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

Week 12

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY


S/N

CATEGORY

MAJOR INCIDENTS

1

Kidnap/Hostage

12

2

Robbery

6

3

Gang

2

4

Drugs

4

5

Militancy/Maritime Incidents

2

6

Terrorism

9

7

Political/Government Agencies

8

Murder/Assassinations

12

9

Rape Incidents

2

10

Others

4

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

3 Kidnap Suspects Arrested in Enugu

A 3-man kidnap gang were, March 3, arrested at Nsukka by operatives of the Anti-Kidnap Squad of the Enugu State Police Command. The suspects, Emenike Onoyima, 27; Jude Mamah, 22; Mba Chinedu, 25; were arrested in their hideout after they kidnapped a 29-year-old woman, Makata Elochukwu and her 60-year-old driver, Bernard Ameh. Items recovered from the suspects include one locally made gun with three live cartridges and a Nokia phone suspected to the property of their victim. The State Commissioner of Police, Nwodibo Ekechukwu, confirmed the arrest.

Woman Remanded in Prison for Plotting Grandfather’s Kidnap

A trader, Ayisat Amodu, who allegedly conspired with two others to kidnap her grandfather, was, March 14, remanded in prison custody by an Ilorin Magistrate’s Court. Magistrate Mohammed Ibrahim ordered the accused remanded at the Federal Prison, Okekura, Ilorin, while the case was adjourned till March 22 for mention. Amodu is charged alongside Ali Mohammed and Adamu Hassan for kidnap. The Prosecutor, Inspector Nasiru Yusuf, told the court that the woman, along with Mohammed and Hassan, kidnapped her grandfather, Yakub Bello, for a ransom. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

Kidnapped Edo Magistrate, Doctors Regain Freedom

A senior Magistrate in Edo State, who was abducted on March 3, regained her freedom on March 12. Magistrate Hassana was freed alongside three others, including two medical doctors, who were abducted along with her. They were all reportedly abducted along the Benin-Auchi Road after the kidnappers shot her police orderly, identified as Marcus. The magistrate has reunited with her family. It was, however, learned that a farmer, who ran into the kidnappers and the victims when they were about to be released, was tied to a tree after being blindfolded before they dispersed.

Day-Old Baby Disappears under Step-Mother’s Watch

Two women have been arrested by the Jigawa State Police Command following the disappearance of a day-old baby from Dutse General Hospital on March 13. It was reported that Huraira Yahaya, mother of the baby, was unconscious when the baby was reportedly taken out by her step-mother and a yet-to-be identified woman. The father of the baby, Yahaya Ali, alleged that he saw his wife’s step-mother, in company of another woman, taking his baby out of the hospital a day after his wife gave birth. Yahaya said when he got to the police to report the case, he was surprised that his wife’s step-mother had gone there to report that an unknown woman used charm on her to take the baby away as she could not raise alarm when she saw the woman going away with the baby. Police Public Relations Officer, Abdul Jinjiri confirmed the theft of the baby, saying two women, Lubabatu Musa and Asabe Uba, had been arrested in connection with the baby’s disappearance.

Police Foil Attempt to Sell Toddler

The Delta State Police Command, March 14, foiled an attempt by members of a syndicate to sell a three-year-old boy, identified as Chukwuka. It was gathered that the three-year-old had been ferried to Onitsha, near Asaba, by the traffickers. But the police, acting on a tip-off, arrested one Emeka Odili and five others. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed that the suspects were arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State. She added that the police also arrested the girlfriend of one of the suspects, identified as Blessing, who had been in the illegal business over the years. The suspects had before their arrest allegedly sold two of their own children to the traffickers and shared the proceeds of N1.3m. Nemesis caught up with them after the mother of the boy, Justina Odili, raised the alarm and reported to the Police.

Police Arrest Three Suspects over Kidnap of Lagos School Girls

Police operatives attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have arrested three more suspects involved in the February 29 kidnapping of three female students of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary (BMJS) in Ikorodu, Lagos State. The female students, who were kidnapped by a 12-man armed gang, were rescued on March 2. The recent arrest has brought the total number of suspects in police custody to six, as the police had earlier arrested three suspects. It was gathered that the suspects were tracked through their phone lines, following which the police stormed a hotel in Lagos and arrested three of them at the weekend.

Lecturer, Driver Abducted in Port Harcourt

Gunmen, March 15, abducted a lecturer with the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and his personal driver. The senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education, Professor Ebi Awotua-Efebo, was trailed and intercepted by the kidnappers outside the premises of the university. A source revealed that contact had been established with the kidnappers and that N50 million was being demanded as the ransom for their release. Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Ahmad Muhammad, assured that the police are working to ensure their safe release.

2 Teachers Kidnapped in Rivers

Two teachers from Ubima Community Secondary School in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State were abducted on March 14 by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The two secondary school teachers, Blessing Chukwu and Ikpendu Samuewere, were abducted along the school road on their way from school. Families of the victims disclosed that contact had been established with the abductors, who were demanding N5 million as ransom for their release. Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Ahmad Muhammad, said police were aware of the kidnappings, assuring that they were doing everything to safely rescue the victims.

Girl, 15, Abducted in Lagos While Going for UTME

The family of 15-year-old girl, Rita Clement, has cried out for help over the abduction of the teenager as she went to write the recent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Agidingbi, Lagos State. It was learnt that Clement, who lived at the Ojodu Berger area, was to sit for the exam at 6.30am on March 10, and had left home at 5.30am. But at about 5pm, the girl reportedly sent a text message to her mother, raising the alarm that she had been abducted and she did not know the location where she was taken to. The matter was said to have been reported at the Ojodu Police Division on March 11 and had been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja. The SARS commander has assured that he would detail his men to rescue the girl.

3 Arraigned for Abduction of 18-Year-Old

The Ogun State Police Command, March 17, arraigned three men before an Ota Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly abducting one Maria Shofolahan. The accused, Idowu Olupinla, Femi Temiye, and Oluwafemi Okiki, are facing a two-count charge of abduction and conspiracy. The Prosecutor, Corporal Abdulkareem Mustapha, told the court that the accused persons and others at large, committed the offences on January 20 at Ijoko, Ota. He said that the accused and his accomplices conspired among themselves to abduct 18-year-old Maria Shofolahan. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty of the charges. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.I. Adelaja, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N250, 000 each and two sureties each in like sum.

Six-Year-Old Girl Abducted in Military Barracks

A six-year-old schoolgirl, Oluwajuwon Akinsanya, has been abducted by unidentified persons at the Ojo Military Cantonment, Lagos. The girl was said to be sleeping in the room with her parents when she was whisked away by unidentified persons, who also stole a phone, money and airtime recharge card vouchers of the victim’s parents. Her mother, Yetunde, said she reported the matter to the Ojo Barracks Military Police and the victim’s father was arrested. He was later released and three other suspects arrested. She, however, expressed dissatisfaction at the way the military were handling the case.

Court Remands 37-Year-Old Suspected Female Trafficker

Justice Kudirat Jose of a Lagos High court, March 17, remanded a 37-year-old woman, Gift Nonye Ukatu, in prison custody for alleged harbouring underage girls for domestic work. The judge remanded the suspect after she was arraigned on six-count charge. The suspect, who was arrested by National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), however, pleaded not guilty to all the charged preferred against her. The prosecution alleged that between December 2014 and December 7, 2015‎, Idimu harboured two 12-year-old girls for the purpose of forced labour and as domestic workers.

Robbery

Fatal End for Cross-Border Bank Robbers

A joint effort between Nigeria and Benin Republic security agents, March 17, led to the arrest of three international bandits, who specialized in bank robbery. The security forces, comprising Lagos State Police Command, Benin Regional Police squad at the Krake, Seme border, Nigeria customs and Immigration also killed six of the suspected robbers who attempted to rob banks and bureau de change operators in Seme. The suspects, heavily armed with AK47 rifles, dynamites, rocket launchers and other sophisticated weapons, attempted to enter Nigeria through the legitimate route, but the vigilant joint security forces repelled them. They attempted to unleash terror at the border through the sea. The joint security forces further engaged them in a gun duel, killing six of them. The suspects abandoned some arms and ammunition in Nigeria and fled to Benin in their flying boats. Weapons recovered from the hoodlums include one speedboat, 883 live ammunition, six loaded magazines, dynamites and other deadly weapons. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State command, Fatai Owoseni, noted that intelligence report was received two weeks earlier that some hoodlums were planning to raid some banks in Seme.

Gunmen Overrun Police Station, Steal Bank’s ATM

A gang of heavily armed men, March 12, overran a police station in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State and carted away several arms and ammunition. It was gathered that the hoodlums also attacked a bank in the same area and escaped with the bank’s Automated Teller Machine (ATM). The invaders, about 12 in number, and armed with sophisticated weapons and dynamites, reportedly stormed the riverside community at about 12.35am through the waterways and operated for several hours. The gunmen reportedly moved straight to the police station on arrival and engaged the policemen in a gun duel, during which they overran the police station. Police spokesman, Asinim Butswat, who confirmed that the armed bandits attacked the bank with dynamites, however, stated that they did not cart away the ATM machines.

3 Robbers meet Waterloo over Fufu

Operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command, March 11, arrested three teenagers after they snatched a bag from a lady. Members of the gang, identified as Daniel Dali (19), Emmanuel Ashaolu (17) and Ikenna Bright (17), were arrested in Ajegunle by a surveillance team that was on routine patrol of the area. It was learned that Dali and Ashaolu reportedly snatched the bag from a lady, who quickly raised an alarm. The operatives pursued the suspects, who were on a motor bike and arrested Ashaolu. Later, they mobilised and combed the area at night, leading to the arrest of Dali. Interestingly, the bag simply contained two wraps of local cassava meal ‘fufu’ and stew. On interrogation, it turned out that they were part of a robbery syndicate. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, disclosed that the suspects are giving useful information that would lead to the arrest of other members of the gangs.

Troops Kill 12 Rustlers, Recover Arms, Cattle

Troops of Operation Sharan Daji engaged in anti-cattle rustling, armed banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in various states of the North-West, March 12, recorded major successes against rustlers, killing 12 of them, destroying their camps and recovered many livestock, arms and ammunition. A statement from Army headquarters revealed that troops in Zamfara State killed four rustlers, wounded 16, arrested three and destroyed seven camps. The troops also recovered 486 livestock, two machetes, three AK-47 rifles and four AK-47 rifle magazines from the criminals. The military further revealed that troops in Katsina State troops killed five rustlers, arrested two of them and destroyed five camps. They also recovered an AK-47 rifle, four locally-manufactured guns and 12 machetes, while in Kano State’s Doguwa Forest, one rustler was killed and their camp destroyed.

Police Parade Suspected Armed Robbers in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command, March 12, paraded two suspected armed robbers that were arrested by operatives of the anti-vice unit of the command. One of the suspects, Abdulrafeez Abdulraham (22), denied being an armed robber. He claimed that fleeing cultists forced the gun on him and threatened to kill him if he did not accept the gun from them as they sighted the security operatives. According to him, he was going to watch football match at Araromi Village in Ilorin when he was arrested by the Anti-Vice operatives of the Kwara State Police Command. Another suspect, Samuel Yahaya (20), said he was framed by a person he identified simply as Raymond. The state Police Commissioner, Sam Okuala, said that the suspects were arrested while preparing to go for an operation. The police boss emphasised the need for public and well-to-do individuals in the society to collaborate with the police so as to stem the activities of criminals in the country.

Suspect Buys Stolen SUV for N130,000

The Edo State Police Command, March 12, paraded a 24-year-old man, Dickson Ogiemwonyi, over his alleged involvement in a car theft. Ogiemwonyi, who was paraded alongside armed robbery suspects, was arrested after he bought a stolen Lexus SUV for N130,000 from a 5-man armed robbery gang that specialised in car snatching. The arrest of the suspects led to the recovery of five vehicles snatched at gunpoint across various parts of the state. Ogiemwonyi said he was contacted by an auto electrician, identified as Samson Alao, aged 26 years, who is also in police custody, to buy the Lexus Jeep at N500,000 but bargained for N130,000, which unknown to him was a stolen SUV said to be worth over N2 million. According to the police spokesman, Abiodun Osifo, the arrest of Ogiewmonyi led to the recovery of five other cars as he made useful information leading to the arrest of other accomplice and car snatching syndicate.

Gang Incidents

Police Arrest Five Suspected Cultists in Kwara

The Kwara state police command, March 8, arrested five suspected cultists in the state. Parading the suspected cultists in Ilorin, the state police commissioner, Sam Okuala, said that the suspects were arrested at their hideout at Oyun area of Ilorin, the state capital, following a tip-off. According to him, the anti-vice operatives of the state CID stormed the rendezvous of the suspected cultists and arrested them while preparing to go out on operation. Okuala stated that, the suspects were students of one of the tertiary institutions in the country.

Ogun State Police Arrest Suspected Cultists after Failed Initiation

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspected cultists believed to be terrorising Oke-Oko and Igborufu communities in Ogijo in Sagamu LGA of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the three suspects were arrested on March 12 by police operatives during an initiation of new members. Adejobi said though some of them fled when police stormed the area, the suspects were later arrested following a tip-off. The suspects, Lekan Babatunde, Segun Owodunni and Musa Ibrahim, who initially escaped arrest, were picked up by the police one after the other at different locations within the axis. Items recovered from them include one locally-made single-barelled gun, live cartridges, cutlasses, photographs of some suspected members and a car with number plate, VF 117 KJA.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests 2 Drug Peddlers in Borno IDPs Camp

The Borno State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), March 13, revealed that it had arrested two men for allegedly peddling cocaine in the Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camp in Dikwa. The State Commander of the NDLEA, Ona Ogilegwu, said that one the suspects, a 48-year-old man, was arrested on February 27 in the camp. He said that other illicit substances, including cannabis sativa, rophenol, and diazepam, were found on the suspected peddler. The suspect had disguised as an officer of NDLEA in the IDPs camp in order to sell the illicit drugs.’ Ogilegwu said that the command also arrested a 32-year-old man, who was in possession of other hard drugs in the same IDPs camp.

NDLEA Arrests Four Mexicans over Illicit Drug Manufacturing Lab

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested four Mexicans, who were allegedly helping Nigerians build a “super-lab” capable of producing billions of dollars’ worth of methamphetamine. The agency’s spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said it was the first industrial-scale production of crystal meth found in West Africa, and possibly on the continent. The Nigerians allegedly invited the Mexicans in to leverage their expertise in this industrial-scale, high-yield productions. The warehouse in Delta State could produce 4,000 kilogrammes (8,800 pounds) a week of the synthetic drug, which sells for $6,000 a kilogramme in Nigeria but as much as $300,000 a kilogram in the Asian markets favoured by Nigerian drug dealers, Ofoyeju disclosed. The lab completed a first successful production in February and the agents raided it as the Mexicans were allegedly producing a second run. Only 1.5 kilogrammes of meth was recovered with 750 litres (200 gallons) of liquid methamphetamine. The raid came after an undercover operation that also netted the arrests of four Nigerians on March 9.

NDLEA Nabs Suspected Drug Baron

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), March 12, announced the arrest of suspected drug baron, Tochukwu Harris Ubah, in connection with the seizure at Lagos port of 576 kilograms (1,270 pounds) of crystal meth and ephedrine used in small-scale production. The agency’s spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who confirmed the arrest, said the illicit drug was bound for Durban, South Africa.

NAFDAC Seizes Fake Drugs in Edo, Apprehends Suspect

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has apprehended a man, Ifeanyi Okeke, for allegedly selling expired and controlled drugs in Etsako West LGA of Edo State. According the agency, Okeke, who runs a patent medicine shop in Auchi, was arrested during its enforcement operation in the area. The Edo Coordinator of NAFDAC, David West, March 12, disclosed that some cartons of fake Tramadol, a controlled drug, and several cartons of expired drugs, such as Febecap and Augmentin, were seized from the suspect’s shop. West explained that the enforcement exercise was aimed at ensuring that members of the public buy and consume wholesome food and drugs in order to ensure good health, through safety.

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Arrests Releases Vessel to Owner

The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Beecroft, has handed over a recovered oil vessel to a representative of the owner, Super Maritime Nigeria Limited, along with the 18-crew members. The Commanding Officer of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Abraham Adaji, did the handover on March 12, three weeks after the vessel was rescued from armed sea pirates. Adaji, who said that investigations were on-going, added that the six arrested pirates would be handed over to the Lagos State Police Command for prosecution and the ship owners have undertaken to present crew members to testify if they are required in the course of investigation. The navy arrested the six pirates, of Ghanaian and Nigerian nationalities, after a gun battle that left one of the pirates dead. The Pirates had hijacked the oil vessel, off the Coast of Cote d’Ivoire on February 11 and held the crew hostage until they were rescued by the navy on February 22. Meanwhile, the two crew members, who are currently being held hostage by two members of the gang, are yet to be found.

Notorious Arepo Vandal Apprehended

Soldiers attached to 174 Battalion, Ikorodu, Lagos, March 16, arrested a notorious pipeline vandal at Arepo creeks, Ogun State. The suspect, according to the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Lt. Colonel Julius Ogbobe, is a member of the notorious gang involved in vandalising pipelines within Arepo and its environs in Lagos State. Ogbobe added that the suspect, simply identified as General F, and his concubines were arrested in the creeks around Arepo in Ikorodu. It was learned that General F was shot while attempting to escape during the encounter. Items recovered from him include one AK-47 riffle, three magazines and 60 rounds of ammunition.

Terrorism

Military Kills Over 50 Boko Haram Terrorists, Cattle Rustlers

The Nigerian military troops involved in the on-going Counter-Terrorism operations in the North-east have killed over 50 members of the Boko Haram Terrorists sect in Borno State, as well as cattle rustlers on March 9 and 10. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, March 11, disclosed that the military achieved this feat following reliable information on the presence of some Boko Haram terrorists in parts of the state. The troops discovered and destroyed a Boko Haram terrorists’ camp at Alajeri village in Guzamala LGA and captured 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), a Rocket Propelled Grenade 7 ( RPG 7), six AK-47 rifles, and two Fabrique Nationale rifles. Other items recovered include 10 magazines, 188 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and 64 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

Army Kills another Wanted Boko Haram Member

The military has killed another wanted Boko Haram member on the list of the 100 terrorists’ leaders wanted by the Nigerian army and other security agencies in the on-going counter-terrorism operations in the North-east. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, who confirmed the development on March 11, said that the troops shot the suspect during an exchange of gunfire in Baga axis of Borno State. According to him, the troops of 7 Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Brigade Quick Response Group (QRG) stationed in Baga and 118 Task Force Battalion, sprang an ambush along Daban Masara axis used by Boko Haram terrorists to convey logistics. He said that the suspect died while receiving medical attention at the base, while other members of his team escaped with gunshot wounds. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had recently released another list of 100 suspected members of the terrorist sect, wanted for various act of terrorism in the country.

Troops Kill 30 Terrorists, Rescue 122

Nigerian troops backed by Air Force fighter aircraft, prosecuting the war on Boko Haram, March 12, killed over about 30 terrorists and rescued another 122 hostages, including women and children after several clearance operations. One of the female rescued persons gave birth to a baby boy few minutes after the rescue and both mother and child are being cared for at the unit’s Regimental Aid Post and are doing fine. According to the Army Headquarters, the clearance operations of the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists are gaining momentum in the various axis of the theatre especially in 7 Division area of responsibility as the troops were able to clear Boko Haram camps, killed several of the terrorists and recovered vehicles, weapons, equipment and rescued persons. The troops successfully repelled the attack by killing 17 Boko Haram terrorists and also recovered 12 AK-47 rifles, 6 AK-47 rifle magazines, 1 General Purpose Machine Gun, 1 Browning Machine Gun, 1 Toyota Hilux vehicle, a 60mm mortar tube, 4 pieces of 60mm mortar bombs, 1 belt of 12.5mm ammunition and 9 belts of 12.7mm (NATO) ammunition.

Three Killed as Vehicle Hits Landmine in Borno

Three members of the civilian vigilantes group assisting the military troops in the fight against Boko Haram were, March 14, killed when their vehicle hit a landmine in Borno State. The vigilante group, popularly known as the civilian JTF, from Chul village in Borno state, was on its way to battle Boko Haram militants, who had stormed the neighbouring village of Huyum when their vehicle hit the landmine, according to one Adamu Galadima, a vigilante member. Boko Haram fighters had anticipated that soldiers from Askira or vigilantes from nearby hamlets would use the roads and planted bombs to slow them down, one Huyum resident revealed.

Female Bombers Disguised as Men Kill 22 in Maiduguri Mosque

At least 22 people were, March 16, killed after two women, who disguised as men, blew themselves up during the early morning prayers at a mosque in the Molai district of Maiduguri, Borno State. Spokesman of the State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Omar, confirmed the attack, but could not give further details. According to reports, one of the bombers went in and detonated her explosive as the worshippers stood up for the prayers, and while the others were trying to flee, the second woman, who stood outside the mosque rushed in and set off her explosives in their midst. Survivors of the attack and evidence from the rescue operation identified the bombers as women.

15 Killed as Fulani Herdsmen Attack another Benue Community

Suspected Fulani herdsmen, March 17, attacked and killed at least 15 persons in a Tombo community in Buruku LGA of Benue state. The attackers, who razed part of the community, took over the deserted villages. Chairman of the local council, Godwin Iorsue, said six members of a family were stocking oranges on their farm when some herdsmen came to the place with their cows. Iorsue said the cows started feeding on the oranges and when one of the farmers complained, he was shot dead by one of the herdsmen while others stabbed the remaining six persons. According to the council chairman, the matter had been reported to the divisional police officer, the police commissioner and the state government. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, confirmed that seven persons were killed in the clash, adding that one of the deceased was a Fulani herdsman.

89 Boko Haram Members Sentenced to Death in Cameroon

A Military Court in Cameroon has sentenced 89 members of the Boko Haram terrorist group to death for terrorism. According to reports on March 16, the military court tried the insurgents for their roles in several attacks in the northern part of the country, which borders Nigeria. The sect had, in January 2015, threatened to attack Cameroon over their role in the regional force set up to fight insurgency. About 850 members of the sect are currently in detention over alleged involvement in insurgency in Cameroon.

Military Clears Boko Haram Enclave, Recovers APC

The Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, March 16, disclosed that the Nigerian military had sustained the clearance of Boko Haram’s reported locations and hideouts in the North-east, leading to the recovery of an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in Yobe State. Usman said that troops of 120 Task Force Battalion cleared a camp at Bulasari in the state on March 16, adding that the latest onslaught against the terror group came after another camp in Golgore was cleared on March 15. During the operation, he said, quite a number of insurgents were killed while one soldier sustained a gunshot wound. According to Usman, the recovered APC was captured by the terrorists during an attack on Buni Yadi on July 9, 2015. He said that the APC was discovered at Golgore River and evacuated.

Fulani Herdsmen Kill 2 in Attack on 25 Benue Villages

Heavily armed Fulani herdsmen have laid siege to Logo LGA of Benue state, killing two and sacking over 25 villages. The attackers also rendered about 3,000 homeless after several houses and huts were razed in the affected villages. It was learned that the invaders took over the affected villages in an incursion that reportedly started on March 13. A victim lamented that several villagers remained missing following the attacks. Most of the villagers lamented that they lost all of their belongings, farm produce and farmlands to the well-armed herdsmen, who have completely taken over their villages. Caretaker Chairman of the council, Simon Ugba, said two persons had been confirmed dead in the attack.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Tenant Punches Septuagenarian Landlord Dead

The Ondo State Police Command, March 14, confirmed the arrest of one Tope Akindeji, who allegedly punched his 75-year-old landlord, Kayode Osunkalu, to death over electricity bill. The deceased had invited all his tenants to discuss on how to settle the electricity bill brought by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). An argument ensued between the suspect and the landlord, who had given an ultimatum that all tenants should contribute their share within 24 hours. The landlord reportedly tongue lashed the suspect and held him by his shirt for several minutes. The intervention of other tenants failed to separate them, following which the suspect reportedly punched him and he slumped. The deceased was rushed to the state Specialist Hospital in Ondo town, where he was later confirmed dead.

Two Soldiers Killed in Shootout with Gunmen

A Major in the Nigerian Army and a soldier were, March 17, killed during a gun battle with unknown gunmen in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers State. It was gathered that the major and the soldier succumbed to various degrees of gunshot injuries sustained during the encounter that occurred in the morning. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Captain Elli Lazarus, confirmed the deaths. He said that a major and one soldier, who were on patrol, were killed after an exchange of gunfire with suspected sea pirates. He added that the military are currently in pursuit of the suspects.

Gunmen Behead Man in Emohua

Gunmen, March 16, attacked Mgbuitanwo community in Emohua LGA of Rivers State, killing and beheading a 28-year-old man. The victim, simply identified as Ukeoma, was shot before he was decapitated by the unknown gunmen, who invaded the community. The gunmen also abducted one Mr. Eruchi. No reason has been given for the attack, but it was gathered that invasion of the community could be a reprisal by a cult group.

UNIJOS Students Protest against Killing of Colleague in by Security Operatives

Students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), March 16, took to the streets to protest against the shooting death of a student by security personnel in Jos. The 300-Level student, Hezekiah Paul, died at the Plateau Specialist Hospital from the gunshot wounds. The Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Peter Azi, who received the students, promised the students that justice would be done over the killing. Azi said he was aware of the incident and had visited the victim in the hospital before he died. He also stated that he had demanded an explanation from the Commissioner of Police over the incident. Police Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Abuh, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the suspected killer.

Tenant Sets Landlord Ablaze in Edo

A man, identified as Jeff Obasohan, March 16, allegedly set his landlord, Pa Joseph Iyen (83), ablaze at his residence in Benin City, Edo State. It was gathered that there had been a protracted quarrel between the octogenarian and his tenant over unpaid rent and the landlord had issued the suspect a quit notice on two occasions. The disagreement was said to have degenerated, leading to the tragedy. The widow of the deceased, Esther Iyen, alleged that the tenant had threatened her life and that of her late husband while he had also failed to pay his electricity bill. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Osifo Abiodun, said that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Wife, Son Docked over Murder of Husband

A 49-year-old wife, alongside her 31-year-old son were, March 17, docked at an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos over the alleged murder of her husband, Lucky Bassey (49). The accused, Grace Bassey and Benjamin Otu, were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder. They were alleged to have connived and killed the man by slitting his throat with a kitchen knife. The prosecutor, Inspector Julius Babatope, told the court that the accused persons allegedly committed the offences on January 25 at their residence and made it look like suicide. While, the magistrate, Mrs H. O. Omisore, did not take the plea of the accused, as her court lacked the jurisdiction, she directed police to continue their investigation into the matter. Omisore directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and forward it to the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. The magistrate also ordered the remand of the accused at the Ikoyi Prisons, pending the legal advice from the DPP.

Police Parade Jealous Soldier for Killing Girlfriend

The Plateau State Police Command, March 14, paraded a soldier, Sunday Umaru, who was attached to sector 7 of the Special Task Force (STF) for allegedly stabbing one Miss Charity Thomas to death at Riyom LGA of the state. The state Police Commissioner, Adekunle Oladunjoye, disclosed that the suspect, who had invited the victim from Kaduna to stay with him, killed her on the allegation that he saw several text messages from other men in her phone. Oladunjoye said the suspect had been charged to court. The police boss also paraded one Dabung David Dele, who strangled to death Nanchi Zakariya. The suspect, who was apprehended by the police detectives from Nasarawa Gwong, had reportedly confessed to the crime and would be charged to court.

Cultists Behead Undergraduates in Abia State

Suspected cultists, March 12, beheaded two undergraduates of the Abia State University, Uturu, and used their heads as goalposts. It was learnt that their roommate sustained severe injuries from machete cuts by the hoodlums. The deceased, Ebuka Nwaigbo and Samuel Ethelbert, were until their death living at Chi-Doo Lodge along the Uturu-Afikpo road. Investigations revealed that their killers were members of a rival cult group on a revenge mission for their member, who was killed in February. The cultists reportedly stormed the lodge on four motorbikes carrying four persons each and they forced themselves into the lodge, beheaded their targets while the third person, their visitor, was seriously wounded. The Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, Ezekiel Onyeke Udeviotu, who confirmed the development, said the state Commissioner of Police had ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to commence investigation into the killings.

Bike Man Stabs Kogi Poly Student to Death

A commercial motor cycle operator, March 14, stabbed a student of the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Jibrin Aliyat, death.  The incident, which sparked protests by students of the institution, who unleashed mayhem on other bike riders, burning vehicles and destroying property, further led to an indefinite closure of the polytechnic. The school’s Public Relations Officer, Luke Yakubu, said the closure is to avoid further breakdown of law and order. It was gathered that the deceased female student, had engaged in an argument over the transport fare with the Fulani bike man, who removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed her. An eye witness disclosed that the bike man, who attempted to return the knife to his pocket, mistakenly stabbed himself on the thigh and fled to the State Specialist hospital; where he was asked to get a police report. Luck, however, ran out on him when the fatally wounded lady was also taken to the same hospital, where he was arrested.

6 Charged over Murder of Abia Monarch

Six suspects have been arraigned in Court over the murder of Eze James Nwabeke, the traditional ruler of Ikeala Ahiaba autonomous community in Obingwa LGA of Abia State. The Public Relations Officer of Abia State Police Command, Udeviotu Onyeke, confirmed this. The traditional ruler was killed in his palace in February and his body was mutilated by the gunmen. His killers also inflicted serious machete injuries on his wife and daughter- in-law. Though the reason for the killing was not known, the slain monarch was said to be getting ready for his coronation ceremony before the assassins struck.

Okada Riders Beat Chairman to Death for Riding Bike Recklessly

A 27-year-old man, Joseph Anyigor, was allegedly beaten to death by commercial motor cycle operators in Ndieke Ndiagu village in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State. Anyigor, a former Task force chairman of the Motorcycle Transport Union, was beaten to death by members of the Okada riders’ unit for allegedly riding recklessly at the marketplace on March 4. Police Public Relations Officer, George Okafor, confirmed the incident. The police spokesman disclosed that there was a fight between the late Anyigor and his task force members on the way he drove his motorcycle at the market square. He said that the police were yet to get the full details of how he rode the motorcycle that made his union members descended so heavily on him, which led to his death. Okafor disclosed that the police had arrested three suspects in connection with the crime.

Man Shot Dead in Port Harcourt

Unidentified gunmen, March 16, attached and shot dead a young man dead at Diobu in the Mile 1 area of Port Harcourt. Eye witnesses disclosed that the gunmen drove to where the victim sat with two other friends at about 9pm and opened fire on him. The assailants reportedly ensured that he died before they disappeared. Policemen later came for his corpse. Residents believe that the killing was cult related as he was a lone target in the attack.

Rape

Deacon, 44, Rapes Seven-Year-Old

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a deacon of Jesus Saves Church, a Lagos Pentecostal church, Obinna Aneke, for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl. Aneke, 44, was alleged to have raped the victim six different times in his apartment in the Bariga area of the state. The suspect and the victim’s parents were friends, and the victims’ mother, who sets out at 6am for her business, was said to have reached an agreement with Aneke to be leaving her two daughters with him pending their resumption time at school at 7.45am. It was learnt that one of Aneke’s three daughters attended the same school with Ngozi and her younger sister, which made the arrangement to work. While Aneke’s wife, a trader, who equally left the house early for her shop was away, the suspect left alone with all the children as they prepared for school, would use the opportunity to rape the little girl. It was learnt that the girl opened up to her parents, who then invited the police. It was learnt that the victim was taken to the Mirabel Centre, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, where a test allegedly confirmed that she had been defiled.

14-Year-Old Rapes 5-Year-Old Neighbour

An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, March 15, remanded a 14-year-old boy at the Boys Correctional Centre, Lagos for allegedly raping the five-year-old daughter of his neighbour. The accused, who lives with his parents, is facing a charge of defilement. The Chief Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, who remanded the accused, over the alleged defilement, then adjourned the case to March 23, to listen to the bail application. The prosecutor, Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 4, at his residence. One of the neighbours, who heard the cry of the girl, had to rush into the toilet where he apprehended the accused. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

Others

Court Sentences Man to Death by Hanging as Two Others Bag 20 Years Jail Term

An Ilorin High Court in Kwara State, March 14, sentenced one Ahmed Abdullahi to death by hanging after finding him guilty of a charge of culpable homicide. The court also sentenced the convict to five years imprisonment for being in possession of a fresh human head. Similarly, the court sentenced Waheed Sanni and Saka Adisa to five years imprisonment each for unlawfully receiving fresh human head. The duo was also sentenced to another five years imprisonment each for criminal conspiracy. The state Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Durosinlohun Kawu, who delivered the judgement, ordered that Ahmed Abdullahi be hanged till death for causing the death of nine-year-old, Hamidu Sanda by beheading him in a bush at Amberi Village on April 1, 2009.

Collapsed Building: Court Orders Lekki Gardens MD, Contractor Remanded

An Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate Court, March 11, granted the request of the Lagos State Police Command seeking to keep the Managing Director of Lekki Gardens, Richard Nyong in custody pending the conclusion of on-going investigation into collapse of a five-storey building under construction on Kushenla Road, Ikate Elegushi area of the state, which killed 35 persons. The court also ordered one of the contractors handling the project, Odofin Taiwo Henry to be kept in police custody at Panti alongside Nyong for the next 30 days. Magistrate Folashade Botoku, who granted the remand order, held that same was in the interest of justice and public safety. The building had crumbled around on March 8 with several workers trapped in the rubble. The state government had sealed the building, which was originally designed to be a three-storey structure but in a brazen act of defiance and impunity, the owners of the building, Messrs Lekki Worldwide Estate Limited, the promoters of Lekki Gardens, were said to have criminally unsealed the property and continued building beyond the approved floors until the unfortunate incident.

3 Killed, Several Injured as Blast Rocks CBN in Calabar

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Calabar, Baba-Adisa Bolanta, has stated that the explosion which rocked, the Calabar branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on March 11, may have been caused by a gas leakage from the central air-conditioning unit of the bank. The military, police, the Civil Defence Corps, the fire service, and the medical personnel with their ambulances had been drafted to the scene of the blast. The Police, however, confirmed three deaths. Police Public Relations Officer, John Eluu, said 20 members of staff of the bank were injured in the explosion. He dismissed the rumour in some quarters that the explosion was a detonated bomb blast by Boko Haram insurgents. He added that investigations show that it was a gas cylinder explosion from one of the units in the building that caused the blast”, he explained.

35 Suspects Nabbed by Joint Security Operation in Delta

A combined team of the Nigeria security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, the Nigeria Police and Department of State Security, have nabbed a total of 35 suspected criminals in Ekpan and neighbouring communities in Effurun in Uvwie LGA of Delta State. This is sequel to the worrisome rate of criminal activities and proliferation of illegal arms in the locality in recent times. The joint operation, code-named “Operation Yankari” also recovered a 63 loaded rifles and live ammunition from the house of a prominent chief alleged to sponsor recent sporadic shooting in the local government area. Commander, 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army Benin, Brigadier-General Faroque Yahaya, Commander, 61 NAF, Delta, Air Commodore Sani Zakari and the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, described the exercise as successful. Parading the suspects, on March 11 at the 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, Yahaya said the security agencies were determined to rid Delta of illicit arms.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage cases remained high as tension was amplified in most affected regions of the country. Kidnap gangs and syndicates involved in the deadly act appear more vicious as the aged, toddlers, and well noted figures in the society became victims, with outrageous ransom demanded. It was however cheering as the authorities clamped down on some of the kidnap suspects, recovered some locally made pistols with a mobile phone. Some victims also regained their freedom as the police swept the areas in pursuit of suspected kidnap groups. This was witnessed across various regions of the country.

Murder/assassination incidents were equally high on the crime index as cases of gruesome murders rise. Beheading of rivals by cultists appears to be the order of the day with frightening incidents on record. In a bid to restore peace to the affected communities, the police and other security outfits arrested a bunch of hoodlums and killed a few gunmen in gun battles. Two soldiers made the supreme sacrifice. The south-south and north-central recorded more of these incidents.

The activities of terrorists, which experience a recent lull, are now on the increase with brazen attacks by the Boko Haram fighters and suicide bombers. Several lives were lost in various attacks on communities and mosque in the north-eastern part of Nigeria. Incessant attacks by terrorist groups in the form of herdsmen were also seen in some communities with people losing families and their homes. The military, however, remains resolute in prosecuting the war against terrorism with fighting and clearance patrols, which led to the killing and arrest of Boko Haram fighters and bombers. Weapons and explosives were also recovered by the military in a quest to bring the activities of the boko haram terrorists to an end.

Armed Robbery incidents maintained it's place as security operatives apprehended suspects at various locations. It was the end of the road for a gang of trans border robbers, as eagles eyed Nigerian security operatives in collaboration with the police of Benin stopped them in their tracks, arresting and killing some of them after a shootout at Seme border. The police was, however, challenged and overwhelmed when heavily armed gunmen overran a police station and attacked a bank in Bayelsa State. But, on the contrary, it was a hilarious case when some robbers, who snatched a bag from a woman, were arrested and the content of the bag was just stew and fufu (cassava meal). This was witnessed across various cities of the country.

The authorities continue to urge the public to provide them with useful credible information that could lead to the arrest of suspects and reduction of crime.

Villeworth urges you to remain law abiding and be your neighbour’s watch.