such offensive, may have resorted to suicide bombing using children and women to attack soft targets for maximum casualty among the citizens. It was further learnt that some of the explosive devices used for suicide bombing where stolen from quarry industries within and outside the country.

NPS Beefs Up Security in Prisons across Nigeria

Authorities of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS), February 27, said that it had beefed up security across prisons in the country, including those in North eastern part of the country, warning criminal elements with tendencies to carry out jail breaks to have a rethink. This is just as it has disclosed that effort had been intensified toward recapturing several inmates who escaped from prisons during jailbreaks. Controller General of the NPS, Dr Peter Epkendun gave the assertion during a tour of prison formations under Zone ‘A’ command comprising Ikoyi Prison, and Kirikiri Prisons in Lagos State.

Police Arrest Woman for Recruiting Political Thugs

Kano State police command, February 28, said that a woman who was arrested for allegedly recruiting 23 political thugs for a political party to cause unrest in the state would be prosecuted along with the arrested thugs to serve as deterrent to other political parties. This was just as the woman, Hajiya Haisa Maijaman claimed she was innocent but was framed up for an offence she knew nothing about. The state Commissioner of Police (CP) Mr Ibrahim Idris, who made the disclosure, warned all political parties to refrain from any act capable of causing unrest in the state during electioneering campaigns. Idris disclosed that the suspected political thugs and their alleged female sponsor would be arraigned before the court of law.

NHRC Lament Spate of Killing by Political Thugs

Chairman, Governing Board of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Chidi Anselem Odinkalu, February 27, charged President Goodluck Jonathan and the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), to restrain their supporters from the killing of innocent Nigerians and policemen ahead of the general elections in the country. He said that in February alone, over 28 policemen were killed by suspected political thugs.

Murder/Assassinations

Police Arrest Killers of AP Members

The Oyo State Police Command on March 2, paraded suspected political thugs, who were alleged to have been responsible for the killing of two Accord Party members in the Odinjo area of Ibadan on March 1. The state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Katsina, said the eight suspects were arrested with weapons believed to have been used in the attack. The suspects are Afeez Ishola, Olamide Ijaola, Sikiru Tunayese, Sunday Balogun, Lekan Ogeroju, Kazeem Ajibola, Kehinde Emiola and Musibau Akinola. A group of thugs, led by one Yusuf Ogeoju, had attacked the AP rally, resulting in the shooting of several persons. The commissioner said the leader of the attack sustained gunshot injury during confrontation with the police and later died in a hospital.

Politician, 36 Others Arrested for Murder in Ebonyi

The Police in Ebonyi state, March 3, announced the arrest of a House of Assembly candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Governor Martin Elechi’s aide, Chidi Ejem and 36 others for allegedly killing a 36-year-old man, Udu Emegha of Amaigbo Etiti Edda, during attack on Labour Party supporters in Abakaliki. Police spokesman, Chris Anyanwu, disclosed that a group of about 20 hoodlums besieged the house of the deceased and attacked him, leading to his death. Anyanwu disclosed that the state CID had commenced investigation into the matter and the cause of this murder will be unraveled. We have in our net Chidi Ejem, Emmanuel Innocent and thirty five others. So far we have arrested thirty seven suspects in connection to the murder, Anyanwu disclosed.’’

8 Suspected Political Thugs Arrested for Murder in Oyo

Oyo State Police Command, March 3, paraded eight suspected political thugs who allegedly attacked the political campaign of the Accord Party in Ibadan. The state commissioner of police, Muhammad Musa Katsina, disclosed that three people were killed at the rally by rampaging hoodlums. While noting that the organisers of the political rally did not get police permission, the police boss said immediately policemen swung into action and engaged the hoodlums. He said one of the hoodlums died on the spot while the other two died at an undisclosed hospital while receiving treatment. The police boss said that following swift police intervention, peace was restored, adding that eight suspects were arrested while one pump action rifle, three live cartridges and three expanded cartridges were recovered.

Corporal Kills Mopol Commander

The commanding officer in charge of Mopol 10 PMF, Bauchi, Chris L Eza, was on February 26, shot and killed by a police corporal in Bauchi. According to Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, Eza was shot by the corporal while on routine visit to a stop and search point on the Ahmadu Bello way in Bauchi metropolis. The police spokesman added that the state Commissioner of Police had ordered a full scale investigation into the matter, while, the suspect had since been arrested and detained. The incident occurred after an argument ensued when the deceased officer ordered the corporal to surrender his rifle over to him, an instruction that the junior officer refused.

1 Killed as Thugs Disrupt PDP Rally in Rivers State

Armed thugs, February 28, attacked the campaign rally of the Rivers State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Nyesom Wike, killing one person and injuring several others in the process. The incident took place at Bakana town, in Degema LGA of the state, where Wike, the PDP governorship candidate, was campaigning before the thugs struck. According to a statement by Mr Simeon Nwakandu, the media aide to Wike, the PDP governorship candidate, his running mate, Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Banigo and the Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo, who led other PDP leaders to the rally, were unhurt. State Chairman of the party, Mr Felix Obuah, has condemned the attack, calling on the Police to unmask those behind it for prosecution.

Rape

4 Suspected Cultists Rape 18-year-old Girl

Four persons suspected to be cultists, March 3, raped an 18-year-old-girl along the Gwegwe area of Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State at gunpoint. According to report, the victim was attacked at about 11pm while returning from a visit to a friend in the area. It was gathered that the suspected rapists gagged their victim and dragged her into a lonely building in the area. She was later abandoned after the dastardly act. Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, said the victim identified one of the suspected rapists and reported to the area division of the police. The suspect, Godfrey Igbare, who was identified as being one of the rapists, has been arrested, while the police remains on the trail of the others involved in the criminal act.

20-Year-Old Rapist Nabbed by Police

The Ondo state police command, February 28, paraded a 20-year-old commercial bike rider, Ayileka Tumi, who was arrested for allegedly raping a serving member of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Ayileka was among the 27 suspects paraded by the Commissioner for Police for the Ondo State Command, Isaac Eke for various criminal offences. According to Eke, the victim reported at the station that she boarded the suspect’s bike from Ifon with intention to go to Imoru, where she is serving. The commissioner said the suspect reportedly dragged the victim into the bush and forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her after threatening her with a knife. The suspect, who confessed to the crime, said he did not know what made him to commit the act.

Man Accused of Raping 8-Month-Pregnant Woman

A 25-year-old man, Monday Maule, has been accused of raping one Mrs. Chinyere Samuel, his neighbour’s wife, who is eight months pregnant and has four children. Maule was said to have committed the act on February 23, 2015, when her husband, Samuel, was away at work. It was gathered that Maule allegedly committed the act by sneaking into the couple’s apartment during the early hours of the day. She quickly raised the alarm and attracted other neighbours. Maule, who was on March 4, arraigned before Mrs. O.M. Sanyo of the Lagos Magistrates’ Court, Tinubu, Lagos Island on one count of rape, pleaded not guilty and was admitted to bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

12 Suspected Rapist in Police Custody

The Police in Akwa Ibom State, March 4, paraded 12 hoodlums arrested across the state for offences bothering on rape. The state Commissioner of Police (CP), Gabriel Ashong, disclosed that the police is still on the trail of one Kubiet, who, alongside 7 other men, raped a 19-year-old lady. In another incident, a 14-year-old girl was raped when she went to visit her father in the suspect’s house at Ukat Aran Village where he was receiving treatment. The CP also disclosed the incident of rape on a 10-year-old girl, who had gone to fetch water from the stream.

Two Killed in Fresh Taraba Communal Crisis

Two persons were, March 4, killed, many injured with several houses razed in a fresh outbreak of hostilities in Tella town, Gassol, LGA of Taraba state. A resident disclosed that trouble began following an argument between two youths from Jukun youth and the Hausa-Fulani tribes on March 4. It was learnt that the argument degenerated into a fight and one of the youths reportedly took a knife and stabbed the other to death before fleeing the area. Following the development, family members and supporters of the stabbed youths also mobilized and went on a revenge mission reportedly killing another youth. It was learnt that the situation degenerated further as youths from both sides went on rampage burning churches, mosques, shops and residential apartments. Many were said to have sustained varied degrees of injuries. Police Spokesman, Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the incident, saying that one person was killed and five others injured in the incident.

Others

Woman Sets Husband Ablaze

Police have arrested a jealous wife, Bukola Olusegun, in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State for allegedly setting her husband, Abimbola, ablaze for not taking her out on Valentine’s Day. The couple were said to have had disagreement after Bukola allegedly insisted her husband must take her out on February 14, the Valentine’s Day, a request he reportedly turned down. Unknown to the husband, however, Bukola had kept petrol which she intended to use to do the harm. A neighbour disclosed that the victim suddenly ran out from their apartment, at about midnight, raising the alarm that his wife had set him ablaze. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Albert Adeyemi, who confirmed the incident, said Abimbola’s wife confessed to setting her husband ablaze.

Police Recover Large Cache of Illegal Arms Nationwide

The police have recovered a large cache of arms from unauthorised individuals following the recent order of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba. The Force spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu, who disclosed this on March 2, said that the arms were recovered from some states across the country. Ojukwu explained that the force would investigate the circumstances under which they got them to know what step to take.

Police Intercept Kaduna-bound Army Uniforms

Policemen attached to the National Task Force (NATFORCE), at Amalla in Udenu LGA of Enugu State, March 2, announced the interception of several dozens of army uniforms and camouflage being conveyed from Aba to Kaduna State in a bus. The bus was stopped by policemen on a stop-and-search duty at the Enugu-Makurdi Expressway. The policemen had to shatter one of the windows to compel the driver to stop and then searched the vehicle to make the discovery. It was discovered that army camouflage were mixed up with regular ones worn by officers from second lieutenant to generals on peace keeping missions. The driver of the vehicle said he was not aware of the uniform. He said he returned from Lagos the previous night, only to be asked to proceed to Kaduna after the goods had been loaded without his knowledge.

Girl, 7, Killed, Hundreds Displaced in Benue Communal Clash

A seven-year-old girl was, on March 2, burnt to death as hundreds of persons were displaced after their houses were burnt down during a communal clash in Benue State. Youths suspected to be from Ihyarev at Baa-Ihyarev, reportedly carried out the raid on the Kparevs in Guma LGA. It was further learnt that the youths engaged the police that were drafted to the area in a shootout. The Police Public Relations Officer for the state, Austin Ezeani, who confirmed the death of the girl, said the police had been drafted to the area to maintain peace.

Bayelsa Communities Lament Oil Spill from SPDC Facility

An oil leak from Seibou deep facility operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), has been discharging crude into Ogboinbiri River at the Southern Ijaw council area, Bayelsa State. Residents in the coastal settlements in Ogboinbiri and neighbouring communities said the oil leak had damaged the fishing activities of the people. Some residents, who relied on the river for drinking and domestic use, said that the leak had continued unabated for over a month. Several communities along Ogboinbiri River bank had also been affected. The chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Keme-Ebiama, Columbus John-Bull, March 3, lamented that the spill had deprived them of their source of water for drinking and domestic usage. The community leader, therefore, urged the management of SPDC to take responsibility for the incident and dispatch relief materials and medical team to forestall the breakout of epidemic in the area.

Boy Burnt to Death, as Indigenes, Settlers Clash in Benue

A four-year-old boy was, March 1, burnt to death in a bloody communal crisis that erupted between indigenes and settlers at Abinsi in Guma LGA of Benue State. The crisis left many persons severely injured, while several buildings and farmland were torched by the feuding parties. Father of the deceased, Akpera Jime, disclosed that some youths, numbering over 10, had stormed his community burning houses and farmland during which his four-year-old son was burnt inside one of his houses. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Austin Ezeani, said men of the Mobile Police Force had been deployed in the area to ensure that peace returned to the affected communities.

EFCC Arraigns 23 for Oil Theft

The Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC), on March 2, arraigned a gang of 20 men including one Captain Daniel Lebile before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority. The accused were arraigned before Justice Ibrahim Buba on three counts in relation to the offence. The accused were arraigned alongside their vessel, MV Long Island and their companies Afa Global Impex Services Limited and GFL Marine Service Limited. All the 23 accused persons denied being culpable and pleaded not guilty to the charges read to them. The suspects were arrested by the Nigerian Navy aboard MV Long Island on December 14, 2015. Justice Buba granted bail to the accused persons in the sum of N50million each and one surety in like sum. The case was adjourned to March 23, 24, 25 and April 2, 2015 for commencement of trial.

Police Arrest Woman Gagging, Tying-Up 2-Year-Old Girl

A housewife, Christiana Faturoti (28), has been arrested by Ogun State Police Command over alleged attempt to murder her two-year-old stepdaughter on February 17. The suspect had reportedly gagged the girl, tied her hands behind her, left her in a room and went to her place of work. The noises made by the toddler attracted some passers-by, who reported to the police in the town. The police immediately rescued the baby and rushed her to a hospital. The suspect was subsequently arrested and transferred to Police Zonal Headquarters in Abeokuta for further investigation. It was learned that the biological mother of the victim was said to be mentally deranged, which reportedly prompted the decision of the father to put the baby in care of the step-mother. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect would be charged to court on completion of investigation.

Vandals Burst ELPS Gas Pipeline –TCN

The Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS), Gas Pipeline at Inikorogha, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, has been ruptured by suspected vandals resulting in significant reduction of generated power to the national grid. General Manager, Public Affairs, Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, Seun Olagunju, on March 5, said that about 24 inches of the pipeline was blown off. The TCN, however, assured that the Federal Government was unrelenting in its efforts to check these acts of sabotage by the introduction of sophisticated technology, in order to provide more reliable and stable power supply to the people. It regretted any inconvenience the gas pipe disruption might have caused Nigerians and assured that the NGC was working assiduously to ensure the quick restoration of gas supply through the blasted pipeline to generation companies.

Review/Analysis

Armed robbery carried out took the lead within the week under review as criminal gangs unleash brutal attacks on their victims. But the police remain on top of the situation with various arrests and killing of suspects that opened fire on them. This was witnessed across the country.

Terrorism, which had steadily occupied the top position in the recent weeks, took a downward toll following the mass killing of the Boko Haram insurgents in the sustained military crackdown. The Nigeria military with help from neighbouring countries have held the upper hand as they recapture towns held by the insurgents in the north-east.

Kidnap/hostage incidents maintained its pace on the crime index as kidnappers continue to abduct people at random. It is however reassuring as the security authorities kill and arrest suspects.

Murder/assassination also maintained its pace on the crime index. Politicians remain the targets as both suspects and victims.

Rape of under-aged girls are reported in recent times. Parents and guardians are encouraged to be highly vigilant and protective especially of their young daughters and wards as rape on children are mostly being perpetrated by neighbours and familiar persons.

The government security agencies have continually urged people, with particular attention to residents in the north where bombing is rampant, to remain alert to their environment and identify threats, strange behaviour or movement, which should be promptly reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

Villeworth urges everyone to see safety as a priority and security as everyone’s business.