Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 37

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnappers of Australians Arrested

The Department of State Services, September 4, said it had arrested a man allegedly behind the abduction of seven contractors in Cross River State. Three Australian contractors working for Lafarge Cement Company near Calabar were kidnapped in June along with two Nigerians, a Zealander and a South African. Their Nigerian driver was killed in the attack and a fourth Australian escaped. The kidnapped men were later released with Nigerian police saying at the time that no ransom was paid. The suspect, Samuel Asuquo, was arrested on August 22, at Nasarawa Bakoko village in Cross River State. Asuquo was the mastermind of the kidnap of three Australian staff of Lafarge Cement Company, for which his gang received ransom of 150 million naira ($476,000/426,000 euros).

Gunmen Abduct School Teacher in Rivers

Unidentified gunmen, September 1, kidnapped one Amarachi Okereke at Rumuji community in Emohua LGA of Rivers State. The victim, who is a teacher, was abducted by the unknown gunmen at her home in Rumuji community. A community source added that contact had not been established with the abductors, as they called on the security operatives to wade into the situation. In another incident, gunmen kidnapped a yet-to-be identified man around Rumuolumeni community in Obio/Akpor LGA of the state. It was gathered that the man was kidnapped on his way to work and taken to a nearby river leaving his car behind. An eye witness disclosed that the kidnappers stormed the Aka junction shooting sporadically before taking their target away.

Fourteen Oil Workers Kidnapped in Omoku

Fourteen Oil workers were, September 2, kidnapped around the Omoku-Elele link road in Rivers State. It was reported that the bus which was carrying the company’s workers was accosted and diverted to an unknown destination under heavy gunfire by the bandits. The victims had gone to work at Omoku area and were returning to their base in Port Harcourt when the incident occurred. Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the development, adding that the police were on top of the situation. He assured that the police would rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.

Teenagers Arrested for Kidnapping Expatriates

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four teenagers for alleged involvement in the abduction of two expatriates in the Epe and Igando areas of the state. Four suspects -Michael Loko (19), Oluwatomi Obosi (19), Francis Cyprian (19) and Olatoye Semiu (18) - were nabbed by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, on August 30. The suspects were also alleged to be involved in pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Isawo, Ikorodu area of the state. It was gathered that two expatriates had been allegedly abducted in the Epe and Igando areas of the state at different times in July, after which undisclosed ransoms were paid before their release. The police added that Loko was the leader of the gang. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who paraded the gang members on September 3, said the command would not tolerate acts of criminalities.

Woman Abducts Two Siblings in Lagos Market

A middle-aged woman was, September 3, mobbed at Ojuwoye Market, in the Mushin area of Lagos State for allegedly kidnapping two siblings. It was learnt that the mother of the children, Modinat, a trader in the market, had laid the children, identified as Hammed Rasheed (6) and Farida Raheed (2), on the floor. She was reportedly attending to a customer when the suspect took them away. A resident, who knew the mother of the children, challenged the suspect and raised the alarm when she could not give a satisfactory response. A mob gathered and rescued the children before beating her to a pulp before she was rescued by the police. A witness, Saheed Bayedun, disclosed that the suspect confessed that there were six of them recruited to kidnap 8 children each. She said she had already abducted six children and was about getting the remaining two when she was caught. The Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident.

Police Smash Kidnapping Gang

The Lagos State Police Command have arrested the leader of a kidnapping cartel whose gang has been terrorizing residents. One of the suspect, 42-years-old Peretu Governor, is described as the most wanted kidnapper in Lagos State. He was allegedly arrested by policemen from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) based on a tip-off. The suspect is also said to be involved in pipeline vandalism and armed robbery. He is also involved in hired killings and has been contracted by several gangs to settle private and business scores along the creek. Items recovered from him include AK47 rifles, various military uniforms, and ammunition. All the items were allegedly recovered from the suspects’ church located along the creeks at Akesan area of Igando. Parading the suspect alongside 15 others, the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, September 2, said the suspect who claimed to be a Pastor is also the gang armourer.

Gunmen Abduct Two Housekeepers in Lagos Estate

Gunmen, September 5, launched another attack on New Haven Estate in the Igbelaju area of Iba, Lagos State during which two housekeepers were abducted. It was gathered that the attackers had wanted to abduct a landlord, who, however, escaped. The gunmen reportedly took away his two housekeepers. The estate has recently come under incessant attacks by gunmen, who attack and kidnap the landlords. It had been reported that two of the landlords were abducted on August 29. The gunmen had earlier abducted a woman, identified only as Mrs. Nwaochei, from her residence. Nwaochei regained her freedom after her family members paid an undisclosed sum of money as ransom. The whereabouts of the other landlords remain unknown.

Gunmen Abduct Dean’s Son, Shoot Lecturer, Wife

A student of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and son of a dean has been kidnapped while two other persons received gunshot wounds following the invasion of the institution’s staff quarters by kidnappers. The university’s information officer, Effiong Eyo, made the disclosure on September 9. The student, Onyebuchi Okwueze, was reportedly kidnapped by gunmen on September 8. The gunmen reportedly broke into his house of the Dean of the Graduate School, Professor Emeka Okwueze, and made away with his plasma television and his 24-year old son, who was the only one at home at the time of the attack. The gunmen also inflicted injuries on a lecturer and his wife who were driving in and got caught up in the attack.

Kidnapped Catholic Priest Regains Freedom

A Catholic priest, Reverend Father Paul Irikefe, who was abducted by unknown gunmen along the Benin bypass on September 5, has been released. The priest regained freedom on September 7. Irikefe, a lecturer with Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Major Seminary in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, was kidnapped at Benin bye-pass in Edo State while on his way to attend the funeral of his colleague. It was however gathered that the priest had reunited with the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Bishop John Okeoghene Afareha. The acting Administrator, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Catholic Diocese of Warri, Reverend Father Benedict Ukutegbe, confirmed the release of his colleague.

Ogun Police Rescue Two Abducted Chinese Nationals, Woman

The Ogun State Police Command have rescued two Chinese nationals identified as Shen Ximing and Wei Futang, who were kidnapped by gunmen while working at a quarry site in Odeda LGA of the state. In a similar incident, a 31-year-old woman, identified as Olabimpe Tejumola, who had earlier been kidnapped at Mowe in the Obafemi-Owode LGA of the state was also rescued. The acting Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, while confirming the incident, said that all the three victims were rescued unhurt. The expatriates were abducted on September 1 by gunmen, who later abandoned them after a shootout with the police at their hideout. The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, has appealed to citizens to stop encouraging the kidnappers by paying ransom.

2 Killed in Imo as Troops Clear Kidnappers Den in Imo State

Troops of the Nigerian army have killed two suspected kidnap kingpins that have been terrorizing the South-East. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman, September 9, said the kidnappers met their waterloo when troops carried out a clearance of their camps in Imo State. He disclosed that troops of 34 Field Artillery Brigade involved in field training exercise of Operation Crocodile Smile conducted raids on 2 major kidnappers camps belonging to “De-Well” and “De-Gbam” cult groups in Umoubi and Umudike forests, both in Ohaji Egbema LGA of Imo State on September 8, killing one Chigozie, a notorious kingpin, while another member was later discovered dead in the forest. Some others escaped with gunshot wounds. The troops also recovered a number of military uniforms and mobile telephones and other household items before destroying the camps to prevent the cultists regrouping in the area.

Police Arrest 6 Human Trafficking Syndicate, Rescue 12 Kids in Delta

Police detectives attached to the Delta State Police Command, September 8, arrested six human trafficking syndicate, who had been operating in Asaba and Okpanam communities, and rescued 12 out of the 15 children unharmed. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, said three others were on the run, adding that the suspects, who were detained at the Police State CID, were currently helping the police with further investigation. She said that the leader of the syndicates, “Madam Cash” had been operating under cover in a restaurant around Umuaji Quarters in Asaba where she would often hoodwink unsuspecting parents of the kids to do business with her before she ferries them out of the state.

Robbery

Police Arrest Two Robbery Suspects Who Switch-Off Generators to Lure Victims

The Police in Lagos have arrested two suspects who specialise in switching off power generating sets at midnight to gain easy entry into apartments when the owners come out to inspect the cause of power cut. The suspects confessed to being responsible for series of operations around Ikorodu area of the state. One of them, Isaac Ogbonna, blamed his resort to crime on his inability to raise money for his ailing sister’s medical bill.

Adamawa Police Smashes Robbery Gang

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested the five members of a robbery gang that had been terrorising the people of Adamawa and Taraba states. According to the Adamawa State Police Spokesman, Othman Abubakar, the five suspects, and their compliances now at large, were alleged to have robbed one Umaru Fali, of his car and cash. He added that the same syndicate also robbed one Bapetel Pariya of German Hospital, Yola, in his house making away with his car on August 14. He added that they were all charged to court and expressed surprise that while four were still in detention, one of them, said to have political connections, was walking freely on the streets.

Governor’s Convoy Foils Robbery Operation on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

The convoy of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, September 1, saved several motorists from being robbed by armed robbers dressed in Police uniforms, who struck at the Long Bridge on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The bandits had reportedly blocked the expressway forcing motorists to a halt in an attempt to carry out their act. However, the convoy of the governor which was close to the scene at that moment, engaged the robbers in a fire fight which eventually saved the day.

Suspect Robs Lekki Residents with Toy Gun

The police in Lagos State have arrested a 22-year-old armed robbery suspect, Moses Akpan. The police recovered a toy gun from the suspect after his arrest on September 1. The suspect had allegedly gone to rob on Oniru Market Road and was said to have dispossessed some residents of their valuables. Operatives of the Maroko division were said to have trailed the suspect and arrested him in his house. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Akpan’s arrest. The suspect has also confessed to the use of a toy gun for robbery.

Suspect Nabbed after Attack on Octogenarian in Lagos

A member of a two-man robbery gang arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly robbing an 81-year-old lady in her apartment has confessed to the crime. The suspect, Segun Taiwo, was apprehended after he and his ringleader, an herbalist that is still at large, had successfully dispossessed the octogenarian of her cash and valuables at her residence on September 3. Taiwo disclosed that the herbalist, simply identified as Demola, had invited him to join the operation. The herbalist was treating one of the woman’s daughters and had used the girl to get information on the woman. According to the suspect, the old woman cooperated with them and handed over a bag filled with both Nigeria and foreign currencies. But as they left, the woman raised the alarm and the RRS operatives, who were patrolling the area, chased and arrested him, while the herbalist escaped.

Police Arrest Receiver of Stolen Vehicle

A member of a syndicate of stolen goods receivers, Abdulrahman Hassan, September 2, disclosed how the vehicle belonging to Sierra Leonian Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Major General Alfred Claude-Nelson, was sold to a buyer from Niger Republic for N1.6m. The envoy was kidnapped in July on his way to Kaduna but was released few days later without his car being recovered. One of the suspects, Abdulrahman Hassan (42), who made the disclosure, was arrested alongside three other members of the syndicate which had received over 100 stolen vehicles from notorious gangs of armed robbers and kidnappers terrorizing the North Western part of the country. The other suspects were identified as Abubakar Datti (45), Aminu Adamu Yakasai (49) and Shuaibu Yahaya (48). They were all rounded up by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Team (IRT) at various hideouts in Kano State.

Notorious Armed Robbery Gang Arrested after Killing Security Guard

An eight-man armed robbery gang that specialises in breaking into warehouses has been arrested by the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the Zone 2 Command, Lagos. The suspects, who shot and killed a night guard at Amuwo-Odofin during one of their operations, were picked up at different locations in Lagos State. Spokesman of the Zone 2, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the suspects were arrested on August 23 following a tip-off. During police interrogation and investigation, additional four members of the gang were arrested, out of which two of them are receivers of stolen goods.

Suspected Robbers Arrested after Auto Accident

Two suspected robbers –Sunday Isiaka and Tunde Segun– have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command after they attacked a lady at Victoria Island. It was learnt that the suspects had waylaid the woman on September 6, snatching her handbag before they fled on a motorcycle. Nemesis caught up with the robbers a few minutes later when the motorcycle had a collision with a commercial bus. The suspects reportedly fell down from the motorcycle, leading to their arrest. Segun, who also claimed to be a commercial bus driver, confessed that the robbery of the woman was their third operation. But Isiaka, who rode the motorcycle, denied knowing Segun, claiming that he only brought him to the area on his motorcycle. The Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the suspects would be charged to court at the end of investigation.

Gang Incidents

Police Nab Cultists on Killing Spree in Anniversary Celebration

Six suspected members of Aye and Eiye cult groups that have been terrorising Imoren area of Ikorodu, Lagos, have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command. Arrested alongside the suspects was a 58-year-old herbalist, Muritala Ige, who said he usually prepares protection charms for cultists. The State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, disclosed that the suspects were among 30 others arrested from different parts of the state in one week. He added that their arrest was effected following the confessional statement by leader of the Eiye confraternity group in Ikorodu, popularly known as J-Pron, a week earlier. One of the suspects confessed that he was among those who attacked members of the Eiye group while they were celebrating their anniversary in Ikorodu, killing two persons.

Armed Youths in Rivers in Exchange of Gunfire with Soldiers

Some armed youths of Odiemerenyi community, Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State ambushed and attacked a team of Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, TEPNG, who went on a Joint Inspection Visit, JIV, to assess the level of damage and seal a recent spill site. The attack came after officials of the company rebuffed their demand of N5 million. The youths purportedly went wild and exchanged gunfire with soldiers attached to the team. The spill reportedly polluted the Amashell stream, the major source of drinking water to the people, and also destroyed farmlands and aquatic lives in the community. When the soldiers overpowered them, the youths ran into the community.  However, the soldiers took the battle to the community, razing down the house, which they alleged some of the boys ran into and beating up several persons.

4 Undergraduates Docked over Alleged Cultism

Four undergraduates of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), were, September 7, remanded in prison custody over their alleged involvement in cultism. The undergraduates -Raheem Yusuf (21), Adedoyin Abraham (24), Olanrewaju Idowu (36) and Safraini Peters (24) - were docked before Magistrate A.Okubule of an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos. The prosecutor, Adebayo Oladele, told the court that the suspects, who are members of an unlawful society, had on August 4, conspired among themselves to commit an offence likely to cause breach of public peace. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. Magistrate Okubule granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N200,000 each with two sureties each in like sum. The court ordered that the four be remanded in prison’s custody, pending the perfection of their bail conditions and adjourned the matter till September 26 for trial.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests Pilgrim at Abuja Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a female pilgrim, Basira Iyabo Binuyo (55), who was on her way to Medina, Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Muslim pilgrimage. Iyabo tested positive to narcotic ingestion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja. NDLEA said she was immediately placed under observation. The agency said Binuyo had so far excreted 76 pellets of substances found to be cocaine. NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, Hamisu Lawan, September 3, said that the female suspect was still under observation until she expelled all the ingested pellets of drugs.

NDLEA Intercepts Man with Cocaine at MMIA

Operatives of The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtalla Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, officials also intercepted a 37-year old father of three children for inserting seven wraps of cocaine weighing 355 grammes inside his anus. Both suspects were going to Saudi and China where drug trafficking is punishable by death. Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah, September 3, expressed satisfaction with the arrest.

NAFDAC Raises the Alarm over Influx of Fake Malaria Drugs

The National Agency for Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), September 5, raised the alarm over the influx of fake, adulterated and sub-standard malaria drugs in open markets across the country. The Head of Reform Unit of NAFDAC, Barr Ozo-Onyali Ikenna, who raised the alarm, said the agency has stepped up her enforcement activities to curtail the menace before it degenerates to an unmanageable level. He added that so many arrests and prosecution of importers and manufacturers of fake and substandard drugs are on-going, noting that it would remain a regular process in order to stamp out the illicit business.

NDLEA Seizes N6m Cannabis in Kogi

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said it intercepted a vehicle and 35 sacks of Cannabis Sativa otherwise known as Indian hemp, weighing 1,244.4 kilogrammes in Okene, Kogi State. Commander of the agency in the state, Idris Bello, September 8, said that one suspect, Stanley Duru (40), who claimed to be a passenger in the vehicle, was arrested in connection with the seizure. He said that the vehicle was intercepted with the illicit drug neatly concealed in the sacks. The sacks were hidden from sight with cartons of assorted biscuits, cheese balls, plastic take-away plates and bags of toilet tissues, with detergent powder sprayed on them to muffle the weed’s smell. Bello explained that the bus was abandoned by its driver, who escaped on spotting men of the command on patrol. The commander also said another suspect was arrested with 500 grammes of Diazepam and 200 grammes each of Exol-5 and cannabis sativa on September 6.

Militancy/Maritime

Army Confiscates Gunboats from Bakassi Militants

The Nigerian army has announced that its officers and men have confiscated gunboats from militants operating in the Bakassi area of Cross River state. The Commander of 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Bulama Biu, September 5, said the gunboats are suspected to have been procured by a militant group. The Bakassi Strike Force (BSF), which has been operating in the area, displayed its war arsenal and called on the federal government to include its members in the nation’s amnesty programme. Biu spoke during the flag-off of medical and humanitarian outreaches on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff to mark the impending launch of Operation Crocodile Smile in the state. He stated that the confiscation of the gunboats by the Nigerian Army was a clear indication that the militants or other criminal gangs were not in control of any part of the state.

JTF Busts Illegal Oil Bunkering Syndicate

Operatives of Sector One of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Effurun, Delta State have busted an illegal oil bunkering syndicate and seized 310,000 litres of illegally refined diesel estimated at over N52.5 million. Twelve suspects were arrested in connection with the crime while seven loaded tankers were impounded. Commander, Sector One of the JTF, Colonel Alhassan Grema, disclosed this on September 3 while handing over the suspects and the tankers to the officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigations and prosecution. Grema promised to frustrate the operations of criminals in the waterways, creeks and on land.

Troops Nab Wanted Niger Delta Militants

The troops of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested a suspected pipeline vandal, Gabriel Ogbudje. Ogbudje is said to be the leader of the “Otugas Fire Force”, a militant group threatening to attack Utorogu Gas Plant in Delta State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, September 7, alleged that the suspect was responsible for the recent act of economic sabotage perpetrated on NPDC/Shoreline major delivery trunk line within Ogo-Oteri general area in August. He said that the suspected militant was trailed and arrested by troops along Agbor-Abraka road on September 6. He noted that the suspect has been on the run since he was declared wanted because of his public declaration as the leader of the militant group, “Otugas Fire Force”. Gabriel was arrested along with his accomplice, Elvis Dweller Ejus.

Military Destroys 74 Illegal Refineries in 2 Days

The Nigerian military has destroyed illegal refineries as well as kidnappers’ camps in Bayelsa, Rivers and Imo States in the Niger Delta region of the country. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, September 9, said the troops of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army conducting a field exercise code-named “Operation Crocodile Smile” had within the last 48 hours discovered and destroyed 74 illegal refineries. He said the troops also destroyed a number militants’ and kidnappers’ camps in various parts of Rivers and Bayelsa States.

Soldiers, Police Repel Attempt to Invade Lagos Waterways by Militants

Pipeline vandals have again regrouped and attempted to invade some areas in Lagos. This comes less than a month after they were dislodged in Ogun and Lagos creeks by the military. The vandals were said to have attempted to storm areas like Igando, Iba, FESTAC Town and Monkey village through the waterways, simultaneously, but they were repelled by the superior fire power of the police and operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF), comprising operatives of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force. The State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, September 8, said the command was able to avert what would have been a major disaster as it repelled vandals. According to him, the command received an information that some criminal elements were operating between Iba, FESTAC and stretching to Monkey village in Kirikiri and had strengthened its hold in the area to ensure that the criminals do not come out again to wreak havoc in the area.

Terrorism

DSS Arrests Boko Haram IED Specialist in Kano

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested high profile Boko Haram members, including an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) specialist in Kano. The DSS Spokesman, Tony Opuiyo, September 4, said that as part of its commitment towards improving security across the country, the DSS had sustained tactical and counter-terrorism operations, which had yielded major successes with the arrest of terrorists and other criminals across the country. He disclosed that the DSS in collaboration with the military, carried out coordinated operations in the state which led to the arrests of two high profile members of the sect -Ibrahim Ustaz Abubakar and Idris Audu. According to him, Audu is an IED specialist, who was being groomed to penetrate security agencies in the country.

Wanted Nigerian Journalist, Salkida Arrested on Arrival in Abuja

The Nigerian journalist, Ahmed Salkida, who was declared wanted along with two others -Ahmed Bolori and Aisha Wakil- by the Nigerian Army over perceived links with Boko Haram has been arrested by the security operatives. Ahmad Salkida, who arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was arrested in Abuja on September 5. Salkida, who has been living in the Middle East since the outbreak of the Boko Haram crisis, returned to country to honour the invitation of the military.

Military Arrests Wanted Boko Haram Leader

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, September 7, disclosed that a Boko Haram suspect on the wanted list number 105, Muhammed Bulama, was on September 6, arrested by troops in Yobe State. He said that Bulama was arrested alongside two other suspected Boko Haram terrorists – Ardo Abba Muhammed (elder brother to Bulama as claimed) and Muhammadu Kaigama – in Azare community in Gujba LGA with the help of the local vigilantes in the town. The suspected terrorist personally confirmed his photograph on the wanted list and further revealed that he specialized on rearing animals for the terrorist group.

Political/Government Agencies

Council of State Approves Idris as IGP

The National Council of State, September 7, approved the appointment of Acting Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, as substantive Inspector General of Police (IGP). It, however, said he would be presented to the Senate for confirmation. Governors of Lagos and Jigawa states, Akinwunmi Ambode and Abubakar Badaru, made the disclosure at the end of the council’s meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential Villa, Abuja.

Military Deploys 3,000 Soldiers in Niger Delta

At least 3,000 soldiers have so far been deployed in the Niger Delta as Nigeria’s security agencies ramp up the war against militancy in the region, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, disclosed on September 6. The military moved to douse the tension occasioned by the massive movement of troops in the region, assuring communities in the area that the ongoing military exercise codenamed, ‘Operation Crocodile Smile,’ was designed to protect them. Buratai’s statement comes on the backdrop of allegations that military troops had been harassing and brutalising innocent residents along the coastlines, an accusation that the security forces have always refuted.

Murder/Assassinations

Man Found Hanged in Uncompleted Building

The corpse of a middle-aged man, was, September 5 found in an uncompleted building at Rasaki Sodande Street in the Aboru, Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos State. The body was found dangling from a rope inside the building. The deceased, identified only as Tunde, was believed to have been killed on September 4, and was feared to have been killed before being taken to the building. Residents promptly invited the police to remove the corpse, which bore marks of violence. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident and promised that the police would unravel the perpetrators of the crime.

Killer Gateman Arrested in Taraba

The Lagos State Police Command has a 22-year-old housekeeper, Tanko Abdulateef, who allegedly stabbed his employer, Mabel Okafor, to death in the Ajah area of the state on August 17. Abdulateef fled the apartment on the day of the incident, which aroused the police’s suspicion that he was behind the murder. The suspect, who was arrested from a hideout in the Bali area of Taraba State on August 27, had made away with some of her valuables. All the items were recovered from him after his arrest. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the arrest, said the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation. Badmos also confirmed that three phones, trinket and a lot of the victim’s clothes were recovered from the suspect, adding that he had been brought back to Lagos to face the law.

Court Remands Police Inspector for Alleged Killing of Okada Rider

A Magistrate Court sitting in Oke Eda, Akure, Ondo State, September 8, ordered the remand of a police inspector, Anthony Nwadike, in prison custody for the alleged killing of a commercial motorcycle rider popularly called okada. The offence was said to have been committed at Omifon in Odigbo LGA of the State.  It was gathered that the deceased, Sunday Joseph, and two other persons were shot by the alleged cop during an argument that ensued after the policeman caused the deceased and two others to fall off a moving motorcycle. The argument degenerated and the policemen opened fire on the three people. The deceased was said to have died on the spot while the two other victims remain in critical condition at the hospital.  However, the accused person pleaded not guilty to the offence but his plea was no taken. The Magistrate, V. Bob-Manuel, ordered that the accused be remanded in Olokuta Prison and adjourned the case to October 12, 2016.

Alleged Killers of Policemen Arraigned in Port Harcourt

Three persons allegedly involved in the killing of nine police officers of Rivers State Police Command were, September 8, arraigned before a Port Harcourt Magistrate’s Court. The suspects, Odum Atokaritou, Napughi Duba and Godgift Gwenbe were also accused of being involved in different bank robberies, which resulted in the death of at least 10 persons including the nine policemen. The suspects and others, who are now at large, are facing 18 counts of conspiracy, murder, robbery and kidnapping. The suspects are accused of being responsible for the kidnap of Miss Nkechi Chika, who is the Director of Pre-Pay Hotel, Eagle Island, Port Harcourt and only released the victim after receiving N10 million ransom. The magistrate, M. F. Poromon, referred the case to the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, for legal advice and adjourned the case till November 28. He ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody.

Police Arrest Suspected Killer in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a cultist known as Fela over alleged involvement in the June killing of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, James Onuh, in Obele, a suburb of Yenagoa. The suspect was lured out of his hide-out by men of the Anti-Vice unit of the Police, while another version claimed that he was arrested after investigation into a new cult killing, which indicted him, and he confessed to the killing of the NYSC member. However, Police Spokesman, Asinim Butswat, September 5, said that it was yet to be verified if the arrested suspect was the one who killed the NYSC member.

Man Allegedly Impregnates, Kills Daughter to Cover up

The father of a 14-year-old girl has been arrested in Emure Ekiti in Emure LGA of Ekiti State for allegedly impregnating the girl and killing her to cover up the act. It was gathered that the mother of the victim, had since left the suspect over allegation that he was planning to use her for money rituals. The man, had some months ago allegedly impregnated his daughter after having unlawful carnal knowledge of her. The development was said to have sparked violent protest in the town, where youths were said to have demanded punitive measures against the man. A resident of the community revealed that the father allegedly took his daughter to the farm on September 4, where he was said to have killed her to cover his crime.

Herbalist Kills 16-Year-Old Girl in Ogun State

Men of Ogun State Police Command, September 6, arrested one herbalist, Tunde Banjo, alongside two others - Nurudeen Adeniyi, and Tobi Ogunkoya- for allegedly killing of a 16-year-old girl, simply identified as Olayinka. Ogunkoya reportedly lured Olayinka into the hands of Banjo and Adeniyi. Olayinka is feared to have been killed for ritual purposes as her breasts were cut off by her killers before they dumped her body in a river. Police Spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the arrest of the suspects. Oyeyemi added that police stormed a house in Imosan community and apprehended Ogunkoya, who confessed that Olayinka was in the custody of Banjo in Ijebu-Igbo. He then took detectives to Banjo’s home, where they met him with Adeniyi. The police recovered two fresh human hearts and a live tortoise from them. Banjo had reportedly confessed that the girl had since been killed and her vital organs cut out, while her remains were thrown into Ogbere River.

Man Killed, 5-Year-Old Daughter Burnt to Death in Imo Cult Attack

A man, identified as Emma Odiga, and his five-year-old daughter, were killed by suspected cultists in Etekwuru community in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State. The five-year-old girl was burnt beyond recognition when the cultists burnt the man’s house. A witness disclosed that the incident may be connected to an alleged killing of two cult members, identified as Ja-Rule Gbagbagba and Ejima Odiegwu, in August by soldiers, who were called in to restore peace in the community. Following the killing of the suspected cultists, their gang members decided to go on rampage, attacking persons they suspected were behind the invitation of the soldiers. The Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, September 6, said that the Command is on the trail of the criminals, and would not rest until all of them were arrested.

Pirates Kill Four Marine Policemen in Rivers

Suspected sea pirates have killed four marine policemen and made away with a gunboat in Abonnema community in Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers State. It was gathered that the suspected sea pirates hijacked the gunboat belonging to the Marine Police Division, with four policemen on board. The lifeless bodies of one of the slain policeman was recovered on September 5 while the remaining three were recovered a day later. It was gathered that the marine police gunboat was attacked shortly after departing Abonnema jetty, in company of another gunboat, which had since returned from the patrol.

Jilted Husband Set Ablaze In-law’s Home, Kill Wife’s Mother, Brother

A 37-year old man, September 1, set fire on the home of his in-Laws in Isampou Community in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State, killing two persons in the house. While his mother-in-law was burnt to death in the inferno, his brother-in-law died later from first degree burns. It was gathered that the angry husband and his wife were having marital problems and the wife decided to call off the marriage and return to her mother’s village in Isampou. The jilted husband had allegedly poured fuel in and around the house of his mother-in-law with the intention of killing his wife, who had planned to sleep in her mother’s room, but later slept over at a friend’s house.

Gunmen Ambush, Kill FSARS Operative in Lagos

Gunmen, suspected to be militants, September 7, laid ambush for operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) at the Igando area of Lagos State, killing one of them. The operatives had gone to confront the militants, who were alleged to be attacking residents of Igando, who they accused of divulging information to security operatives. About 20 policemen from FSARS were drafted to Igando but ran into an ambush on arrival at the community, leading to the death of one operatives, Solomon Esemuze, a Sergeant, who was reportedly shot in the head.

3 Killed as Hausa, Fulani Clash in Lagos

At least three persons were, September 7, killed in a clash between Hausa and Fulani traders in the Abbatoir, Agege area of Lagos State. While several others sustained various degrees of injuries, property were also destroyed in the clash. It was gathered that fight was a reprisal on the Hausa over the destruction at the Seriki Fulani’s palace over earlier misunderstandings. One Hausa trader disclosed that they were just settling down for business at 7am when they saw over 500 Fulani with their sticks, marching towards them and hitting anyone in sight. He added that they mobilized and repelled the attack, hacking down one of their leaders. He further stated that the Fulani’s ran into the complex and began shooting their arrows, which hit and killed two Hausas. Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, said that the command was able to quell the crisis, adding that only one person died.

Rape

Pastor Turns Teenage Church Girls to Sex Objects

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a pastor over allegations of having illicit sex with under-aged girls in his church. The General Overseer of Tongue of Fire Ministry, Shogunle, Pastor Chukwuma Nkwocha, had allegedly been having sex with the girls in exchange for money to pay their school fees. The girls, whose ages are between 12 and 17 years, were among 29 others rescued from the pastor’s house by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command. The bubble burst after one of the girls, who had a misunderstanding with Pastor Nkwocha, reported him to the police. The State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, disclosed that during a raid of the Pastor’s three bedroom flat, 30 girls were rescued, and six of them confessed that the Pastor had sex with them without protection. Nkwocha, however, confessed that he had only had sex with one of them whom he identified simply as Kingdom. He claimed that he intended to marry Kingdom, a 16 year-old girl.

Others

Four Soldiers Feared Dead in Bayelsa Boat Accident

Four soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF), who are currently involved in the military operation in the Niger Delta, codenamed ‘Exercise Crocodile Smile’, to rid the Niger Delta of criminalities, were September 5, killed in a boat mishap along the Brass Water Front in Brass LGA of Bayelsa. The troops reportedly drowned in the water which was said to have risen to a high level at the time. While many other soldiers were able to swim to safety, all the weapons in the possession of the troops at the time of the accident, including service rifles, were also said to be missing. The cause of the accident is yet to be immediately ascertained.

Woman Attacks, Injures Husband with Cutlass

Oluwakemi Etu, a mother of three, hacked her husband with a cutlass, while he was sleeping in their Erinlu abode in Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun State, out of jealousy over his relationship with another woman. Etu, who has since been arrested, confessed that she bought the cutlass two weeks earlier, waiting for the appropriate time to use it. It was gathered that her husband, Kehinde Etu, was asleep when she reportedly brought out the machete and attacked him. Their children were said to have raised the alarm that alerted neighbours, who rushed the man to the hospital, where he is responding to treatment. Spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, September 6, said that the suspect would be charged to court.

Abia Police Parade 21 Suspected Criminals

The Abia State Police Command, September 5, paraded 21 suspected criminals for various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery and car snatching. The State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, explained that the suspects were arrested at different dates and locations in the state. Oyebade said that one of the kidnap suspects, Kingsley Alozie, was said to have been a member of the gang that had kidnapped a good number of people and collected ransom. Also paraded, were three suspected armed robbers. Police said further that a Toyota Sienna car was recovered from one Mba Eke. The vehicle was allegedly taken from the owner at gunpoint in Lagos.

Police Intercept 26 Stolen Vehicles

The Zonal Intervention Squad (ZIS) inaugurated by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Abdulmajid Ali, has intercepted 26 stolen vehicles. Ali, who disclosed this on September 7, added that the ZIS operatives also arrested nine suspects and recovered 17 locally-manufactured “automobile master keys” which the suspects used to open different types of vehicles. He stated this during the inauguration of the ZIS’ office complex and tactical training ground at the Obada-Oko end of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. The AIG said he established the ZIS to serve as a buffer force and to assist security operatives in Ogun and Lagos commands. The AIG assured residents that the force would not fail to enforce laws and policies made by the governments of Ogun and Lagos states for adequate security of lives and property.

Ondo Confirms Lassa Fever Case

The Ondo State Government, September 7, confirmed the outbreak of Lassa fever at the Owo/Ose in Owo and Ose LGAs of the state while two other suspected cases are under investigation. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, who confirmed the outbreak in Akure, said the surveillance and containment machinery of government had been stepped up to prevent a spread of the disease. The commissioner called for calm as appropriate measures were being taken to ensure the state is safe from Lassa fever.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage cases remained high as activities of kidnappers cut across various strata of the society. A worrisome case was when fourteen workers, who were kidnapped around the Omoku-Elele link road in Rivers State. Another sad case was that of teenagers, who at the very young age have begun indulging in high level criminality when they plotted the kidnap of expatriates. Children and schools were variously targeted at different time, and victims taken. The police, in another incident rescued children that were being trafficked. The police made remarkable arrests of culprits while rescuing some victims, some other victims were killed by military who were on a clearance operation of kidnappers den. The south-south and south-west recorded most of these incidents.

Murder and assassination remained high on the index with terrible killings as witnessed when a girl was burnt to death following a cultist attack. A very sad incident was the case of a father, who impregnated his daughter and killed her to hide his dastardly act. Other cases involved communal killings and ambush of law enforcement officers. The authorities, however, apprehended some suspects as they continued to work and assure citizens of the unflinching efforts to bring perpetrators to book. These killings were recorded across the country.

Robbery and gang incidents were also high on the record. However, the authorities were able to stand up to the challenge making arrests in nearly all the cases on record. It is noteworthy that there hoodlums, daily device new ways of attacking their victims. A new trend is to lure residents out by turning of power to the house. The robbers then strike if the owner is unfortunate enough to step out to check what went wrong. The south-west region of the country recorded more of these cases.

The activities of a militant group, 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. Vandals and oil thieves also continue to wreak havoc on oil pipelines and facilities. The authorities made some arrests in the hope of reducing oil theft and vandalism. The south-south remains most endemic region.

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.