NIGERIA SECURITY REPORT WEEK 11 2006.
GENERAL
� The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said that it is preparing a major attack on the Nigerian Army and on international oil installations in the southern Niger delta region, stressing that the following days will be bleak for the Nigerian oil industry. MEND spokesman Jomo Gbomo said that they will commence long-delayed attacks on the most heavily fortified installations, so that Nigerian government cannot claim to have been caught unawares. Militants alleged that they are on the process of moving 1,000 of their battle-hardened fighters into positions around the Niger Delta. The separatists who are still holding hostage Cody Oswalt and Russel Spell, both Americans, and John Hudsmith, a Briton, confirmed that the hostages have been separated for strategic reasons and all considerations to their comfort and well-being disregarded henceforth. According to the militants, the hostages will not be executed without good reason. They warned expatriates around the Niger Delta to leave as they do not wish to shed innocent blood. The three hostages working for Willbros were taken hostage on February 18 alongside six of their colleagues while laying pipes for oil giant Royal Dutch Shell. The other six were released on March 1. Meanwhile, SPDCs Managing Director and Country Chairman, Mr. Basil Omiyi, in a memo to all staff in Port-Harcourt, Warri, Bonny, Lagos and Abuja, alleged fresh threat to the company�s installations in the region, especially in Rivers and Bayelsa States. Omiyi said it was not only the facilities of the SPDC that were being threatened by the militants. The ethnic Ijaw youth leaders have called on the Nigerian government to declare a cessation of hostilities against the Ijaw. In a communique issued at the end of a two-day meeting at Warri on March 14 2006, the Ijaw Youth leaders also called for the release of the three hostages still being held. So far, as a direct result of the militants� actions, Nigeria’s daily crude oil production has reduced by 600,000 barrels a day, from 2.6 million barrels to 2 million barrels a day.
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� President Olusegun Obasanjo said that Federal Government has resolved to show restraint in its dealing with the problems of the Niger Delta region while playing host to the Executive Director of Exploration and Production, Shell International, Mr. Malcolm Brinded at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Obasanjo said that if government�s position portrays her as being weak, it is inconsequential; as the need to preserve life is of utmost importance to the government. Referring to the hostages being held in the Niger Delta, he said: “We have to show restraint, even if this portrays government as weak. If we choose to use force, lives will definitely be lost. I will do everything to save lives in all circumstances.� Brinded told President Obasanjo that Shell appreciates the Federal Government’s efforts to secure the release of the remaining three hostages, adding: “It is normal for us to be concerned about our staff, and we are encouraged by your efforts to free them.” However, the militants alleged that some Ijaw youth leaders negotiating for the release of the three remaining hostages were attacked at different parts of Warri on March 18 2006 by men in full military attire forcing the youth leaders in the negotiation to abandon the negotiation team. President Obasanjo’s media assistant, Mrs Remi Oyo has denied Federal Government involvement in the attacks.
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� Federal Government has raised an alarm that the thermal plant generating electricity in the Niger Delta area of the country might any moment from now explode, following the discovery of condensates and water particles in the pipelines transmitting gas from the troubled Niger Delta region. The Minister of Power and Steel, Mr Liyel Imoke said that in the event of explosion, the nation�s power supply would further nose-dive, leaving epileptic supply of electricity across the country. The minister blamed the development on the activities of youths in the Niger Delta that blew up the gas pipelines last year. The technical crew working on the thermal plant has not been able to access the vandalised areas of the gas pipeline, the minister said. Mr. Imoke said that although all the hydro stations and units were running at full capacity, the only three stations in the country were fast exhausting their water sources. Imoke further stated that of the 1,400 to 1,500 megawatts that is available at Egbin, only 700 megawatts can be generated. He alerted that until the gas supply problem is addressed, the nation is going to continue to have a considerable reduction in available supply.
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� THE Federal Government has declared two days, March 24 and 25, as days for the restriction of movement for the 2006 census. President Olusegun Obasanjo made the declaration March 15 2006 in Abuja at the presidential forum on the 2006 census. The declaration followed a letter from the chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) asking the President to restrict movement for two-days to compel Nigerians to stay in their homes to be enumerated. To ensure the success of the census exercise, President Obasanjo advised the state chief executives to make the two days set aside for the restriction of movement uniform so that there won�t be any migration from one part of the country to another. Meanwhile, the National Population Commission (NPC) has stated its readiness to conduct a hitch free and acceptable census for Nigeria. The NPC chairman, Chief Samuila Makama, pledged to conduct a hitch free and acceptable census for Nigeria during the presidential forum on 2006 census. Samuila said some measures had been adopted, like cross posting of commission officials, federal commissioners and state head of departments, among other measures. However, hundreds of local census recruits in Dutsin-Ma town, Katsina State for the upcoming census went on rampage on March 18 2006 over wage differential and burnt down local council offices in Dutsin-Ma Katsina State, protesting less payment of money than their national counterparts who were recruited by the National Population Commission. The local census recruits allegedly set fire on all the offices of key (local) officials in the area. Thirty (30) people were arrested after the incident but no injuries were reported. Similarly, in Edo State angry census recruits went on protest over the substitution of their names with those they claimed are cronies of the politicians. The NPC boss revealed that 90 European Union (EU) international monitoring groups funded by EU itself and other development partners were on the ground while about 13,200 national and non-governmental observers were also fully on the ground for the census.
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� Twenty three (23) Islamic youths, found training with assault rifles have reportedly been arrested on top of Mbuli Hill on the outskirts of Bauchi city (Bauchi State �NW). The youths were found in possession of audio tapes on Islamic preaching, AK-47 rifles, three empty magazines, binoculars, knives and slingshots. On interrogation by the Police, the suspects who had no genuine reason for being at the location, claimed they were on the hill for a training exercise. Similar Islamic fundamentalist cells, claiming to be �Taliban� have been arrested in Borno and Adamawa States. Religious intolerance still remains a potent threat in Nigeria. Fears of Muslim aggression could encourage militant reactions by Nigeria’s Christian community, making future religious violence possible, as the recent riots that erupted in Onitsha and several other northern cities in late February 2006. To avert crisis during the upcoming National Population Census March 21-25 2006, Religion was excluded among the Questionaire to be administered. On March 18 2006, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, ordered the immediate closure of the school to avert the explosion of the religious tension building up between Christian and Muslim students of the institution.
East (Rivers & adjoining States)
2.1 On March 13 2006 a day old baby was found beheaded and dumped in drainage along Orlu Road, near Alvan Ikoku College of Education Owerri, Imo State. Police is investigating the incident. In a similar incident, a day old baby was picked up from a bush path at Egbo Eche in Rivers State by an official of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, the baby has been handed over to a medical team at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Investigation to identify the parents is ongoing.
2.2 On March 14 2006 two explosive devices were discovered in the headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) building (Dappa Biriye House) along Aba/PHC expressway, Port Harcourt. Police bomb disposal unit were called in and removed the devices for analysis and further investigation. Meanwhile, strict access control is ongoing for all the visitors seeking entry into the premises.
2.3 On March 14 2006 three (3) robbers struck at an apartment at Hungie Street off R.D Road Okporo Port-Harcourt. The residents sustained injuries and were locked up in their own apartment after a successful robbery operation. The robbers escaped with GSM handsets and other valuables. Police freed the residents upon their arrival and police investigation is ongoing.
2.4 On March 15 2006 irate youths at Elelenwo Port-Harcourt descended on an alleged member of a robbery gang who allegedly murdered a widow in the presence of her six (06) year old son, following a disagreement that ensued after her refusal to part with an inheritance (a plot of land) from her late husband. The suspect was seriously injured during the assault and was taken to Mini Okoro police Division for further investigation.
2.5 On March 15 2006 a man believed to be a final year science student was shot dead by persons alleged to be members of a cult group who later fled the campus through a bush path. The victim was apparently making calls in a call centre at the administrative block in the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) at the time of the incident. The victim died immediately after being shot in his chest. Police investigation is ongoing.
2.6 On March 16 2006 tension engulfed Igwuruta Ali village in the Rivers State, following the burial of a final year student of Rivers State College of Education (RSCOE) who was allegedly killed by a community leader through spiritual means. Over 300 youths believed to be friends and relatives of the deceased were observed chanting war songs as they marched to the suspect�s residence. The police from the Igwuruta police division eventually dispersed the youths. Police is still investigating the incident.
2.7 On March 17 2006 Rivers State Police Command arrested three (03) female students from Michael Okpara College of Agriculture, Ohaji, Owerri over their claim to be students of Rivers State origin in higher institution. The suspects were arrested while quarrelling on how to share money realized from the bursary allegedly withdrawn from First Bank Harbour Road Port-Harcourt branch. The suspects are assisting the police on further arrest on accomplices.
2.8 On March 17 2006 an armed robbery suspect was shot dead at FOT Onne while nine others escaped, after an exchange of fire with security personnel at the port. The gang of armed robbers, who arrived at the port in a military uniform and on a Hiace bus, were heading for Diamond Bank before they met with stiff resistance from armed security personnel attached to the port. The robbers later escaped with their dead colleague through the waterways in a waiting boat after abandoning the bus. Police investigation is ongoing.
2.9 On March 18 2006 Obodhi youths in Ahoada-east, Rivers State under the aegis of Obodhi Youths Welfare Association (OYWA) forwarded their grievances to the state government over the refusal of Agip to honour an agreement of construction of Obodhi road embodied in the MOU of 13th June 1984. OYWA have therefore warned Agip against doing any kind of work until they honour the agreement. In a similar development, Omokpirikwu Elele Olo in Emuoha local Government, Rivers State called on the Rivers State government to compel Elf petroleum to honour OML 58CC � a three year MOU signed with the community.
2.10 On March 18 2006 Rivers State Police Command at Buguma arrested some female suspects, suspected to be members of the dreaded �Black Bra� cult group while allegedly attempting to initiate some young girls in the area. Some of their victims have been hospitalized as a result of cuts from sharp objects during the initiation. Police investigation is ongoing.
2.11 On March 19 2006 at about 2155hrs, a six-man (06) armed robbery gang gained access through the back door of a building at Olumini Street Eligbolo Port-Harcourt and raided the apartments. The robbers carted away over five (05) GSM handsets, and other valuables and escaped before the arrival of a police patrol team. Police investigation is ongoing.
Car-Jacking: Six (06) cars were snatched at gunpoint including a Honda CRV jeep. Police effort for the recovery is ongoing.
West (Warri/Escravos and adjoining States)
2.12 On March 12 2006 at about 0600hrs, an irate mob burnt down a Customs Service pick-up van and attempted to lynch an officer after some custom men manning a road block, shot a trailer suspected to be carrying some contraband goods.
2.13 On March 13 2006 at about 1600hrs, two (02) persons were lynched by youths of Ovu community in Ethiope East local government area of Delta state and several others sustained injuries over the killing of a youth during an annual festival in the community. A team of anti-riot policemen were deployed to maintain peace. Investigation is ongoing.
2.14 On March 13 2006 at about 0145hrs, men of the Delta state police command attached to the Aladja Division arrested two armed robbery suspects in a gang of four during an operation along the Ovwian/Aladja-Warri road after receiving a distress call. The other members of the gang escaped. Two cut-to-size firearms and two live cartridges were recovered from the suspects. Police investigation is ongoing.
2.15 On March 14 2006 at about 0400hrs, three (3) armed robbery suspects alleged to have raided a luxury bus heading to the east at Ugbokun junction, along Benin-Lagos expressway, in Ovia North east local government area of Edo state were shot dead and two others arrested by men of the Edo state Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) after a shoot-out. The robbers had earlier killed two passengers of the bus and dispossessed others of their valuables before the police arrived.
2.16 On March 15 2006 at about 2300hrs, over 500 locked up stores, open stalls and other valuable items worth several millions of naira were destroyed by a fire outbreak at the Sapele main market in Delta state. The fire is suspected to have originated from a fire in the dry fish section of the market. The prompt response of the state fire service prevented the fire from spreading further.
2.17 On March 15 2006 the Delta state Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Udom Ekpoudom, paraded a young man before newsmen in Asaba for allegedly stabbing his wife to death over her incessant late night coming into their matrimonial home. Police investigation is ongoing.
2.18 On March 15 2006 militants suspected to be members of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) in three speed boats, attacked and blew up the Ekeremor Manifold owned by SPDC in the Warri South-West local government area of Delta state. The facility is the flow pipeline from Odidi flow station.
2.19 On March 16 2006 at about 0530hrs, the Police at Ebrumede out-post of Effurun Division raided the hide out of a gang of armed robbers terrorizing Ugbolokposu town in Uvwie local government area of Delta state and arrested three members of the gang, while others escaped. Two locally made guns and four GSM handsets were recovered from the suspects. Investigation is ongoing.
2.20 On March 17 2006 at about 0120hrs, a twenty-man armed robbery gang gained access into the premises of the Delta State School of Nursing, Warri, through the back of the premises and raided offices and hostels. The robbers carted away over fifteen GSM handsets, N30, 000 cash and other valuables. The gang escaped with their loot before the arrival of a police patrol team attached to the B’ Division, Warri of the Delta state police command. Police investigation is ongoing.
2.21 On March 17 2006 at about 1900hrs, two policemen, one on escort duty with a commercial bus while the other on duty at a police check point at Abraka were killed by robbers on rampage after they were said to have robbing the passengers of the bus of various items along the Eku-Sapele road in two separate in incidents. Investigation is ongoing.
2.22 On March 18 2006 at about 2000hrs, acting on a tip-off, men of the Delta State police command arrested three armed robbery suspects from a gang of seven in Effurun that specializes in snatching motorbikes for robbery operations. A locally made pistol and one live cartridge were recovered from the suspects. Police investigation is ongoing.
Car-Jacking Seven (7) vehicles were reportedly snatched at gunpoint at different locations in Warri and its environs during the week. Four (4) of the said vehicles have been recovered, while investigation to recover the rest is ongoing.
Lagos (and adjoining States)
2.23 On March 12 2006 at about 2330hrs, the policemen of the Morogbo Police Division, Lagos while acting on a tip off, arrested four armed robbery suspects at Ibiye Phase 2, Morogbo, with one locally made pistol, one live cartridge, one arrow and assorted charms concealed in a bag. State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti is investigating.
2.24 On March 12 2006 at about 1230hrs, twenty-five (25) armed robbery suspects were arrested with bullet wounds by Ojo Police when heavily armed robbers numbering about 45 invaded Alaba Community Bank at Alaba International Market, Ojo. Items recovered from the robbers include their operational vehicle, one iron cutter, one sledge hammer, seven chisels, two motorcycles and 500 expended shells of 7.65mm calibre ammunition. Police investigation is ongoing.
2.25 On March 13 2006 at about 2250hrs, men of the Nigerian police force attached to Shomolu Division Lagos on a tip-off of robbers operating in a commercial vehicle, chased and arrested one of the suspects and seized their vehicle while the other robbers escaped. The criminals robbed their victim, a passenger in the bus, of the sum of forty five thousand Naira (N45, 000.00), one cell phone, one PHCN identity card and a wristwatch. The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is investigating.
2.26 On March 13 2006 at about 0230hrs, a team of policemen drafted from Ikotun Police Division foiled the activities of vandals suspected to have vandalized NNPC pipelines at the Ijegun area of Ikotun. The vandals on sighting the team took to their heels and abandoned one trailer tanker filled with substance suspected to be petroleum product, with a hose still affixed to the vandalized pipeline through which petroleum was gushing out profusely. Anti-Vandalization Taskforce on NNPC pipelines is investigating.
2.27 On March 14 2006 at about 2000hrs, three (03) armed robbery suspects were fatally shot by police while raiding the residents of No. 9 Alabe Street, Isolo and Abaraje road, Ikotun Lagos. One locally made pistol and seven (07) live cartridges as well as some of the robbed items were recovered from the deceased robbers. SCID Panti is investigating.
2.28 On March 14 2006 at about 1410hrs, shanty houses at Ireti Owoseni Street, Ijora Badia, were razed by. The fire was however put out by members of the public. No life was lost. The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage. Ijora Badia Police Division is investigating.
2.29 On March 15 2006 at about 2100hrs, some social miscreants, known as area boys, at Shobade and Adeleye streets, Orile Igamu, armed with sticks, bottles and other dangerous weapons were involved in a free-for-all fight. A total of six (06) vehicles were maliciously vandalized in the disturbance. The Orile police division is investigating.
2.30 On March 16 2006 at about 1145hrs, a gang of armed robbers numbering about thirty (30) stormed the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) in Unity area of Ilorin, Kwara State and operated for over three hours in an attempt to steal from the bank but was foiled by the police. Police investigation is ongoing.
Car-Jacking Eighteen (18) vehicles were reportedly snatched at gunpoint at different locations in Lagos and its environs during the week. Nine (09) of the said vehicles have been recovered, while police investigation is ongoing to recover the rest.