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

Week 23

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY


S/N

CATEGORY

MAJOR INCIDENTS

1

Kidnap/Hostage

9

2

Robbery

5

3

Gang

4

Drugs

5

Militancy/Maritime Incidents

6

6

Terrorism

7

7

Political/Government Agencies

1

8

Murder/Assassination

7

9

Rape Incidents

8

10

Others

3

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Abducted UBTH Nurse Regains Freedom

A 44-year-old nurse, Rita Aiwelera, who was kidnapped by gunmen at Ugbowo in Egor LGA of Edo State, has been released. The victim, a nurse with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), was released on May 28 after spending nearly a week in captivity. Aiwelera was whisked away by the gunmen in the presence of her children at Igun-Owina quarters on May 22. The kidnappers had reportedly demanded for a ransom of N10 million for her release. It was learnt that the victim regained her freedom following a negotiation. Her husband, Dan Aiwerela, confirmed her release.

Gunmen Kidnap, Free Lecturer in Obudu

A lecturer at the Federal College of Education in Obudu, Cross River State, Walter Ibe, was on May 28 abducted by yet-to-be identified gunmen. Ibe, however, regained freedom on May 29. It was learnt that the abductors had demanded N5m but it was not clear if any ransom was paid at the time of his release. Ibe, who is also a pastor at the Pentecostal Church in Obudu, was at home when the gunmen stormed his residence and seized him in the presence of his family. It was learnt that the gunmen immediately made contact with the family and demanded for N5m as ransom. But the state Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Lawrence Ekwok, who confirmed the abduction, could not ascertain if any ransom was paid.

DSS Arrests Five Kidnappers

Five members of a kidnap gang have been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for kidnapping an operative, and three others in Port Harcourt. The incident took a twist after it was discovered that the suspects had killed one of their hostages in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The kidnappers are reported to be a gang that had been terrorizing communities in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. The victims were said to have been abducted on May 4, 2016 and were rescued by the DSS on May 11, 2016 along Ahoada-Omoku road in Rivers State. The hoodlums were taken unawares by the DSS, who relied on intelligence in apprehending them in their hideout and rescuing the victims. The suspects were on May 26 taken to the State Magistrate Court, but could not be arraigned following the discovery that a kidnap victim had died in their custody.

Ali Kwara Nabs 3 Kidnappers in Bauchi

The famous hunter, who specializes in trapping armed robbers in parts of the country, Alhaji Ali Kwara, May 28, apprehended three suspected kidnappers and a herdsman called Muhammadu Shanono in Nasaru village in Ningi LGA of Bauchi state after they threatened to kidnap their biological father. The kidnappers had threatened to kidnap their father if he refused to give a ransom of N1 million. Ali Kwara explained that the suspects –Adamu and Iro– had allegedly conspired with another accomplice in the area known as Shuaibu Sambo and asked him to write a letter to their father demanding the said amount else he would be abducted and killed.

Police Rescue Abducted Market Leader

A prominent business woman and Iyaloja (head of market women) of Kajola-Ijesa market in Atakumosa East LGA of Osun State, Adunni Adegbokun, has been rescued by men of the Osun State Police Command. She was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on May 19 and spent 10 days in captivity. The state Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Olanipekun Oyeleye, confirmed that the business woman was rescued along Ikire expressway by the police patrol team that was on the trail of the kidnappers. The police boss noted that she had been reunited with her family. The police boss assured that the police remained on the trail of the kidnappers with a view to arresting them.

Lawmaker’s Sister Kidnapped in Bayelsa

A gang of suspected, June 1, abducted the younger sister of Henry Offongo, a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State. The victim, Seighe Samson, was abducted from her home in Igbomotoru area of State. Samson was forcibly taken away by her abductors after beating up her husband, who attempted to stop the hoodlums from taking his wife away. The bandits, numbering about six, were said to have stormed the coastal community in a speedboat and made straight to the house of their target. Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident, assuring that the victim would be rescued by security operatives. Butswat added that the police had already arrested three suspects in connection with the incident.

Kano Police Parade 36 Suspected Kidnappers

The Kano State Police Command, May 31, paraded 36 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers who had been terrorising residents of Kano. Three of those paraded were among those earlier granted amnesty by the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, over cattle rustling. Parading the suspects, the state Police Commissioner, Maigari Dikko, explained that the 36 suspected kidnappers have been terrorising residents of Kano by kidnapping and taking numerous others hostage in order to receive ransom. According to Dikko, while 21 of the victims were rescued, 35 cases of kidnapping were reported to the command within the period under review.

Police Arrest Couple for Abducting Two Kids

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a couple, Saheed Akinwale and Hajia Zainab Salisu, who abducted two children, 12-months-old Feyitola Lawal and seven-months-old Philip Salisu. Zainab had allegedly lied to Saheed that she was pregnant and needed money to travel to the United States to deliver the baby. After collecting N250, 000 from him, she disappeared only to appear months later with two babies, whom she claimed were their babies. However, it was later discovered that she stole the baby from two different families, and passed them off as twins to families and friends. Unknown to her, the police were tracking her using the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) of Justrite Stores, where she was last seen in the company of Mrs. Lawal and her baby, Feyitola.

Four Arrested over Kidnap of Chinese Expatriate

The Lagos State Police Command, May 29, arrested four suspects, Adebowale Johnson, Oluwadara Segun, Amos Loko, and Vidiyong Taiye, over the kidnap of a Chinese expatriate, Kumming Hyang. The suspects reportedly kidnapped the victim using information provided by Loko, who worked with the victim as a driver. According to Loko, he had masterminded the kidnap in a bid to ensure a handsome ransom, but their plans were foiled when they were arrested before they could demand for ransom. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

Robbery

Police, Soldiers Foil Bullion Van Robbery, Kill Two

Security operatives in Rivers State, May 31, killed two and arrested six armed robbers, who engaged a team of policemen and soldiers in a shootout along Stadium Road in the Elekahia axis of Port Harcourt. The armed robbers were said to have trailed a bullion van from a Diamond Bank branch in Trans-Amadi with the intent of attacking the vehicle. Unknown to the hoodlums, the security operatives noticed their strange movement and also trailed and intercepted them at Elekahia. Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, said apart from killing two armed robbers and arresting six of them, two pistols and two cars were recovered from them.

Police Arrest Artisan for Repainting Stolen Vehicles

An artisan, Okwudili Nwodo, has been arrested by the Enugu State Police Command for repainting stolen vehicles. Nwodo allegedly worked with a car-snatching syndicate and was responsible for repainting the stolen cars before they are sold to unsuspecting buyers. It was gathered that various stolen vehicles were recovered in Nwodo’s workshop when he was arrested. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the arrest on May 30, said Nwodo was repainting a stolen vehicle at the time police operatives stormed his shop to recover a stolen SUV that was snatched from its owner at gunpoint in Owerri, Imo State.

Police Investigate University Security Men for Robbery

The Police in Niger State are investigating some security men in the employment of the Federal University of Technology, Minna for an armed robbery at the Bosso campus of the institution. The security, men numbering about seven were apprehended by police following the way the robbery was carried out. It was learnt that the robbers first tied up the hands of the security men and some six students before going on to carry out the operation, but amazingly after the robbery, they were untied and their phones that were earlier seized were returned to them. The police suspected foul play and had to apprehend the security men and the students for questioning. Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elikana, May 30, confirmed that the case had been moved from the Bosso division of the force to the Criminal Investigation Department for proper investigation.

Ex-Convict Nabbed for Armed Robbery

The Lagos State Police Command, June 1, paraded an ex-convict, Jelili Bello (23), who was arrested for armed robbery. Bello, who came out of prison in 2015, was paraded alongside Oluwatomisi Busari (24). Both were arrested during a robbery operation at Ketu area of Lagos. The suspects specialise in snatching motorcycles, bags and other valuables from people. One locally-made pistol and a spanner were recovered from them. Jelili and Busari both operated by tricking unsuspecting transporters to deserted points, where they would then dispossess them of their motorbike and valuables. If they refuse to part with the bike, the sprayed pepper in their eyes. They also were involved in stealing bags from travellers at motor parks.

Cattle Rustlers Attack Security Patrol

Suspected cattle rustlers, June 1, killed one soldier and injured another during an attack on a Joint Security Patrol team at Madaci village of Faskari LGA of Katsina State. This attack comes two weeks after suspected cattle rustlers killed a Police Inspector, Sani Muhammad, and seven members of a local vigilante group in the Rugu forest at Safana LGA. The soldier was said to have died at the hospital in Zaria where he was rushed to for treatment following injuries that he sustained when he was shot on the head by the rustlers. The Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Usman Abdullahi, May 31, said the Joint Patrol Team was on patrol of the area when the rustlers ambushed them. Usman said the team received intelligence report of the rustlers’ hide out and had gone out to raid the hide out but, obviously acting on information about the pending raid by the team, the rustlers ambushed them, shooting the soldiers. He said the police had launched an investigation into the attack with a view to arresting all those involved.

Gang Incidents

Drugs

Militancy/Maritime

Soldiers Arrest 10 Suspected Militants, Recover Weapons in Delta State

The Nigerian Army has arrested 10 suspected members of the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). The suspects were arrested on May 28, in Oporaza community in Warri South-West LGA of Delta State, following a cordon and search operation conducted in the community. ‎The Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brigadier-General Farouk Yahaya, paraded the suspects in Benin, Edo State on May 29. He noted that‎ several items, including 28 detonator cords (also known Detonator 33), one pistol, two empty pistol magazines, 196 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, one round of nine-millimetre ‎ammunition, a live cartridge and five daggers, were recovered from the arrested suspects. Also recovered were 15 handheld radio sets, 18 phones, 203 SIM cards of three major network providers, ‎five swimsuits, two headlamps, a laptop, two Ipads and a camera.

Niger Delta Avengers Blow-Up Aiteo, Agip Pipelines

The militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), have again blown up trunk lines belonging to Nigerian Agip Oil Company and Aiteo Oil Company in Bayelsa State. The Avengers blew up Nembe 1, 2, and 3 Brass to Bonny trunk lines belonging to the two oil majors in Nembe LGA on May 28. It was learnt that the militants and a crack team of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) battled in the creeks of Bayelsa following the twin blasts that ruptured pipelines. The NDA claimed responsibility for the attack. The Bayelsa State Commandant of the NSCDC, Desmond Agu, confirmed the incident and said the militants engaged in gunfire with his men.

Niger Delta Avengers Blow-Up More NNPC Pipelines

The Niger Delta Avengers, May 26, blew up crude oil and gas pipelines operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) around Batan community in Warri South West LGA of Delta State. The NNPC, May 27, confirmed that its pipeline transporting crude from Escravos to Warri had been damaged. Spokesperson for the NNPC, Garba-Deen Mohammed, disclosed that NNPC engineers were trying to assess the extent of the damage. The Niger Delta Avengers had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Navy Arrests, Hands over Five Beninois to NSCDC

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, on May 30, arrested five suspected pipeline vandals with hundreds of 25 litres jerry cans laden with stolen Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and handed them over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The suspects, Agbotou Firmin, Sohe Soule, Gbenou Daniel, Dosspu Vigor and Sodohe Olivier, were handed over to NSCDC Lagos Commandant, Tajudeen Balogun, alongside one Yamaha 40HP outboard engine, one wooden boat and several recovered products. They were reportedly nabbed along Badagry Creeks in Tongeji Island by naval personnel while conveying the suspected stolen products on a wooden boat towards Benin Republic.

Navy Arrests 3 for Vandalism in Niger Delta

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy (NN) have arrested 3 persons in connection with series of maritime crimes and vandalism of oil facilities in the Niger Delta. The suspects, all northerners, are still undergoing investigation and would be handed over to the prosecuting authorities for further action. A navy patrol team deployed from NNS DELTA, May 26, destroyed a large illegal refinery with storage tanks containing stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at Ayakurumo Community in Burutu LGA, in Delta State. Also the patrol team recovered 3 pumping machine and a cotonou boat carrying 80 drums of illegally refined AGO measuring 300 litres each.

Many Feared Killed as Gunmen Ambush Soldiers in Warri

Two soldiers and six civilians were reportedly killed in attack on soldiers’ houseboat around a creek close to Omadino/Idjere junction in Warri South LGA of Delta State on June 1. The attackers reportedly struck when some of the soldiers deployed to safe-guard oil facilities had gone on routine patrol. The houseboat is operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). The gunmen, it was gathered stormed the location with two speedboats and sank the houseboat after their operation. Although, no militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but security sources believe it was carried out by the Niger Delta Avengers. However, the Niger Delta Avengers have denied involvement in the attack, saying that they were not killers.

Terrorism

Five Die in Borno Explosion

A soldier and four other civilians, May 29, died in Biu, Borno State after a landmine, suspected to have been planted by the Boko Haram terrorist sect, exploded near a military checkpoint along the Damboa-Biu Road. The Acting Army Director of Information, Col. Sani Usman, who confirmed the incident, explained that an Improvised Explosives Device (IED) exploded after a tricycle, popularly called Keke Marwa, drove on mines by the side of the road. Usman said while four persons died in the explosion, the soldier, who was injured in the blast later died in the hospital.

NSCDC Uncovers Bomb Factories in Borno

The Borno State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), May 29, discovered two bomb-making factories in Dikwa. The NSCDC State Commandant, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who confirmed this, said that the factories were discovered during a patrol by men of the command in collaboration with the troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army. According to him, the NSCDC had deployed its personnel in Dikwa and are working with the military in an effort to comply with the directives of the Ministerial Committee on Resettlement of Liberated Towns. He added that the IEDs have since been neutralised by experts.

Troops Ambush, Kill Boko Haram Members, Recover Arms

Troops of the 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion, May 27, ambushed Boko Haram terrorists believed to be on a mission to supply weapons and sex-enhancing drugs to their comrades outside Sambisa forest. The successful ambush led to the death of two insurgents and the recovery of four AK47 rifles and several rounds of ammunition as well as some quantity of Viagra. The Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, confirmed this, stating that the troops acted on information that the terrorists had a crossing point across Maiduguri-Bulabulin-Damboa Road.

Troops Kill Three Boko Haram Terrorists, Arrest One in an Ambush

The troops of 202 Battalion of 21 Brigade in Operation Lafiya Dole, June 2, ambushed some Boko Haram elements killing three and arresting one of the terrorists at Sabsawa-Boarding road and BOCOBS-Ngurusoye. The captured Boko Haram terrorist, Umar Mustapha, who claimed to have come from Sabsawa, has been handed over to the Brigade Headquarters for further interrogation and processing. The Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, said the troops have continued with their clearance operations of the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists within the Sambisa forest. Usman added that troops of 112 Battalion on patrol from Mafa to Dikwa were ambushed at Ajiri village, by Boko Haram terrorists. He said though they successfully cleared the ambush, one soldier died in the process, while an officer and three soldiers sustained various degrees of injury.

Boko Haram Razes Five Borno Villages

The Boko Haram terrorists, May 24, attacked and razed five villages in Jere LGA, close to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. The terrorists were alleged to have killed 11 persons in the late night attack. A member of the youth vigilante group disclosed that the terrorists attacked the villages of Gurkolle I, Gurkolle II, Jajeri and Jatori (in Jere LGA) and Ladi Mbutaye (in Mafa LGA). The vigilante said the insurgents wanted to advance further but for the intervention of men of the youth vigilante group and soldiers, who pushed them back.

Troops Trail Fleeing Boko Haram to Taraba

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, June 1, said the Army was on the trail of Boko Haram terrorists who fled Sambisa and were hiding in Taraba State. He said the Army had strong reasons to believe that some of the terrorists that fled Sambisa were taking refuge in parts of Taraba. The Army boss then urged Nigerians to support the military to finally clear the remaining hideouts of the insurgents in the region. He said timely sharing of information on the movement of suspicious persons would go a long way in containing the insurgents. He assured citizens of Taraba and the North East in general of the military’s determination to finally end the menace of insurgency in the region.

77 Boko Haram Terrorists Surrender as Troops Rescue 245

The Nigerian Army, June 1, said that troops prosecuting the war against terrorism in the North East recorded a breakthrough as 77 members of the Boko Haram terrorist sect surrendered to soldiers of the 122 Task Force Battalion. This is as the military rescued 245 captives taken hostages by the terrorists. Scores of the terrorists were also killed in the clearance operations. Acting Director of Army Public relations, Col. Sani Usman said that the troops equally recovered weapons and equipment. According to him, the troops of 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion, 25 Task Force Brigade, on May 30, received 79 persons who claimed to have been kept captives by Boko Haram terrorists at Ngwalimiri village but escaped at their location.

Political/Government Agencies

DSS Nabs Deadly Cult Gang Involved in Beheading ABSU Students

Four suspected cultists, who allegedly killed three students of the Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) with two of the victims beheaded on March 12, have been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The suspects were, June 2, paraded by the state Director of DSS, Korede Kamoju, who said that they were members of the Burkina Faso cult group that beheaded Ebuka Nwaigbo and Samuel Ethelbert Chuka, who were members of the rival Maphite cult group. Their severed heads were used to mount goal posts in the lawn outside the university gate. The third victim and member of the Vikings cult group, Isaac Chigozirim, who was shot and wounded in the operation, later died in the hospital on March 18.

Murder/Assassinations

Igbo Woman Mobbed to Death in Kano for Alleged Blasphemy

A 45-year-old woman was, June 2, mobbed and killed at Kofar Wambai Market in Kano, by an irate mob, who accused her of blaspheming Prophet Mohammed. The victim, who was said to be from the South-East, was attacked by an angry mob that claimed she blasphemed Prophet Mohammed during a religious argument with some traders in the market. The deceased was in the company of her husband when she was murdered. Eyewitnesses said that the woman’s throat was slit with a knife. The Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Magaji, confirmed the incident. Magaji added that the timely intervention of the police operatives prevented the mob from killing the deceased’s husband. The PPRO said that the remains of the woman had been deposited in the morgue of a hospital while the police had started investigation into the incident.

Man Slits Wife’s Throat, Poisons Self

A 49-year-old man, Jafaru Sougie, May 27, killed his wife of 26 years. The suspect was said to have poisoned himself thereafter and was vomiting in the bathroom when one of his sons woke up to the heinous crime. Jafaru had reportedly slit the wife’s throat with a knife around 2am but she was discovered dead at 4am by his son and his aunt, who raised the alarm. The man was reportedly rescued from a mob by the policemen and was rushed to a hospital while the wife’s corpse was deposited in a morgue. The deceased, Roseline (46) was said to be the breadwinner of the family as the killer husband was jobless. Jafaru is reported to have serially assaulted Roseline on the grounds of infidelity. He reportedly beat the mother of five children for collecting gifts from her relatives for the upkeep of the family. Deputy spokesperson, Damasus Ozoani, said the suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Gunmen Kill Two Policemen in Aba

Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers shot and killed two policemen in Aba, Abia State. The incident occurred as the suspected kidnappers attempted to escape with a businessman they had abducted in the city. Police Area Commander, Peter Wagbara, promptly mobilised his men to block all escape routes after receiving report on the abduction of the business man. But on sighting the Police team, the gunmen opened fire killing two officers before they made their successful escape. However, the gunmen, afraid that the Police had closed in on them, abandoned the kidnapped businessman and his SUV. Police Public Relations Officer, Ezekiel Onyeke, who confirmed the death of the two police officers and the rescue of the businessman, disclosed that the police have launched efforts to track the fleeing gangsters.

Gunmen Invade, Kill 8 in Rivers Community

Gunmen, May 28, stormed Ozochi community in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State and killed eight persons, including the oldest man in the community. The gunmen were said to have shot sporadically as they made their way into the community. Houses, shops and other property were destroyed by the gunmen. The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ahoada East LGA, Britain Ewor, confirmed the incident, maintaining that any person found to be involved in the killings would be dealt with according to the law. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed the incident, saying that the State Commissioner of Police had deployed a team of armed mobile policemen in the area to forestall further attack. Muhammad explained that investigation had commenced with a view to fishing out those behind the act.

7 Killed as Pro-Biafran Rally Turns Violent in Asaba

Seven persons were killed following protest by members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), in Asaba, Delta State on May 30. The Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Charles Muka, who confirmed this, added that the police recorded two casualties. He said that five members of MASSOB were killed by military officers who had confrontations with the group along the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway in Asaba. According to him, the police had deployed men to ensure that the protest was peaceful, but the protesters turned violent and attacked the policemen. It was learnt that over 2,000 members of the two pro-Biafra groups had gathered along Anwai Road as part of the Biafra Heroes’ Day rally. The rally was, however, said to have been hijacked by some hoodlums who allegedly molested innocent citizens on the road, prompting the intervention of security agents.

Gunmen Kill Six in Rivers Community

Six suspected cultists were, May 29, killed in Ibaa community in Emohua LGA of Rivers State by suspected cultists. Gunmen suspected to be members of Greenlanders cult had invaded the community following a clash for supremacy in the area. The attack was feared to be a reprisal against rival cult, the Icelanders. The killers reportedly moved from house to house in search of members of the Icelanders. Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed the incident, describing it as a cult clash for supremacy. Muhammad said that three casualties were recorded, adding that normalcy had been restored as a result of a swift response by the police.

Several Killed as Soldiers and Pro-Biafran Activists Clash in Onitsha

Several persons, including a soldier, were allegedly killed during a clash between soldiers and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Onitsha, Anambra State on May 30. The clash occurred during celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the defunct Republic of Biafra. The late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu had declared the Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1966. The anniversary celebration turned bloody when soldiers of the 312 Artillery Brigade confronted the IPOB members, who had blocked major streets. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Alli Okechukwu, confirmed the incident, but declined to give details about the lives lost.

Rape

5 Men Gang Rape 10-Year-Old Girl in Owerri

Three men were almost killed by an angry mob at the Relief Market, Egbu Road in Owerri, Imo State for gang raping a 10-year-old girl. Two others escaped. The accused, two men from Benue State and an Igbo man, reportedly lured the girl, a sachet water seller, to a lonely part of the market where she was locked up in one of the shops before they serially raped her until she became unconscious. An elder in the market, Paschal Nwoko, disclosed that the girl was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention, as soon as she was rescued. The mob tore their clothes to shreds and beat them, before they were handed over to the police for further investigation. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the arrest of the suspects adding that two out of the five suspects had escaped.

Police Arrest Man for Marrying 12-Year-Old

The police in Lagos State have arrested a 37-year-old man, Michael Ugwu, for taking a 12-year-old orphan as a wife. The girl was given out in marriage by her grandfather, identified as Abada, a native doctor in Enugu State. Ugwu had gone to the Police to report that his wife ran away from home and had since been missing. The police found the girl, through the help of one of his neighbours, and they discovered that he had married a minor. Ugwu was then detained. Ugwu disclosed that the girl’s grandfather willingly gave her out to him in marriage at their hometown in Enugu State in January 2016. The girl reportedly ran to stay with a woman, a petty trader as she could not bear to stay married to the man.

Friends Stab, Rape Woman

Two young men, Desmond Quadri (24) and Richard Orji (25), have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly raping a woman in the Ajah area. The suspects, who had attended a party, had gone into the bush to defecate, when they spotted the woman alone in her room. They reportedly sneaked into the compound, stabbed the 32-year-old and took turns to rape her, before taking her phones, Ipad, perfumes and other personal effects. Residents were said to have taken her to the hospital and reported to the Police. The suspected rapists were said to have been caught after selling the victim’s phones. The buyer led the police to the suspects. They did not deny the crime. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni, June 1, said the victim was in the hospital, adding that she was responding to treatment.

Police Parade Suspected Rapists

Lagos State Police command, May 31, paraded rapists and other criminals at the police headquarters in GRA, Ikeja. The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who paraded the suspects, lauded members of the public for their improved trust and confidence in furnishing the police with information that led to crime busting at different areas of the metropolis. According to Owoseni, one Kingsley Okeke was arrested for defiling a 10-year-old girl on May 23. In another development, one Moruf Mohammed allegedly defiled a seven-year-old girl at Ikorodu. The traumatized victims were being attended to at Mirabel Medical Centre, Ikeja.

Police Nab 70-Year-Old for Defiling 8-Year-Old Girl

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a seventy-year old man, Akinlolu Ogunlade, for allegedly kidnapping and turning an eight-year old girl to a sex slave. The police spokesman, Kunle Ajisebutu, who confirmed the incident, said investigation had commenced into the matter. The victim, while explaining her ordeal in the hands of the 70-year-old man, said she was kidnapped by the septuagenarian when she was coming from a vigil about three weeks back. She stated that the man harboured her in his place of work and daily defiled her. Mother of the victim, Modinat Oladejo, explained that she had taken several measures to search for her daughter without any result. The suspect, Akinlolu Ogunlade, explained that he only harboured her for 21 days when she said her parents had travelled.

13-Year-Old Defiles Neighbour’s Five-Year-Old Girl

A Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, June 2, remanded a 13-year-old boy at the Oregun Children’s Correctional Centre, over alleged defilement of a neighbour’s five-year-old daughter. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.F. Adeeyo, directed the prosecution to forward the case file to the Office of the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice. Adeeyo also granted the accused a N400,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till July 7 for mention. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Ibijoke Akinpelu, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 30 after the victim’s mother asked a neighbour to help watch the minor while she played outside. According to her, the teenager, who lives in the same compound, carried her into his parents’ apartment where he was caught defiling the minor.

52-Year-Old Man Rapes 7-Year-Old Daughter of Prophetess

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 52-year-old man, Moruf Mohammed, for raping a 7-year-old girl in her parent’s apartment on May 25.  It was learned that the suspect raped the victim when her mother went to the market. The bubble burst when the girl’s mother, a prophetess, returned from the market and found the girl bleeding, with her school uniform blood stained. The victim told her mother that revealed that one of the mother’s clients, who had come to see the mother, used his hands to cover her mouth and raped her. The suspect, who initially said he did not know what came over him, and that it was the work of the devil, later denied the allegation at the Police Command, Ikeja.

Pastor Arrested for Defiling 24 Children in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command said they have arrested an Anglican Church pastor, Paul Morah, for allegedly defiling over 24 male children in Enyibichiri community in Ikwo LGA. It was alleged that he used diabolical handkerchief to lure some of the children especially those who tried to resist him. The state Police Public Relations Officer, George Okafor, confirmed the development, adding that it was still under investigation. The coordinator of Ikwo East Development Centre, Chinedu Ogbuoji, described the incident as pathetic. Ogbuoji revealed that the suspect had confessed that he spent only three weeks in the church before he was suspended by the Anglican Church in Enyibichiri community.

Others

Four Killed as Religious Erupts Violence in Niger State

The 31 Artillery Brigade of the Nigeria Army, Minna, May 31, said the religious violence, which claimed four lives in Rafi LGA of Niger on May 29, had been brought under control. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Officer, Major Njideka Agwu, said the army, police and the NSCDC had restored peace in the area. She confirmed that one Methodus Emmanuel, a trader based in Padongari, was killed on May 29 by a mob over allegations of blasphemy. Three other persons, including personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps also lost their lives. According to her, troops of the 31 Artillery Brigade of 1 Division, Nigeria Army, quickly intervened and restored law and order while a dusk-to-dawn curfew was imposed on the town. Agwu also said that a religious house, a house and a shop were burnt while 25 other shops were looted following the violence. The spokesperson said that the army had made some arrests in connection with the incident, adding that the suspects had been handed over to the police.

Enugu Police Arrest 13 Pro-Biafra Agitators

The Enugu State Police Command says it arrested 13 persons believed to be members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Biafra Independent Movement (BIM) on May 30. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, said the 13 persons were rounded up based on intelligence/information gathered on them. The suspects had converged with flags and T-shirts with different inscriptions portraying MASSOB/BIM at Edinburgh axis of Ogui road to commence a protest march before the security operatives closed arrested them. The police had earlier warned against protest to be carried out by any group of persons under any aegis, maintaining that no form of lawlessness would be entertained from any individual or group of persons causing breakdown of law.

Police Arrest 21 MASSOB Members in Imo

No fewer than 21 members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra were, May 30, arrested operatives of the Imo State Police Command. The Police spokesman, Andrew Enwerem, said that the MASSOB members were arrested for causing public disorder. He said that though their protest was peaceful, they failed to inform the police before taking to the streets, and that the protest might cause public disturbance. He, however, urged the people of the state to stay calm and go about their business, assuring them that the police would maintain law and order. A MASSOB member, who gave his name as Victor Emeabian, said that those arrested did not disturb the peace.

Review/Analysis

Activities of kidnap gangs, which appeared to have been reduced recently, saw a sharp increase this week. However, the tenacity of law enforcement agents and increased vigilance of Nigerians ensured the arrest and rescue of most of the victims. The young and old, political class and even an expatriate worker were victims to these gangs. These incidents were witness across the geo-political regions of the country.

The high prevalence of rape, especially of minors is alarming. Rapists are now unleashing their terror on unsuspecting children of their neighbours and even those entrusted to their care. These incidents are fearfully covered up and continue over a period of time as these children are threatened to submission and silence. Very sad is the case of a 10-year-old girl that was gang raped almost to death by 5 adult men in the market. The police continue to arrest suspects. These sad incidents were mostly recorded in the south-west with pockets recorded in the south-east.

Murder/assassination incident that hitherto maintained top spot on the crime index, dropped this week as the authorities work tirelessly to prevent wanton killings. The law enforcement agents were not spared as two policemen were shot dead by fleeing kidnappers. Invasion of communities by suspected cultists appear to be the order of the day in Rivers State as these gangs go after their rivals killing and hacking each other to death. In a gory incident, a man poisoned his wife and slit her throat in the dead of the night. As pro-Biafra supporters marked the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian civil war in the south-east, deaths were recorded following clashes with security operatives.

The Nigerian military continues its offensives against the activities of Boko Haram insurgents. While the activities of the terrorists have been drastically reduced, flash attacks continue as fleeing terrorist attack communities on their escape routes, continuing their reign of terror. Many terrorist enclaves were cleared, while hostages were rescued. Troops continue to kill the insurgents in their numbers, while a number of the insurgents are reported to have surrendered to the military.

The activities of a new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, have greatly affected oil production in Nigeria as they are unrelenting in the bombing of oil facilities. The military, in a bid to quell the resurging attacks, have deployed troops in the region. Sadly, some of the troops were ambushed and killed by yet-to-be identified persons. Vandals and oil thieves also continue to wreak havoc on oil pipelines. The authorities made some arrests in the hope of reducing oil theft and vandalism.

The authorities maintain the call on the public to support the efforts to reduce crime by making prompt report to the authorities on suspicious activities. Let us work together to build a crime free society.