Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 7

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

DSS Arraigns 61-Year-Old Leader of Kidnap Gang in Court

A 61-year-old leader of a kidnap gang in Rivers State, Jonkin Chibuzor Nkwuozor, alongside two others, was on February 3, arraigned before a Port Harcourt magistrate’s court for allegedly killing a personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) after kidnapping members of his family. Senior Magistrate B. Jamabo ordered that the suspect to be remanded in prison custody till further notice. The suspect and two other members of his gang, Okechukwu Collins Onyegbosi and Mike Eze Ogu, were charged for kidnap of the DSS personnel, Reuben Uzoma, his wife, their two children and his sister-in-law in November 2016 along Ngor-Okpala/Etche Road in Rivers State. Count three of the charge accused the suspects of conspiring to murder the DSS personnel. The late DSS personnel had shot dead two of the kidnappers during their encounter. But one of the kidnappers came from behind and shot Uzoma with a pump action rifle.

Customer Steals Two-Month-Old Baby in Market

A young lady, Yetunde Awosanya, simply known as ‘T-Girl’ has been arrested after she stole the two-month-old baby of trader at a market in the Badagry Roundabout area of Lagos State. The baby’s mother, Alimat Adebowale, was trader in the market, while the suspect, who was well known to most of the traders in the market, had lived in the community for over four years until a few months ago when she travelled. The suspect returned to the area week earlier and went to the market, where she was treated to a warm reception on February 2. It was gathered that she approached Alimat, and took the baby, Kudus, under the guise of playing with him. She reportedly strapped Kudus to her back and sat on a chair behind his mother, who was busy attending to customers. But she later disappeared from the market with the baby. The suspect was arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State after some passengers with whom she boarded a bus raised the alarm when she could not breast feed the crying baby. The passengers took her to the Police and she eventually confessed to have stolen the baby in Badagry. Lagos State Police Spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident and recovery of the child.

Police Arrest Notorious Kidnappers

Some suspected kidnappers that killed an army personnel and a civilian along the Angiama River between Bayelsa and Delta States in July 2016, have been apprehended by the police. The army personnel, Captain Buruma, who was in charge of a vessel, Yade One, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen along Angiama River, between Bayelsa and Delta States, on July 5, 2016. An army personnel and a civilian were killed during the encounter. The victim was held hostage for about 63 days, alongside two other victims, Sunny Andy and Bernard Narebo. One of the kidnappers, Shola Job, was sighted at Okutukuku in Yenagoa on February 1 by one of the victims, who raised the alarm and the suspect was arrested.

Kidnapped Bayelsa Businessman Regains Freedom

A 48-year-old businessman, Loveday Lucky, who was kidnapped at his residence in his home town, Sangana, Bayelsa State in January, has regained his freedom. Lucky was released on February 5 around the Azuzuama swamp area of Southern Ijaw LGA. Lucky, who was released with machete marks on his back and stab injuries on both hands, was received and taken into custody by the Caretaker Chairman of Brass LGA, Bello Bina. Bina, while confirming the development, warned youths in the area to shun kidnapping, adding that any culprit arrested, would face the full wrath of the law. He assured that security agents have already swung into action and they will soon apprehend the abductors.

Gunmen Kidnap Six Onitsha Bound Traders in Kogi

Six passengers travelling from Abuja to Onitsha have been kidnapped in Okene LGA of Kogi State. They were reportedly kidnapped at Achoze village in Okene on February 6 by 10 armed men that blocked their vehicle at Achoze village in Okene and forced all the occupants out. The driver of the vehicle was said to have abandoned the passengers and fled into the bush, while the kidnappers shot continuously into the air to scare other vehicles away. One of the passengers said that she escaped when the kidnappers marched six other passengers into the bush. She further disclosed that some passengers in that vehicle sustained minor injuries in an attempt to escape from the kidnappers. The Kogi State Police Public Relation Officer, Williams Ayah, confirmed the kidnapping. He assured that Police were on the trail of the kidnappers to rescue the victims.

Three Abducted Friends Regain Freedom

The three friends, who were abducted around a creamery in Wuse II, Abuja, have been released after their families paid some ransom. The three friends – Veronica Otogo, Bisola Mohammed and Damilola Oribuyaku – who were kidnapped on January 27, were dropped off along Kubwa Road. Damilola’s sister, Jumoke Oribuyaku, February 7, said the victims called with their phones, which were given to them when they were released, adding that they were found by the roadside on February 5.

Robbery

Police Arrest 4 Robbery Suspects in Osun

The Osun State Police Command has arrested four suspected robbers and recovered two locally-made pistols from them. Police Public Relations Officer, Folashade Odoro, February 5, disclosed that the police arrested a suspect, Anibi Kabiru, at about 2:40am on February 4 at a black spot in Ile-Ife. Odoro added that the suspect had confessed to have sold three locally-made pistols to a robbery syndicate. She explained that the police further arrested three members of the syndicate, following the information given by Kabiru. The PPRO said the police had begun investigating the suspects and recovered two locally-made pistols. The suspects would be charged to court after investigations.

Suspects Nabbed over Theft of Gas Turbine

Seven persons were, February 3, paraded for alleged involvement in crimes including the theft of a gas turbine valued at N7.2 billion owned by the Bayelsa State Government at Etelebou, Gbarain in Yenagoa LGA of the State. Also arrested by men of the State Police Command were nine persons over their alleged involvement in cases of kidnapping and car theft. The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Asuquo Amba, while parading the suspects, said police operatives intercepted a Russian Gas Turbine Etelebu, Gbarain area of the state. According to him, seven suspects were arrested and five trucks recovered with vandalised turbine.

Dismissed Soldiers Arrested for Car Theft

The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Amba Asuquo, February 3, confirmed that the two deserters of the Nigerian Army, who were of the rank of Corporal, were arrested alongside other suspects along the Agudama-Epie area of Yenagoa over their alleged involvement in theft of vehicles. According to him, the police received a distress call on the 29th of January, 2017, from one Toju Adama from Ogborikoko in Warri Delta State that his Hilux Van was stolen and the vehicle was tracked to Agudama-Epie. Operatives from the State Command swung into action and arrested the occupants of the Hilux, one John Linus Ogah, a dismissed soldier from 3 Division of the Nigerian Army in Cross River State and his cohort, one Shedrack at the scene. A bunch of master keys were recovered from the suspect.

Police Parade Robbers that Killed Customs Officer

The Police at Force Headquarters, February 3, paraded five suspected armed robbers, who shot and killed Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC) Aliyu Dayyab, on the 22nd of December 2016 at Tin Can Island, Apapa, Lagos. The gang leader, Lanre Humphrey Aimudo, confessed that their informant had told him that the Customs officer was carrying a cash amount of N4 million and undisclosed amount of dollars, but that contrary to the information given them, the bag that was taken from the officer only contained N600, 000. He said after they robbed the officer, they were about leaving when they heard gunshot and it turned out that one of them shot the officer. The suspects were trailed and arrested between 28th December 2016, and 18th January, 2017. Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood said a coordinated operation carried out by the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), led to the arrest of the suspects.

Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspect in Lagos

The Police in Lagos have arrested a suspected one-chance robber, Ajibola Alao. Alao was arrested on February 2 by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) after dispossessing one Asotie Benedict, of his phones and money in the Oshodi area of the state. An official of the RRS said the suspect and his gang had pushed the victim out of the bus while in motion. The suspect, in collusion with the driver and conductor of their operational bus, picked up the victim at Ladipo and was to alight at Oshodi under bridge. Midway into the journey, the suspects dispossessed their victim of his phone and wallet and then threw him out while the vehicle was in motion. The victim, however, chased the vehicle until he spotted a patrol van of the RRS and raised the alarm. Alao has reportedly admitted to being member of a three man robbery gang that operated in the Oshodi area. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation.

Residents Rescue Serial Thief from Being Lynched

An ex-convict escaped death on February 1 after street security guards attempted to burn him alive for robbing a compound in Ajao Estate, Lagos. The suspect, identified simply as Victor, who scaled a fence into the compound, thought all the occupants of the house had gone to work but was spotted by a neighbour. While being beaten, he confessed that it was his third attack on the house. Security men on the street put a tyre on him and were about to douse him with petrol before setting him alight when some residents intervened to save his life. The suspect confessed that he was sent to jail for robbery and had only been released recently. The residents later handed the suspect over to the Police at Ajao Estate.

Armed Robbers Raid Cleric’s House in Delta

Gunmen, February 6, stormed the residence of the Archbishop of Bethesda Gospel Mission, Archbishop Christian Apena, at Irri community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, demanding for the offering raised during the church’s service of February 5. It was learned that the gunmen broke into the cleric’s apartment at about 1a.m. and made away with an undisclosed sum of money, laptops, mobile phones, an iPad, jewelleries and some personal effects of the cleric.

Herdsmen Barricade Bomadi Road, Rob Passengers

Suspected herdsmen, numbering over 20, February 9, blocked the Ohorhor-Bomadi Road, Delta State, attacking and dispossessing passengers of their valuables. The Ohorhor-Bomadi Road is a major road linking many Ijaw communities in Bomadi and part of Burutu LGAs of the state. The herdsmen barricaded the road for over 50 minutes, as they unleashed mayhem on travellers. A victim lamented that the assailants freely robbed them without any fear of being challenged.

Robber, Disguised as Policeman, Arrested in Aba

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a suspected robber, Samuel Okechukwu (28), who allegedly snatched a bus from its owner while impersonating a policeman. The state Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, February 7, said that the suspect was arrested on February 1 by officers and men from Central Police Station, Aba. According to him, the suspect alongside other members of his gang, accosted one James Eke along Pound Road while he was dressed as a policeman and snatched his Datsun mini bus at gunpoint. The suspect had confessed to the crime and was also helping the police in their investigation, Oyebade added. The suspect belonged to a three-man gang which had been operating on roads within Aba before his arrest. When interrogated by the police, Okechukwu confessed to the crime, but said that it was his first time of following others on robbery operation. Luck ran out on the suspect when he was trying to reverse the snatched vehicle and it entered a ditch. The owner was said to have raised the alarm, causing the suspect to abandon the vehicle in the ditch to run but the owner caught up with him and held onto him until policemen arrived and arrested the suspect.

Drugs

3 Hard Drug Traffickers get 5-Year Jail Sentence

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, February 6, sentenced three drug traffickers are to 5 years jail term each. The Court convicted the trio -Bukola Adeoye (24) Muyideen Ipumafayi (35) and Alani Babaraji (30) - following their guilty pleas. The judge, who gave the convicts an option of N5 million fine each, sentenced them to five years imprisonment each. They were arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on three separate charges bordering on trafficking in hemp.

Navy Hands over 3 Suspects Nabbed for Drug Trafficking

The Nigerian Navy, February 7, handed over three suspects arrested with a boat conveying 559 kilogrammes of cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft, Commodore Maurice Eno, handed over the suspects and exhibits in Lagos. Eno said that the three suspects were apprehended with the cannabis during routine patrol. The boat was conveying three men and 11 packages of substance suspected to be cannabis. Isiaka Lawal of the NDLEA, who received the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the NDLEA, commended the effort of the navy at reducing criminality to the barest minimum in the nation’s waters. Lawal, who confirmed the exhibit as cannabis weighing 559kg, said the suspects would be charged to court after investigation.

Man Jailed 10-Years for Drug Trafficking

An automobile parts dealer, Okeke Chika Victor, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment over heroin smuggling. Victor was handed down the jail term after Justice Sale Kogo Idrissa of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano found him guilty in a one-count charge of unlawful importation of heroin filed against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The heroin, weighing 10.6kg and concealed inside new submersible water pumping machines, were illegally imported from Maputo in Mozambique in April 2016. NDLEA officers at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) made the discovery during an inward screening of an Ethiopian Airline flight. After an intense follow-up operation the convict, Okeke Chika Victor, was arrested on September 3, 2016 and charged to court. The Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Colonel Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (rtd.) expressed satisfaction with the sentence describing it as laudable.

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Destroys 40 Illegal Refineries, Impound Vessels

Nigerian Navy has destroyed 40 illegal refineries in its ‘Operation River Sweep’ in the Niger Delta. The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral James Oluwole, February 3, disclosed that the Operation River Sweep lasted 28 days. He said swamp buggy was used to mangle the refineries during the operation, adding that it was to ensure the operators did not have facilities to resume the illicit operations. Oluwole said that two vessels loaded with 5,240,000 illegal diesel (AGO) were also arrested, while four speed boats used by the oil thieves were destroyed. He estimated the total value of the illegal crude and other facilities at the refineries destroyed at 3 billion naira. He said the River sweep operation also rid the waterways of sea pirates and other criminal elements, adding that the operation had taken off in the Central Naval Command and would extend to the Western Naval command.

Ship’s Crew Taken Hostage off Nigerian Coast

A crew of seven Russians and a Ukrainian have been taken hostage off the coast of Nigeria after their ship was attacked. According to the information of the Russian embassy in Abuja, there was an armed attack on the cargo ship BBC Caribbean, which belongs to German company Briese Schiffahrt. A Ukrainian consular official said there is also one Ukrainian national on the ship. The BBC Caribbean is a multipurpose vessel intended for dry cargo and flies the flag of Antigua and Barbuda. Ship monitoring website Marine Traffic said the BBC Caribbean departed the port of Douala in Cameroon on February 4, headed for Spain’s Las Palmas. It reported that the ship was attacked by pirates on a motor boat in the Gulf of Guinea after a firefight.

Navy Rescues Oil Tanker from Pirates

The Nigerian Navy, February 8, rescued an oil tanker hijacked by pirates around Bonny Island in Rivers State. The Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Navy Captain Sulieman Dahun, disclosed that the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Okpabana rescued an oil tanker, MT Gas Providence, which came under pirate attack off the Bonny Island. The rescued ship had 21 crew members on-board and upon encountering the pirates sent a distress call, which prompted the Nigerian Navy to dispatch NNS Okpabana to rescue her.

Navy Repels Pirates Attack

The Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Navy Captain Sulieman Dahun, February 8, disclosed that operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory repelled a pirate attack on an oil tanker MT Rio Spirit. According to him, the pirates attempted to hijack the oil tanker after she loaded products from Qua Iboe terminal and sailed 110 nautical miles south of Akassa in Delta State when the assailants swooped on it in an attempt to hijack her. But the Nigerian Navy operatives repelled the attack and secured the route of the vessel. The pirates made another spirited effort to hijack MT Rio Spirit 30 minutes after the first attempt which was also repelled. However, she was successfully escorted to safety as she continued her voyage.

Navy Destroys Illegal Refineries in Delta

A patrol team deployed by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta discovered and destroyed eight illegal refineries around Osiagbene Creek in Ogbeletobo Community of Warri South West LGA of Delta State. The Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Navy Captain Sulieman Dahun, who disclosed this on February 8, listed the items destroyed in the raid to include 15 metal tanks laden with about 130MT of product suspected to be illegally refined AGO and about 200MT of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil.

Terrorism

Seven Soldiers Killed as Troops Repel Boko Haram Ambush in Borno

Seven soldiers lost their lives when troops of ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ battling terrorism in the north-east, February 9, fought their way through an ambush by Boko-Haram insurgents along Ajiri-Dikwa road in Borno State. The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Kingsley Samuel, who stated this on February 10, said that three other soldiers, including a female, were declared missing after the incident. The troops encountered the ambush while conducting routine rotation of troops. Samuel further disclosed that 19 soldiers were injured and have been evacuated to the Military Hospital in Maiduguri for treatment. The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from the insurgents. He added that additional troops have been mobilised and are on aggressive pursuit of the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists.

Police Kill One Suicide Bomber, Arrest Another in Maiduguri

Operatives of the Borno State Police Command, February 7, intercepted and killed a female suicide bomber and arrested another while trying to infiltrate Maiduguri metropolis. Police spokesman, Victor Isuku, disclosed that two female suicide bombers of about 18 years of age, were sighted behind Mega filling station in Molai area, while attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri town. They were intercepted by security personnel on duty. One was arrested and the other one was shot dead. Operative of the EOD unit were quickly drafted to the scene and rendered the area safe.

Police Burst Boko Haram Cells in Kano, Arrest 53 Suspects

The Kano State Police Command, February 6, said it had burst a sleeper cell suspected to be operated by the Boko Haram terrorists in a joint operation with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Hisbah and local vigilante members. The state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had raised the alarm that the state was witnessing an influx of the insurgents who were dislodged from the Sambisa forest in Borno State. The security operatives swung into action, sweeping black spots in the metropolis and arresting 53 Boko Haram suspects. Police Public Relations Officer of Kano Command, Magaji Musa Majiya, while parading 840 suspects arrested across several hideouts within the city, stated that 53 of those arrested are suspected Boko Haram members. He added that the 53 suspects were undergoing serious interrogation.

NSCDC Intercepts 2 Female Suicide Bombers in Maiduguri

The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), February 7, intercepted two female suicide bombers, who tried to ram into motorists at the NNPC Mega Station along Damboa Road, Maiduguri. The Commandant of the corps, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed that the NSCDC personnel at the NNPC station intercepted two female suicide bombers, who were targeting motorists on the long queue at the NNPC mega petrol station at about 6.45a.m. According to him, one of the bombers got scared and threw her bomb and was instantly arrested, while the other one started running after people with her explosive and was shot on the leg after an operative chased her to a safe place. The commandant said that the few insurgents remaining were looking for soft targets where they could cause havoc and appealed to all residents in Borno to be on the alert and vigilant.

Boko Haram Attacks Sasawa Community in Yobe

Gunmen, suspected to be members of Boko Haram terrorists sect, overran Sasawa town in Yobe State on February 5 after fierce battle with the Nigerian troops. Witnesses reported that the terrorists were in a convoy of vans and motorcycles. According to locals, the insurgents came in droves and sacked the troops stationed in the town. Residents scampered for safety as the terrorists detonated explosive devices and fired gunshots sporadically, according to reports. A source claimed that two people were killed during the attack, which lasted for over five hours. The Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Adeyemi Abdulmaliki, confirmed the attack, but did not give further details.

Political/Government Agencies

Army Demotes 2 Soldiers over Physical Assault on Crippled Man

The Nigerian Army has demoted two soldiers, Corporals Bature Samuel and Abdulazeez Usman of 82 Provost Company in Onitsha, Anambra States to Privates for human rights abuse. The two soldiers attached to the military police, February 7, physically assaulted a crippled man in Onitsha for dressing in camouflage. The soldiers were reportedly passing along the road in a van when they saw the victim. They were said to have come down from the van, and brutally assaulted the handicapped man, who was on a wheelchair. The soldiers eventually abandoned the man by the roadside. A video of the incident, posted on Facebook clip, which went viral, had generated reactions from Nigerians, who called for the arrest and prosecution of the soldiers. The Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, urged the public to regard this “ugly incident” as an isolated case which was not true reflection of the Nigerian Army.

Policeman Killed as Herdsmen in Police Uniform Clash with Police in Delta

Herdsmen, dressed in police uniform, armed with AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, January 6, engaged a team of policemen in a gun battle in Delta State, leaving a number of police officers, including an Area Commander, injured, while some are missing. It was learned that the police team, including men of the Quick Response Squad (QRS) and Ughelli Area Command patrol team, led by the Area Commander, Ughelli, had stormed Orhorho community and surroundings in Ughelli North LGA of the state. The move was due to incessant reports of rape and attacks on villagers by herdsmen, who were taking cover in the bush. But as soon as the policemen arrived, the herdsmen opened fire. The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, confirmed the attack but denied that any officer was injured. However, the remains of a policeman, who went missing during the incident, was, February 6, discovered by locals in the community.

Murder/Assassinations

Police Takes Over Ekiti Towns after Land Dispute Claims Life

The police have taken over Ayede and Itaji Ekiti towns in Ekiti State following a violent land dispute that claimed the life of one man on January 31. The Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, said that the command had drafted anti-riot policemen to all the sections of the towns to ward off reprisal attack. A community leader from Ayede Ekiti, has lamented the death of Seyi Oladipo in the communal clash between two neighbouring towns, calling on the security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities to prevent anarchy in the area. The deceased was shot dead on the land by a person suspected to be the village head of Orisunmibare, the contentious portion of land located between the two towns. The CP assured that the police would be on the ground until total peace returned to the warring towns. He further disclosed that two persons had been arrested in connection with the violence and the suspects would be arraigned in court soon.

Man 25, Kills Father with Axe in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Police Command, February 7, announced that it had arrested a 25-year-old man, Abdulhamid Abdullahi, for allegedly killing his 65-year-old father, Abdullahi Shuaibu. The Public Relations Officer of the command, Alhaji Jinjiri Abdul, who disclosed this, said that the suspect was arrested in Kirikasamma LGA of the state on February 5. The police received a report around 3:30am that one Abdulhamid Abdullahi allegedly attacked his father with an axe. Confessing, the suspect claimed that he mistakenly killed his father while he was trying to attack his elder brother, whom he suspected to have stopped the deceased from allowing him to get married. The suspect further claimed that he had pursued his elder brother who ran to their late father’s room. But when their father came out to see what was happening, he axed him three times and broke his head. The police spokesman said that the victim was rushed to Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

Kidnappers Kill Three, Abduct 1 in Isheri Attack

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, February 9, directed the State Police Command to ensure prompt arrest of kidnappers, who struck in the Isheri area of the state, killing three security guards on February 8. The kidnappers were said to have also abducted the Secretary of the Isheri North Residents Association, Dayo Adekoya. The State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, confirmed that police had commenced investigation as well as put in place necessary rescue operation to ensure the release of the victim. The State Government commiserated with the families of the three dead estate guards, and vowed that it would leave no stone unturned to ensure that lives and property of residents in the State are protected.

Five Suspects Arrested with 4 Fresh Human Heads in Ebonyi

Five suspects were, February 8, arrested with 4 fresh human heads when a commercial vehicle along the boundary between Ebonyi and Enugu States was intercepted. It was gathered that the suspects were arrested during a stop and search operation conducted by the security operatives who must have been on their trail after the beheading of the victims. The location were the victims were beheaded has not yet been ascertained. The suspects were reportedly shot in the leg as they made attempt to escape from the scene after the fresh human heads were discovered in their possession. The security operatives later whisked the suspects away to an undisclosed destination.

Bandits Kill Three in Zamfara

The Zamfara State Police Command, February 8, confirmed three persons dead following an attack by gunmen on Rungumawa, Village in Tsafe LGA. Police Spokesman, Muhammad Shehu, disclosed that the bandits, in large number, rode into the village on motorcycles, and shot three persons dead before fleeing the scene. Shehu stated that the police immediately deployed armed personnel, who pursued the attackers, but did not make any arrest. He, however, assured members of the public that the attackers would soon be apprehended. He further appealed to communities in the state to resist the temptation to take the law into their hands.

Police Arrest Man for Murder

The Police in Osun State, February 9, said it had arrested a 45-year-old man, Ismail Afolabi, for allegedly killing another man, Afolabi Saheed, over a piece of land. Police Public Relations Officer, Folashade Odoro, said that the suspect sold a piece of land to the deceased, but later killed him when he asked for refund. The victim, who had discovered that there was a dispute on the land he bought, had asked the suspect for a refund of payment made. The suspect asked his victim to meet him in an area called Orisha Elejin in Ikirun area of Osun where he attacked and killed him on February 5. Unknown to the suspect, the victim had intimated his relatives about his movement and when he did not return home, they reported to the police. The police disclosed that the suspect confessed during investigation that he indeed killed the victim, and later took police detectives to the bush where the decomposing body of his victim was found.

51-Year-Old Man Axes Mother to Death over Late Sister’s Will

A 51-year-old man, Oluwaseye Ayoola, hacked his 81-year-old mother to death on February 7 at United Estate in the Sangotedo area of Ajah, Lagos State. The suspect, who initially fled after the incident, was later arrested by the police. The deceased, Dorcas Ayoola, was killed by her son over her refusal to part with five hundred thousand naira from the Will of one of her daughters. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos confirmed the arrest of the suspect. The suspect initially told the police that he only pushed the woman and that she fell and hit her head on the ground. Preliminary investigations by the police, however, showed that the suspect used an axe to kill the aged woman. Badmos said that the suspect was arrested after his younger brother reported the incident to the police. The brother reported that earlier in the day, he got information that his brother manhandled their mother, only for him to get home and found her dead in a pool of blood.

Man Found Beheaded on Disputed Land in Ekiti

The lingering crisis over land matters that had pitted Itaji and Ayede communities in Oye LGA of Ekiti State against each other has degenerated as another man, said to be from Itaji, was found beheaded on the disputed land at Orisumibare. The deceased, yet to be identified, was said to have been trailed to his farm on the disputed land and was decapitated, just as his assailants were said to have also severed his hands. The unknown assailants were said to have made away with the severed head of the deceased. The latest killing followed the murder, on the same disputed Orisumibare land, of a father of four, Seti Oladipo, a week earlier. The killing of Oladipo had led to a street protest by Ayede youths. The Asiwaju of Orisunmibare, Chief Segun Akanbi, was also said to have been inflicted with machete wounds allegedly by suspected Ayede youths, who had alleged that the Asiwaju fired the shot that killed Oladipo. Police spokesman Alberto Adeyemi, who confirmed the beheading, said investigation was still continuing.

Suspected Vandals Invade Bayelsa Community, Kill One, Raze Houses

Suspected pipeline vandals, February 8, invaded Korokorosei Community in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa state, killing one and injuring others. It was learnt that the attackers were angered by the arrest of three of their members by a combined team of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for breaching pipelines and stealing oil. They were, however, said to have suspected that the residents of the community gave intelligence reports to the security forces, leading to their arrest. Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the invasion but did not give further detailed. The home of the Coordinator of the Oil and Gas Task Force and three other residents of the community were set ablaze over their involvement in the arrest of their colleagues. The suspected oil thieves have reportedly been on the wanted list of the security agencies over the December attack on the Agip pipeline, prompting the security agents to visit the village in search of the suspects.

Pastor Flees After Allegedly Killing Church Member

A Pentecostal church pastor in Ugbolu community near Asaba, Delta State, has fled after he allegedly killed one Ejiofor Ujah, a member of his church, for rituals. It was gathered that the victim was allegedly invited by the pastor for the prayer session but never returned home causing his people to launch a search party. Police Public Relations Officers, Andrew Aniamaka, who confirmed the incident on February 9, disclosed the corpse of the victim was found by a hunter in a sewage tank close to the church. The police have arrested two persons in connection with the act, while investigation is ongoing with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects.

Gunmen Attack Police Station, Kill 4 in Kogi

Yet-to-be identified gunmen, operating in two vans, attacked a police station in Eika, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, killed the two policemen on duty and a detainee in police custody, burned down the police station and also killed a community leader, Mallam Sadiq Obomi. It was gathered that the gunmen, numbering 10, invaded the community at about 1am on February 10 shooting sporadically as they headed for the police station. Further details were not immediately available.

Two Kill in Edo State over Communal Dispute

There is tension in Iguomo and Ikhuenbo communities in Uhumwonde LGA of Edo state following the alleged killing of two persons in a communal clash involving the two communities. The two victims, whose names were given as Osamudiamen Erhumwunse and Solomon Osayi, were from Iguomo. Six other victims, including a policeman sustained bullet wounds. The decomposing bodies of the two victims were recovered on February 9 from a river in the community. Vice Chairman of Iguomo community, Stanley Osadiaye, who led a peaceful protest against the killings alleged that some hoodlums have been stationed inside the disputed forest to kill their people.

Rape

Night Guards Rape Woman in Mosque

Two night guards in an Ibadan filling station have been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command for allegedly raping a young woman, who was stranded in a mosque. The suspects - Olajide Olakanmi and Olanrewaju Taiwo- have reportedly confessed to have raped the woman inside a mosque after dispossessing her of her personal effects. The Commissioner of Police, Sam Adegbuyi, while parading the suspects on February 4, disclosed that the two guards, armed with guns and cutlasses on February 1, raped and robbed the female, who had sought refuge at a nearby mosque after she was stranded at night.

Man, 30, Arraigned for Defiling 5-Year-Old Girl

A 30-year-old man, identified as McCarthy Kuyemekume, has been arraigned before the Magistrate’s Court in Rumuepirikom in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl. The accused was said to have committed the offence on January 25 in his brother’s house within the estate. Kuyemekume was said to have taken custody of the girl when she was crying over her mother’s refusal to add milk to her meal. Unknown to the victim’s mother, the accused took the girl to his brother’s house and had carnal knowledge of her. It was gathered that Kuyemekume had pretentiously sent his younger brother on an errand before he raped the girl. The mother of the child reported the matter to the police. Kuyemekume, who appeared before the Chief Magistrate, E.C. Woke, insisted that he was innocent of the allegation. The chief magistrate, however, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter till March 2, 2017.

Man in Court for Raping 14-Year-Old Girl

A 20-year-old man, Lekan Akinyemi, was on February 8, arraigned at an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly raping an under-aged girl. The accused was alleged to have defiled the 14-year-old daughter of his neighbour at Oko-Oba, Agege residence in Lagos. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Raphael Donny, told the court that the offence was committed on January 20. Donny said that the accused called the girl into his room under the pretext of sending her on an errand, but shut the door and raped her. The accused pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Davies Abegunde, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000, with two sureties in like sum. Abegunde adjourned the case to February 27 for mention.

Man Docked over Alleged Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl

A 30-year-old man, Segun Posu, was on February 8, docked before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly raping and impregnating a 12-year-old girl. The prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offence was committed sometime October 2016 at the residence of the accused. Ogu said that the accused and the victim were neighbours. Any time the victim was sent on an errand, the accused would call her to his house, lure her to his room and rape her. Ogu also told the court that the victim’s guardian got to know about the rape after the victim was discovered to be pregnant. He told the court that the case was brought to the Welfare Centre in Ikeja and was referred to the court. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge preferred against him. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. Akanni adjourned the case to March 8, for mention.

Man on Trial for Rape, Attempt to Procure Abortion

A 47-year-old man, Ganiyu Afolabi, was, February 9, remanded in prison custody after he was arraigned before Ikeja High Court for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl and attempting to abort her two-month-old pregnancy. Justice Sedotan Ogunsanya gave the order following the defendant’s not guilty plea to a two-count of defilement and attempt to procure an abortion. The Prosecutor, Adebayo Haroun, had told the court that Afolabi committed the offence of defilement in July 2015. The defendant is a customer of the victim’s mother. On the day of the alleged defilement, the defendant allegedly lured the complainant to an apartment where he forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. The prosecutor said that about two months after the rape, the complainant found out she was pregnant and the defendant gave her an unknown drug to terminate the pregnancy. The prosecutor said the defendant was apprehended by the police after being on the run for few days. Justice Ogunsanya adjourned the case to April 10 for commencement of trial.

19-Year-Old Defiles 6-Year-Old Sister

A 19-year-old man, Isah Umar, who allegedly lured his six-year-old sister into his room before defiling her, has been remanded in prison custody on the orders of a Sokoto Magistrates’ Court. The Magistrate, Mr Abubakar Adamu, who gave the ruling on February 10, said the accused should remain behind bars pending the outcome of further investigations. The 19-year-old Umar is facing a charge of child defilement. The accused had pleaded not guilty. According to the prosecutor, Sergeant Rose Mathew, the accused committed the offence at his apartment in August 2016. Mathew told the court that when the girl raised alarm, the accused tried to silence her by beating her and covering her mouth. The case was adjourned to March 9.

Man Turns 13-Year-Old Girl to Sex Slave

An Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, February 10, remanded a trader, who allegedly defiled a 13-year-old girl, in prison. The suspect 32-year-old Ibrahim Usman, a resident of Ojoo, Ibadan, is facing a count charge of defilement. The prosecutor, Lucky Ihiehie, told the court that Usman committed the offence in December 2016 in Ibadan and was arrested on February 5 at Mile 12. Ihiehie said that the trader took the victim from where she was begging and turned her into a ‘sex machine’. The accused took her to his sister’s house in Ibadan and had sex with her twice every night. The bubble burst after he allegedly took her to Lagos on February 3 to buy some things for his business at Mile 12 and one of the Hausa leaders saw them and raised the alarm. The trader, however, pleaded not guilty. The magistrate, Mrs O. Sule-Amzat, remanded him in prison custody, and ordered that the victim should be taken to an orphanage until the next adjourned date of March 3.

Others

Nursing Mother Attacks Woman with Razor

A 28-year-old nursing mother, Tina Promise, was on February 8, arraigned at Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for allegedly inflicting injury on a woman she alleged was her husband’s concubine. Promise, a mother of three, allegedly cut the victim with a razor blade on her head and breast. The prosecutor, Sergeant Francesca Job, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence on February 6, 2017. She said that the defendant unlawfully used razor blade to inflict wound on the left breast of one Esther Onogwu, 22.  The Victim was on her way home after the close of work when the defendant approached her, brought out a razor blade and started cutting her on her head and also cut her left breast. She was about to leave the place when eye witnesses apprehended her and dragged her to the bar beach Police station, while the victim was rushed to the hospital. The presiding Magistrate, F. Botoku granted the defendant who is a nursing mother of a three weeks old baby, bail in the sum of N200,000, with one surety in like sum. She adjourned the case to March 1, 2017, for mention.

Police Arrest Suspected Cultists, Criminals in Anambra

The Anti-cultism Squad of the Anambra State Police Command has arrested suspected cultists and other criminals in Obosi and Nkpor communities, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state. The Anti-cult Commander, Christopher Bassey, February 7, said the arrests were made during a raid of hideouts following increased reports of cult activities in the state. He said that the command had commenced operation stamp out cultism in the state, and warned those who indulge in such activities to desist from or face the wrath of the law. He said that those arrested would be charged to court immediately.

Herdsmen Attack Farmer in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command have confirmed an attack on a farmer at Awha Ndiagu in Ezeagu LGA by suspected herdsmen. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident. The suspects had issues with the farmer, which led to his being assaulted, according to reports. The herdsmen, February 2, attacked a farmland and inflicted machete cuts on the victim, who managed to survive the incident. An eyewitness said the victim was rushed to a hospital. The victim was assaulted with a machete at back and one of the fingers was cut off.

Gunmen Shoot Police Officer in Ondo

Unidentified gunmen, February 5, shot Corporal Michael Olujimi, a policeman attached to the Okitipupa Police Division in Ondo State. The policeman was found in a pool of blood around 5:30am, gasping for breath, before he was rushed to the hospital. The policeman had left his home early to resume duty but the gunmen opened fire on him and took off immediately. It is believed that the gunmen had mistaken the policeman for someone else and opened fire on him.

Suspected Cultist Killed in Shootout with Police in Akwa Ibom

One person has been reported killed as hoodlums clashed with the police in Ikot Udobong community in Akwa Ibom State. The community had been under siege by opposing cult groups over the recent killing of a youth leader of the area, Sunday Jeremiah, on February 3. More killings were recorded on February 6 in suspected reprisal attacks. Police operatives, who were drafted to restore peace, arrested one of the suspected gang members, while others fled and regrouped to rescue their gang member from the police. The hoodlums ambushed the police van carrying the suspect at the Edem Akai portion of the Iwukem-Afahaobong high way, where they engaged them in a shootout, leading to the death of one of the cultists. It was gathered that men of the Joint Task Force (JTF), who later joined in the operation, overpowered the gang and took the corpse in their van. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Donald Awunah, said peace had returned to the area.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination is top on the crime index with pathetic incidents recorded. Five suspects were arrested with 4 fresh human heads when policemen, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a commercial vehicle along the boundary between Ebonyi and Enugu States. Also sad is the beheading of a man in Edo state. Other murder incidents include communal clashes, land disputes occasioning violence. In Kogi State, unidentified gunmen staged a deadly attack on a police station, killing two policemen on duty, a detainee in police custody and a community leader. In a shocking incident, a 51-year-old man killed his mother over his later sister’s will, while a 25-year-old man was arrested for hacking his father to death. In a betrayal of trust, a pastor, who is currently on the run, is alleged to have killed his church member in Edo State. The gory incidents were recorded across the regions of the country.

The police and other security agencies gave armed robbers a run for their money as nearly all suspects were arrested in the incidents on record. The police however, remain on the chase for fleeing gang members. All tributes should go to the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for their effort in the arrest of suspects, vandals and gang leaders in the south-south and south-west regions.

Rape incidents are on the rise as the young and minors still remain easy targets. Several girls were defiled by trusted neighbour, including a 6-year-old girl who was raped by her brother. Other incidents include the gang-rape of a stranded woman. The woman, who was travelling home but could not get a vehicle late at night, had sought refuge in a mosque but was attacked and raped by two night guards working at a nearby filling station. The suspects in the incidents on record were all arrested and some have been charged to court. The south-west recorded most of the incidents.

Kidnap/hostage incidents also secured a top spot with kidnapping of people across the various strata of the society. Six passengers travelling from Abuja to Onitsha were kidnapped at Achoze village in Okene by gang of 10 armed men, who marched the victims into the bush. A young lady, was arrested after she stole the two-month-old baby of trader in Badagry. In other incidents, kidnap victims regained their freedom while the police arrested notorious suspects. The DSS also arraigned a deadly gang leader involved in the kidnap and killing of a DSS official in 2016. These were recorded across the regions of the country.

The activities of militants and sea pirates continue to adversely affect the Nigeria economy and the maritime industry. But the Nigerian Navy is leaving no stone unturned to stem the tide. The Nigerian Navy embarked on an exercise code-named ‘Operation River Sweep’ during which it successfully destroyed 40 illegal refineries within Niger Delta in 28 days. In a sad case, a crew of seven Russians and a Ukrainian were taken hostage off the coast of Nigeria after their ship was attacked. But in other incidents, the Navy rescued an oil tanker hijacked by pirates around Bonny Island in Rivers State. In another successful feat, the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory repelled a pirate attack on an oil tanker after she loaded products from Qua Iboe terminal. The Niger Delta region remains the focus.

The battle to end terrorism in the north-east lingers as the defeated Boko Haram insurgent continue to make efforts to fight back. Nigerian military troops repelled an ambush by Boko Haram during a routine rotation of troops. However, seven soldiers were killed in the ambush and three others were declared missing. The military maintained that the troops cleared the ambush while more troops were deployed to chase the fleeing insurgents. In another sad attack, Boko Haram fighter overran Sasawa town in Yobe State after fierce battle with the Nigerian troops. Witnesses reported that the terrorists were in a convoy of vans and motorcycles. But despite the seeming regrouping of the terrorists, some arrest of suspects were made by the NSCDC, the Police and military at various points across the north-east and in Kano state. The north-east remains the endemic region.

Every Nigerian and person resident in Nigeria are charged to be security conscious. It remains the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch.