Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 21

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnappers Demand N20m as Ransom for Lagos Monarch

Gunmen, who stormed the palace of a traditional ruler in Ebute Lekki community in Lagos State and whisked away 75-year-old Salino Kareem, the monarch of the community, have demanded N20 million as ransom for his release. The kidnappers, who invaded the community at about 2am, through the waterways, announced their presence with sporadic shootings. While some of them remained in their operational speed boats, and others stationed in front of the palace, about four of them reportedly went inside and ordered the traditional ruler to quietly follow them, threatening to shoot him if he acted otherwise. He was, thereafter led to the kidnappers waiting boat from where he was taken to an unknown destination. A member of Kareem family was contacted on May 23 by one of the kidnappers, where N20 million was demanded for his release.

Abia Police Smash Child-Trafficking Syndicate, Recover Trafficked Baby

A three months old baby, identified as Testimony Ndukwu, allegedly stolen by suspected child traffickers has been rescued by the Police in Aba, Abia State. The baby’s mother, Rose, had lodged a complaint at the Ogbor-Hill Police Station that her 3-year-old daughter, was stolen by unknown person from her residence. The Police immediately swung into action and cordoned off possible exit routes in the area.  One Chinemerem Isaiah and Chioma Mark were arrested with the missing baby. In a similar development, the Police also arrested two suspected child traffickers, Ezinne Obiah and Abigail Udofia, through a tip-off. On interrogation, the duo confessed to have sold their babies to one Esther Arukwe. They further confessed that they were paid N250, 000 each by Arukwe after they were delivered of their babies.

Immigration Arrests 8 over Human Trafficking

A 30-year-old woman, Bola Anifowose, in possession of eight-year-old twins, was arrested alongside seven others by operatives of Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service, while attempting to cross the border to Agadez in Niger Republic, where they intended to move over to Libya and, finally, to Europe. The Comptroller of the Command, Alhaji Mohammed Rabiu, who disclosed this on May 22, said they were arrested following intelligence information received by his men. According to him, one of the suspects was in possession of forged ECOWAS Travel Certificate. The remaining seven had no travel documents. The victims would be handed over to NAPTIP zonal office in Kano for further action.

Police Arrest Deadly Kidnappers in Ogun State

Men of Ogun State Police Command have arrested six suspected kidnappers, who lured a man, Femi Olatunji, from his home in Isheri area of Ogun State to Igbokoda, Ondo State, and killed him after they had collected ransom. The suspects, who ran a six-man kidnapping syndicate led by a 23-year-old man, were said to have struck a relationship with the victim on social media and lured him to their base in Igbokoda on May 12. The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, said the wife of the victim had reported the kidnap of her husband to the police on the said date and the police immediately swung into action. Based on the information received about the notorious kidnap gang, the police operatives stormed their hideout at Igbokoda, where they engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle that lasted for about two hours. He, however, explained that the suspected kidnappers succumbed to the firepower of the police and six members of the gang were arrested. Iliyasu said investigation into the case revealed that the suspects collected some amount of money from the family of the victim, but instead of releasing him, they killed him and dumped his body in a river. The leader of the kidnap gang, who confessed that they strangled the victim inside one of the abandoned classrooms in the primary school, refused to give any reason for the action.

Police Kill 2 Suspected Kidnappers, Arrest 1 in Anambra

Two kidnappers have been killed and one arrested by men of the Anambra State Police Command. The Command paraded the kidnap suspect alongside bodies of his two dead cohorts on May 22. The police said the dead criminals were clamped down by the men of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), following a raid on the den in one of the forests in Urum community. It was gathered that another suspect, a motorcyclist responsible for collection of ransom for the group was also arrested with a locally made pistol, while a kidnap victim who was recently taken by the group was rescued unhurt during the operation. Parading the suspect, the State Commissioner of Police, Sam Okaula, disclosed that the suspected kidnappers had boasted of ridiculing the determination of the police in making Anambra the safest state.

Police Parade 32 Suspected Kidnappers, Robbers in Kogi State

The Kogi State Police Command, May 24, paraded 32 suspects arrested over offences bothering on kidnapping, robbery, illegal possession of fire arms, and vandalism. Four of the suspects are alleged to be behind the kidnap of two businessmen and recent robbery incidents in the state. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operation, Edward Ebuka, who paraded the suspects at the Police Command Headquarters in Lokoja, said that they were arrested at their different hideouts. Ebuka said that 17 suspects were also being held for their alleged involvement in various robbery incidents on the highways and other parts of the state. He said that four guns, including two AK-47 rifles, a locally-made pistol and a Bareta Pistol with number 21244 and 27 rounds of live ammunition, were recovered from the suspects

Robbery

Robbers Kill Photo-Journalist in Akwa Ibom

Suspected armed robbers attacked and killed a freelance photo-journalist, Samuel Ekerendu, after they invaded his apartment at Enen Abasi Street in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on May 21. It was gathered that the robbers ravaged the Ayayatie Street, close to Itam Motor Park, few metres away from the “D” Division of the Nigerian Police, before proceeding to Itam West in continuation of their operation. Ekerendu was reportedly killed in his apartment while trying to protect his camera and laptop. The police came 30 minutes after the robbers had left with their loots.

Army Kills Notorious Cultist, Recover Arms

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, May 23, shot and killed a notorious cultist, identified as Mr Supreme, during a gun battle in Sime community in Tai LGA of Rivers State. Spokesman of the 6 division, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, who disclosed this, said that the deceased cultist was the leader of a notorious cult group, who was on the wanted list of the Rivers State Police Command. Iliyasu said one suspected cultist was arrested, while several others fled the scene with gunshot wounds in the operation that lasted several hours. The incident took place when troops of 29 Battalion deployed to Ebubu in Eleme LGA and the anti-robbery team deployed along Port Harcourt–Akwa Ibom road conducted a successful operation in Sime community. One SIGP228 pistol with registration number 299MME225 and ten rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered during the raid, he added. The arrested suspect was handed over to the Police for further investigation.

Police Arrest Herdsman, Others, Recover 17 Pistols

The Niger State Police Command, May 23, said that it had arrested one Sani Bature, a Fulani herdsman, from the Kafur LGA of Katsina State for allegedly attacking a farmer in the state. This is just as the police nabbed two suspects in the Sarkin-Pawa area for unlawful possession of arms, and recovered 17 locally made pistols. It was gathered that a team of policemen had tracked down Bature after he attacked the farmer, identified only as Alhaji Abdulla, who lived in Farin Doki, in the Paikoro LGA and destroyed his cassava farm. Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, confirmed the arrest, adding that the suspect used a locally-made pistol and a jack knife to threaten the victim. Elkana said the operatives had recovered the weapons. Elkana said that the police operatives recovered 17 locally-made revolver pistols with 81 pieces of live ammunition from the suspects. He appealed to the public to continue to give useful information to the police as it would help to reduce crime rate in the state.

Drugs

Militancy/Maritime

Suspected Militants Attack Gas Pipeline in Delta State

Niger Delta militants, May 20, attacked a gas pipeline operated by the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), near Sanomi creek in Delta state. NGC spokesman, Violin Antaih, confirmed the attack, which he described as an act of sabotage. The attack is the first in recent months and takes place amid on-going negotiations between Niger Delta leaders and the Federal Government. The spokesman of a militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, appeared to claim the attack in a tweet on May 23.

Terrorism

3 Suicide Bombers Killed in another Failed Attack in Borno

The Police in Borno State, May 24, confirmed the killing of three suspected female suicide bombers after a failed attack near Maiduguri. Police spokesman, Victor Isuku, who confirmed the incident, stated that three female suicide bombers, suspected to have been conveyed by motorcycle and dropped at a distance to Mamanti village in Molai area, were sighted and intercepted by vigilant security operatives. The bombers hurriedly detonated the explosives strapped to their bodies, killing themselves only, Isuku said. He added that a team from the Police Explosive Ordinance Department was promptly drafted to the scene to sanitise the area and restore normalcy.

Security on High Alert in Abuja over Boko Haram Threat

Following threats by Boko Haram to attack Abuja, security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have declared their readiness to combat all forms of threat to lives and property by intensifying intelligence efforts, surveillance and raiding black spots within and around the city. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the FCT Security Committee to review the current security situation in the nation’s capital. The security chiefs noted with concern the recent threat by the Boko Haram sect to attack the FCT but said the threat was not being taken lightly as everything would be done to prevent an attack on any part of the territory.

NAF Fighter Jets Destroy new Boko Haram Logistics Base

Efforts by the Boko Haram terrorist sect to rebuild one of its logistics base has been thwarted by Nigerian Airforce fighter aircraft that destroyed the new base. Director of Airforce Public Relations, Air Commodore Adetokumbo Adesanya, noted that the logistics base was discovered by Air surveillance aircraft one of several reconnaissance its mission to the Sambisa Forest and environs. Adesanya said that the Nigerian Air Force Component of Operation Lafiya Dole, May 16, conducted an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission in the Sambisa general area, and spotted a black vehicle and some Boko Haram Terrorists on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest. A confirmatory ISR mission on May 17 revealed that the Boko Haram Terrorists were attempting to build a logistics base in the location. Accordingly, NAF fighter aircrafts were immediately called in to carry out strikes on the location. Some of the structures and vehicles in the location were destroyed and several Boko Haram terrorists within the structure under the tree were possibly killed.

Troops Kill 13 Boko Haram Terrorists in Lake Chad

Military troops from the 8 Task Force Division, Maiduguri, on May 20, killed 13 members of the Boko Haram terrorists in Lake Chad region. Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Task Force Division, Col. Timothy Antigha, disclosed that the troops operating in Chikun Gudu, Tumbuma Karami and Tumbuma Baba, killed the 13 terrorists while many others escaped with gunshot wounds. The feat was achieved during clearance operation around the fringes of Lake Chad. It was gathered that the troops hit the few remaining Boko Haram hideouts and what was left of their logistics holding. During the operation, the troops recovered three AK47 and one pump action riffles, assorted riffle magazines and 306 rounds of ammunition, tool box, deep freezer and a Toyota gun truck. The troops also destroyed two other Toyota Hilux vehicles, one Toyota truck, two motorcycles and six bicycles.

Troops Arrest 10 Boko Haram Suspects

Troops of 242 Battalion, acting on a tip off, rounded up ten suspected Boko Haram smugglers. The suspects, comprised six females and four males, were arrested in Monguno and Nolwodo Malgori with assorted household items, foodstuffs and N63,060 cash. Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Task Force Division, Col. Timothy Antigha, confirmed the arrest in a statement on May 21. The arrested suspects were being profiled to determine the extent of their involvement in the Boko Haram insurgency.

Troops Rescue 998 Captives, Kill Nine Insurgents in Gun Battle

Troops from 3 battalion of the Nigerian Army, May 20, rescued 998 captives after a fire-fight with Boko Haram in Borno State that claimed nine fighters of the Islamist group. Army spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Usman, confirmed this in a statement. According to Usman, the 998 captives were rescued from three locations in Borno as follows: 125 at Ndufu, 802 at Muktu and 71 at Muzuri. Women and children were said to be among the rescued persons.  Although some of the terrorists fled in various directions on sighting the troops, the patrol team was able to neutralise nine terrorists, destroyed their Implosive Explosive Device (IED) making factory and rescued the victims, he said. He disclosed that following the confirmation on the presence of some of Boko Haram terrorists in some villages around Ngala, troops from 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade Nigerian Army, on Friday, May 19, 2017, along with some Civilian JTF members, embarked on fighting patrol to the area. The patrol team had a fierce encounter with the terrorists at Ndufu which they decisively dealt with before proceeding to clear Muktu, as well as nearby communities within the area.

Third Suicide Bomb Attack Hits UNIMAID in Two Weeks

Barely 48 hours after three suicide bombers attacked the University of Maiduguri; another bomber, May 20, detonated his explosive outside the perimeter fencing of the school. Security guards at the school said no casualty was recorded amongst members of the university community, adding that the suicide bomber died when he detonated his IED vest. The Borno State police commissioner, Damian Chukwu, who confirmed the incident, added that the bomber hid near the university’s Children Secondary School, and detonated the bomb, killing himself, when he sighted a security man coming in his direction. The incident, the third in less than two weeks, has heightened tension in the campus, as students and staffers expressed worries over the frequent attacks.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

3 Dead, 150 Houses Razed in Tiv/Jukun Clash

Three persons were reportedly killed and over 150 houses razed, following a clash between Tiv and Jukun at Fiidi, Airport community, in Makurdi LGA of Benue State. The clash followed an argument that started at a drinking joint. The police, May 23, said only one person died and 20 houses burnt down. The crisis has created a huge refugee situation in and around the state capital, with several families, including women and children, fleeing the crisis area. Majority of them were seen trekking several kilometres to the city centre. It was gathered that the battle was triggered by disagreements between youths of both tribes at a drinking bar in the area.

Cultists Behead Notorious Gang Leader, Kill 5 Others in Rivers State

A cultist, Chukwuemeka Emenike, was, May 21, beheaded during cult clashes that claimed five others in two communities – Rumuekini community in Obio/Akpor LGA and Omerelu community in Ikwerre LGA –both of Rivers State. It was gathered that suspected cultists beheaded Emenike, abandoned his body in a drainage around Rumuekini community and displayed the decapitated head at the Rumuosi end of the East-West Road. Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the killing of Emenike, whom he described as a notorious cultist. He added that the corpse had been deposited in the morgue for autopsy, while the police are investigating the incident to unravel the culprits and get them arrested. In Omerelu community, five persons lost their lives in a cult war. The police could not confirm the casualty figure for Omerelu.

Masquerade, 6 Persons Killed In Kogi

A Masquerade and six persons have been killed in Okene and Ofu LGAs of Kogi State by yet to be identified gunmen. The killing in Okene which involved a Masquerade and three of his followers occurred on May 22 at Idare district. It was gathered that the masquerade and three of his followers were gunned down by two men on motorcycles during the “Eche-Anee” festival which is celebrated annually by the people of Kogi Central. The state government immediately banned the festival celebration to avoid further crises. In another similar development, three members of the Vigilante group in Ofu Local Government Area of the state were allegedly killed by yet to be identified bandits on May 22 at Ahi village. The deceased who were conveying three suspected criminals they earlier arrested who later escaped after the attack were said to have been ambushed on their way to Ugwolawo Divisional Police Office at the LGA headquarters.

Police Confirm Beheading of 5-Year-Old

The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the beheading of a five-year-old boy by unknown assailants in Shabu Lafia LGA of the state. The boy was beheaded on May 22 with his headless body dumped in an uncompleted building. Police spokesman, Kennedy Idirisu, confirmed that the headless body of Meshach Ona, and that the police had begun investigation into the case. Idirisu called on parents to properly watch over their children and wards. A relative of the boy, Mary Adogo, reported that the child had gone to ease himself in the early hours of the day and never returned. After about an hour of not seeing him, the boy’s mother raised an alarm which prompted the family and neighbours to commence a search for him. It was in the process of the search that they found the headless body in an uncompleted four-bedroom flat close to their residence.

Man Murdered in Bayelsa

Unidentified gunmen shot and killed one Jackson Olali at the popular Tombia-Amassoma Road in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on May 22. A relative of the victim said Jackson Olali had returned from his home town of Nembe that evening, before he went out to charge his mobile phone where he met his untimely death, as the gunmen suspected to be assassins shot him on the head. Details of the incident remain sketchy.

Woman Beats 8-Year-Old Maid to Death

A beautician, identified only as Oby, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly beating her maid, Miracle, to death at the Isolo area of the state. It was learnt that the mother of two had beat the eight-year-old on May 20 until she collapsed and died. She was allegedly plotting with some persons to dispose of the corpse when some neighbours raised the alarm and reported the case to the police. The suspect was subsequently detained at the Isolo Police Division. A resident of the area disclosed that the suspect had been beating Miracle for months. He explained that anytime Oby was confronted by neighbours, she would shun and insult them. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the incident, adding that the victim’s corpse had been deposited in the Isolo General Hospital for autopsy.

Police Inspector, Siblings Killed in Lagos

A Police Inspector and two siblings were killed during a masquerade festival at Ilagbo community, in the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State on May 20. It was learnt that some youths of Oriyanrin, a neighbouring community, had attended the masquerade event tagged, Kilajolu festival, at Ilagbo when a clash broke out between the two communities. Some elders of the host community were said to have sent the youths away. It was gathered that the youths regrouped and laid in ambush for some Ilagbo youths, who were returning from the festival, hacking one Ismaila to death. It was learnt that Ismaila’s brother, identified simply as Matanle, had gone to remove the corpse of his brother at the scene, when he was also hacked to death by the Oriyanrin youths. Angered by the deaths, Ilagbo youths reportedly went on a reprisal and attacked Oriyanrin, burning down houses. A team of policemen were deployed in the communities to restore normalcy, during which the inspector was killed by the rampaging youths. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, warned the residents to desist from communal clashes. He confirmed the death of the brothers, adding that two persons had been arrested in connection with the crisis.

Hawkers Stone KAI Officer Dead

Tragedy struck at Iyana-Oworo axis of Lagos State, when traders lynched an officer of Kick against Indiscipline (KAI) on May 24. The officer, identified as Ayeni Moshood, was mobbed by the traders, when a KAI team arrested two hawkers. The two traders were arrested for selling along the ever busy road. A KAI official, Okarutu Eneji, who witnessed the tragedy, said after arresting both traders, who were put in their van, the traders raised alarm to attract sympathisers and in no time the other traders gathered and started throwing stones at the van. One of the stones hit the deceased’s head. He became unconscious and fell off from the vehicle. The other KAI officials rushed him to Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate end of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, from where he was later transferred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Confirming the incident, the KAI Marshal General, Jimoh Amusat, condemned the act of violence unleashed on the officer, who was carrying out his lawful duties.

Rape

Father, Son Take Turns to Rape 12-Year-Old Daughter

A 56-year-old man, Sunday Adimagwu, and his son, Kenneth (21), were May 22, docked before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s court and charged with defiling a 12-year-old girl. The father is being tried for defiling his own daughter, while the son was arraigned for allegedly defiling the same girl, his half-sister. The prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offences were committed between September 2016 and April 2017 at the apartment of the accused. The 12-year-old girl had been staying with her father and her step-mother, following her mother’s separation from her father. According to him, both men had sexually assaulted the girl on different occasions. When the girl had the opportunity, she ran to her mother’s house and reported her ordeal in the hands of both men. The outraged mother reported the case at the police station and the men were immediately apprehended. The duo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Taiwo Akanni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 each, with two sureties each, in like sum and adjourned the case until June 19 for mention

14-Year-Old Defiles Neighbour’s 7-Year-Old Daughter

A 14-year-old secondary school student is facing trial at an Ikeja chief magistrate’s court over the defilement of his neighbour’s seven-year-old daughter. The accused, who resides with his parents in Bariga, Lagos, according to police prosecutor, Raphael Donny, broke into the toilet where the girl was easing herself, and defiled her. He said the accused committed the offence in December 2016, noting “it was the cry of the girl that alerted the mother, who immediately rushed to the scene. “When the mother saw blood stains on her child’s clothes, she shouted and efforts to apprehend the boy were unsuccessful as he ran away from the house. The case was reported at the police station, while the boy was later sighted in Agege and arrested by the police.” The accused, however, denied the charge. Chief Magistrate D. Abegunde admitted the accused to N300,000 bail with two sureties in like sum. Abegunde, however, ordered the accused remanded in the Boys Correctional Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, until when the bail condition is met.

Toddler Snatched from Mother, Gang Raped in Katsina

A year-old baby girl was snatched from her 30-year-old mother and gang raped in Danja LGA of Katsina State. The hoodlums, Suleiman and Musa snatched the baby strapped to the woman’s back as she was about boarding a motorcycle. They then took her to a bush, where Musa and another person raped the baby. The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isah, confirmed the development, noting that a secondary suspect, Suleiman, has been arrested, while a manhunt had been launched for the primary suspects, Musa, and the other person. He said the father of the baby, Ahmadu Jibril, reported the case at Central Police Station, Funtua. It was gathered that the baby, who sustained injuries, was rushed to the General Hospital in Funtua for treatment.

16-Year-Old Alleges Persistent Rape by ‘Pastor’

A 16-year-old girl has disclosed how she was being raped since she was 10 years old by a pastor. The victim alleged that the suspect, with the connivance of a medical doctor, had carried out four abortions on her without her consent. Trouble started for the teenager after the demise of her parents six years ago. An uncle, she identified simply as George, took her to Delta State from where the suspect, who had just been separated from his wife, took her to Lagos to look after his child, with a promise to train her in school. That was when he allegedly started a sexual relationship with her in his three-bedroom flat. The victim alleged that whenever he wanted to have sexual intercourse with her, he would invite her to his bedroom and offer her some drugs after which she would lose her memory. She lamented that when she opened up to her church pastor, they hushed her up. According to her, she passed out after the man forcefully took her to a quack for another abortion. The girl reportedly slumped, bleeding from her vagina while on her way to school the following day. Sympathisers rushed her to a hospital along Isolo-Mushin Road, where it was discovered that the abortion was not properly done.

Police Arrest Pastor for Allegedly Raping Housewife

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Delta State Police Command have arrested the General Overseer of a new Generation Church for allegedly raping a housewife, and also duping members of his church. It was gathered that the pastor allegedly hoodwinked the housewife into a prayer session, and mid-way took her into his office where he raped her amidst struggle. The State Police Commissioner, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim, who paraded the suspect on May 23, said the police acted on a tip-off to arrest the pastor.

Others

Angry Mob Attacks Borno Lawmaker

An angry mob attacked and beat up the member representing Kwaya Kusar LGA in the Borno State House of Assembly, Ahmed Banga on May 23. Banga escaped death as the mob attacked him at one of the centres for the ongoing continuous voters’ registration in the town. It took the intervention of security operatives to rescue the lawmaker from the mob, who were reportedly armed with cutlasses, knife, sticks and other dangerous weapons. The lawmaker was rushed to the nearby Gombe Federal Medical Centre. Efforts to speak with him were unsuccessful, but the Caretaker Chairman of the Council, Babangida Peta, confirmed the incident.

Another 440 Rifles Uncovered in Lagos

The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), May 23, intercepted a 20-foot container laden with 440 guns of various sizes and designs. Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Monday Abueh, said the cargo was shipped from Turkey, adding that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the arms import. The consignment, according to the Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘Á’ of Customs, was declared as white cement to cover up the illicit import. Abueh said the seizure was based on intelligence reports, adding that investigation into how the consignment got into the country and who was behind the import was on-going. The arms include 100 pieces of Black Tornado single barrel rifles; 75 pieces of silver magnum single barrel rifles; 50 pieces of alter pump action rifles; 215 pieces of black single barrel rifles; and 164 pieces of rifle nozzles. This seizure comes barely three months after the interception of over 600 arms on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

Jilted Lover Bathes Ex-Girlfriend with Acid

A 26-year-old woman, Deborah Eteh, was bathed with acid by her ex-boyfriend. The incident occurred on Tombia Road by Edepie, Bayelsa State on May 22. It was gathered that both of them were in a relationship in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, before the victim, Deborah, pulled out of the relationship and relocated to Yenagoa. The suspect was said to have traced his victim from Port Harcourt to Yenagoa, where he bathed her with a substance suspected to be acid. Following the alarm raised by the victim’s neighbours, residents of the area apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police, while the victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where she is receiving treatment.

Police Disperse El-Zakzaky Protesters in Abuja

Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, May 22, used tear gas to disperse scores of Shiittes protesters demanding the release of the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. The protesters who converged at the office of the National Human Rights Commission, had marched through the streets, displaying placards, calling for the release of Sheikh Zakzaky. However, heavily armed police personnel, mobilized to the scene and dispersed the protesters with use of tear gas and water cannons. There has been pro-El-Zakzaky protests since his arrest and detention since December 2015 following a bloody clash with the military in Zaria, Kaduna State.

17 Arrested over Cross River, Akwa Ibom Boundary Crisis

Military men positioned on the Cross Rivers State side of the Calabar-Itu Bridge head have arrested 17 persons involved in the attacks in the boundary dispute between Oku Iboku clan in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom State and Ikot Offiong in Odukpani LGA of Cross Rivers State. It was gathered that the suspects were dressed as pastors in all white attire on May 19, trying to come into Akwa Ibom. Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Chukwu Ikechukwu, who confirmed the incident, said, however, that he could not confirm the number of suspects that were arrested. Meanwhile, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Akwa Ibom, confirmed the arrest on May 21. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Umar Shuaib assured residents of the Brigade’s readiness to protect the people.

NIS Arrests 400 Illegal Immigrants in Edo

Over 400 persons were on May 24 arrested by the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for alleged illegal entry into the country. The suspects were said to have been arrested during a mop-up exercise across the 18 LGAs of the state. It was learnt that some of them, who were nabbed in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Esan-West and Uhunmwode LGAs had forced their way into Nigeria from neighbouring countries like Niger Republic, Mali and Chad. Three officers of the agency were said to have sustained injuries when they were attacked during the operation. The State Controller of the NIS, David Adi, confirmed the arrest. Adi said that the exercise became necessary following intelligence reports that many illegal immigrants had relocated to the state without any means of livelihood. He stated that though the citizens of ECOWAS member-countries had the privilege of free movement, such persons should possess the right documents and travel through approved routes

Court Remands Two in Prison over Alleged Rituals in Osun

An Ile-Ife Magistrate Court has remanded two suspects – a 38-year-old prophet, Israel Ojimi and 27-year-old Bose Adetimikan - in prison custody over alleged rituals. The prosecutor, Inspector Emmanuel Abdullahi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 20, 2017, around 10pm at Mosarajo area via Ile-Ife. According to him, they had armed themselves with some charms in the form of a garment with an intention to commit felony. He further explained that they conducted themselves in a manner that caused mayhem, adding that their behaviour was against the norms and ethics of the nation and had contravened sections 213, 249 (d) and 516 of the State Penal Code. Although defence counsel, Mr Alaba Awoseemo pleaded for their bail in most liberal terms, the plea was not accepted. Magistrate Olalekan Ijiyode, however, asked the counsel to put the plea in writing and ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody. Ijiyode, subsequently adjourned the case to June 13, to hear the bail application.

Review/Analysis

Terrorism stood tall in our table this week. However, records of failed terrorists attacks and successes by the military were recorded. Three suspected female suicide bombers were killed in a failed attack in Maiduguri, after the bombers hurriedly detonated their explosives, killing themselves only when they were intercepted by vigilante security operatives. In a separate attack by military troops from the 8 Task Force Division, Maiduguri, about 13 members of the Boko Haram Sect were killed in Lake Chad region as many others escaped with gunshot wounds. The troops also recovered high calibre weapons and explosive devices from the sect, destroying two Toyota Hilux vehicles, two motorcycles and six bicycles. The fight against terrorism lingers as the north-east remains the most endemic region.

Rape incidents also stood tall on the crime index as young underage girls remain soft targets. The heart-breaking story of a 12-year-old girl who was raped by her 56-year-old father and her brother givers a great cause for concern in the strife to keep the girl-child safe. Both suspects have been arrested and charged to court. In a related event, a 14-year-old boy is facing trial in court over the defilement of his neighbour’s seven-year-old daughter. The boy allegedly broke into the toilet where the girl had gone to ease herself and raped her. A loud cry from the girl alerted her mother to the crime. It is quite encouraging as the authorities are dealing decisively with those involved in rape. The south-west recorded more of this wicked crime as pubescents remain soft target.

Kidnap/hostage incidents maintained a steady spot on the index as police authorities clamp down on major kidnap kingpins in the society. This was seen in a case of two suspected kidnappers who were killed by the Anambra State Police Command as one other suspect was apprehended and paraded alongside the corpses of his dead cohorts. In another incident, a three-month-old baby allegedly stolen by suspected child traffickers was rescued by the Police in Abia state. In a similar case, the police also arrested two suspected child traffickers who confessed to have sold their babies for N250,000 each. It was encouraging as the police was able to capture suspected kidnappers and rescued a few victims who were held hostage. The south-east region of the country have persistently recorded more cases of kidnap.

Murder and assassination took a nose dive with a few but gory incidents on record. Law enforcement agents continue to make arrests of known suspects. Except for a few incidents of cult clashes, other incidents were mostly lone killings in feats of rage. The law enforcement agents were not left out as they equally fell victims to heartless killers. Some suspects were successfully arrested, while a few others remain at large. The police authorities have promised to prosecute the suspects after investigations, while efforts are in top gear to apprehend those at large. These were recorded across the nation.

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