Security Report – Week 18

GENERAL

� The Federal Government has alerted the nation about plans by some politicians to cause public disorder in Abuja and the state capitals across the country over the current debate on the constitutional amendment in the National Assembly. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Frank Nweke (Jnr) who made this assertion on May 2 2006 at the Presidential Villa Abuja without disclosing names of those behind the plot said some well-known politicians have concluded plans to instigate youths to protests and demonstrations against the alleged third term agenda of the present administration. Frank Nweke (Jnr) alleged that millions of naira has been doled out to lure thousands of youths to be drawn from Plateau, Kano, Jigawa, Enugu, Anambra , Kogi and Benue States to demonstrate at the National Assembly against the constitutional amendment. However, the minister assured that federal government has made adequate security measures to protect law abiding citizens and others.

� Bank executives have decided to buy 26 armoured personnel carriers to beef up police operations against the rising cases of overnight attacks on banks. The purchase of the vehicles and the cost of equipping them may be about N1.8billion. It could be recalled that robbers stole about N194million from the Port Harcourt branch of a bank in one of such daring raids on April 25 2006. The decision was taken during the 284th Bankers Committee meeting in Lagos on May 02 2006, the according to the Managing Director, the Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Bartholomew Ebong. He said that the banks had also decided to set up a Security Trust Fund with an initial seed money of N100million to be contributed by all the banks. For the procurement of the APCs, he said that the Central Bank of Nigeria and the 25 banks would contribute N70million each. The APCs will be put at the disposal of the police. The Director, Banking Supervision, CBN, Mr. Ignatius Imala, said that the measure was to deter robberies, also pointed out that a situation where robbers spent a whole night in a bank was unacceptable. He said that the APCs would give the required protection to police officers deployed to foil such robberies. Ebong also disclosed that the new payment system, whereby all bank cheques would be issued in a standard format, would take effect from September 1, after which the current cheques would cease to be valid. The new standardised cheques, which were designed jointly by the Bankers Committee and the CBN, are expected to facilitate clearing, improve security and reduce the rejection rate of magnetic ink character recognition cheques from 40 per cent to internationally accepted three per cent.

� Gombe State Deputy Governor Hon. John Yoriyo was shot by a night guard who allegedly mistook him for an armed robber when the Deputy Governor was on Security Surveillance along Tumpere in the outskirts of Gombe metropolis at about 2130hrs of April 30 2006. Hon. John Yoriyo was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe where he was treated of chest injures as a result of the gunshot and discharged on May 01 2006. A robbery incident had reportedly taken place in the area after which Deputy Governor�s Jeep ran into the scene. The Deputy Governor who is the Chairman, Security committee in the State had gone to see the State Security Adviser, Alhaji Bappa Mohammed on security matters when the incident happened. Hon. Yoriyo said the shooting incident was not deliberate but a mere accident for which he had been treated and discharged. The State Police Commissioner Alhaji Atiku Kafur also confirmed the incident and agreed with the State Deputy Governor�s statement on the incident. The Police boss said that police was still investigating and no arrest has been made.

� A bloody protest by fifteen (15) Ibeno youths in Akwa Ibom State on May 2 2006 left one dead, two others shot, two expatriates kidnapped and several wounded at the Qua Iboe terminal Globestar platform offshore of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited MPN, located at Edop, about 25 nautical miles off the coast of Mkpanak, in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The youths barricaded the entrances of the terminal thereby making it impossible for employees, visitors and contractors to either enter or leave the facility .The youths were said to be protesting the arrest of one of their leaders who was arrested by naval men stationed in the area. The youths who were outside the terminal gates however overpowered the spy policemen guarding the QIT gates and gained entrance into the facility and in the process an expatriate employee and a spy policeman were said to have been stabbed while the youths kidnapped two other expatriate staff whom they took to an unknown destination but later allowed them to escape. The shootings was said to have started at about 1600hrs ON May 2 2006 when Naval men stationed at the area swooped on the youths firing gun shots which led to the killing of one of the youths, while three others were seriously shot. Navy arrested six of the militant youths and have been flown to Abuja for further interrogation. The names of the arrested militant youths were given as, Samuel Eyo, Oke Azeez, John Cyril, Emmanuel Bassey, Sammy Ekuk Akpan and Nsim Eduok. Several reasons allegedly led to this current invasion by the youths of the area who were alleged to have been relatively calm for sometime now. One of the reasons for the restiveness of the youths was said to be the protest against an employee from the area who the youths wanted out because of their belief that he was not giving them quality representation. This stand of the youths however pitched them against the youths from the employee�s village in the area who wanted him to stay. This led to the fracas that made men of the Navy taking one of the leaders of the youths to an unknown destination. Another reason is said to be the youths anger that MPN accords greater respect and attention to militants from Niger Delta�s neighbouring states like Bayelsa and Rivers States who recently invaded QIT. The youths claim that MPN paid the militants a large sum of money while their own demands are ignored. However, work resumed at Exxon Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) facilities in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State on May 4 2006 after a violent demonstration on May 2. In a press release signed by an official of MPN, Mr. Femi Fakayejo, said “there was a demonstration at the Qua Iboe Terminal late in the afternoon on May 2 and security authorities responded but we have no information as regards possible casualties associated with the incident”. He equally confirmed that “during the time production was curtailed briefly but has now been returned to normal levels and appropriate security measures are effected. Femi said that the safety of MPN employees and contractors is a top priority, and the company is working with the community to address their areas of concern as MPN encourages resolution of issues through dialogues�.

East (Rivers & adjoining States)

2.1 On May 01 2006 two (02) suspected armed robbers were shot dead by the police at Mini-Okoro division of the Rivers State Police Command. The suspects were alleged to have attempted escape during an arrest at Elelenwo Town, Port Harcourt where they terrorized residents. Two locally made pistols were recovered from the suspects. Police investigation is ongoing.

2.2 On May 01 2006 aggrieved youths of Ohaji/Egbama and Oguta local government areas of Imo State have threatened to resort to kidnapping of oil workers and vandalization of oil installations if the federal government fails to include the state in the council on socio-economic development in the coastal states of the Niger Delta. It could be recalled that Imo State was not included in the StateS that will benefit from the recent Federal Governments socio-economic development project for coastal states.

2.3 On May 02 2006 a police man and two civilians were killed when armed robbery gang numbering over fifteen (15) attacked a bullion van belonging to a bank along Eleme road at Akpajo, Rivers State. The robber�s vehicle had over taken the police escort vehicle and intentional hit the bullion van which caused police vehicle to somersault in attempt to avoid collision. In the ensuing confusion, the gang shot the police vehicle killing one while two civilians in the bullion van died as a result of bullion van hitting on the road pavement. Police investigation is ongoing.

2.4 On May 02 2006 a militant group known as Iduwini Volunteered Force (IVF) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa has threatened to shut down SPDC facilities in a 14 days ultimatum issued to SPDC, for an explanation on how it spent the sum of N800m it allegedly claimed was spent on the provision of projects in the area. The group further assured on an unpleasant youth restiveness in the area at the expiration of the deadline.

2.5 On May 03 2006 about forty (40) youths from Elem-Tombia raided a lay barge named Hanover at Cowthorne channel in two separate boats destroying properties and malhandling crew members including two expatriates before making away the barge. The barge which is operated by Global Energy was later retrieved by the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteered Force (NDPVF) which subsequently disarmed the youths and handed over the stolen barge, alleging that the action of Elem-Tombia youths can jeopardise the case of their leader Asari Dokubo currently standing treason charges at Abuja High court.

2.6 On May 04 2006 the police at Diobu division of the Rivers State police Command recovered a cut-to-size double barrel pistol with one live cartridge from a suspected cultist who was alleged to have been on a reprisal mission at the state University of Science and Technology. Other items recovered were a Sagem MYX7 snapper and a Nokia 3310. Police investigation is ongoing.

2.7 On May 05 2006 following the bomb blast that occurred at the military cantonment in port-harcourt, the army authority has issued an order for the eviction of over 350,000 civilians residing in the barracks. The order which expired on 7th April has already recorded a huge response as civilians were seen in their numbers relocating from the barracks.

2.8 On May 05 2006 an armed robbery suspect has been shot dead by the police at Diobu division of the Rivers State Police Command. The suspect and his gang members now at large were alleged to have robbed a resident of Agip estate where a 27Kva generator set was removed before police intervention which resulted to an exchange of fire that led to the death of the suspect. Police effort to arrest other gang members is ongoing.

2.9 On May 05 2006 at about 1800hrs, fire engulfed and razed a cluster of residential buildings comprising 14 rooms and 5 shops at Urualla Street in the densely populated Diobu area of port-harcourt. The fire which cause could not be ascertained lasted for about 4hrs and did not record any casualty but left most of the residents scampering for safety.

2.10 On May 06 2006 a notorious armed robbery suspect specialized in terrorizing traders and residents of Yam zone in the old Port-harcourt township was burnt to death at Ibadan primary school playground also at the old Port-harcourt township. The hoodlum was escaping to a water front through the play ground when a group of footballers at the play ground descended heavily on him and burnt him to death. Police investigation is ongoing.

2.11 On May 06 2006 following a report lodged by the traditional ruler of Abaomege community in Ebonyi State, the police have arrested seven (07) young men for alleged wilful destruction of electricity equipment, illegal possession of fire arms and raping a young girl returning from a church vigil. Police investigation is on.

2.12 On May 07 2006 armed robbery attempt at First Rivers Hospital was foiled by the Rivers State Police Command. The robbers fled on police intervention leaving a stolen generator. The recovered generator was sent to the police station for identification and collection.

2.13 On May 07 2006 three (03) policemen from Rivers State Police Command were seriously shot during armed robbery intervention at Akanni Estate along Ikwerre Road Rumukwuta, Port Harcourt. Police investigation is ongoing.

Car-Jacking four (04) cars were snatched at gunpoint in the week under review. Police effort for recovery is ongoing.

West (Warri/Escravos and adjoining States)
2.14 On April 30 2006 Edo state police command smashed an armed robbery gang that has been terrorizing inhabitants of parts of Benin City. Two (2) of the gang members were shot dead by policemen during an exchange of gunfire with the gang. Items recovered include, one locally made pistol and four GSM handsets. Investigation is ongoing.
2.15 On May 02 2006 at about 0700hrs, Social and Economic activities were disrupted for hours when over a thousand placard carrying villagers of Ase community in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta state took to the street protesting an alleged ‘high handedness and tyrannical’ reign of the traditional ruler of Ase, Ifeanyichukwu Ojeh who the protesters claimed to have been dethroned. One protester was matchetted during the uprising. The situation was calmed on the intervention of the elders.
2.16 On May 02 2006 several houses and properties running into millions of naira were destroyed in Ozanisi communities in Orhionmwon local government area of Edo state in a communal clash between Iru and Ozansi. Trouble started when a passenger refused to pay an agreed fare to a motorcyclist. The argument that ensued led to the death of the cyclist. The Edo state police command deployed anti-riot policemen to maintain peace in the area.
2.17 On May 03 2006 at about 1333hrs, men of the Delta State Police Command foiled armed robbery operation by a (14) man gang targeted at a bullion van conveying N4.5m along Mosogar-Warri road. Two policemen and a bank official were wounded while the robbers managed to escape with bullet wounds after a fierce gun battle with the police. The recovered cash was later transferred from the shattered van to the escort vehicle to the Sapele Divisional police headquarters for safe keeping. Police are investigating the incidence.
2.18 On May 03 2006 at about 1345hrs, there was pandemonium around Okoloba/Jakpa road area of Effurun, following the sporadic gun shots fired by gunmen suspected to be hired assassins. The gunmen were said to have laid an ambush for a Businessman at Okoloba street where he went for a Church program. A soldier on guard at (PHCN) Sub-station sustained bullet wound while engaging the gunmen in a shoot-out. One of the gunmen was arrested and is assisting the police in their investigation.
2.19 On May 04 2006 at about 0200hrs, one woman was shot dead while several others sustained injuries and some ladies raped by an eight man armed robbery gang who intercepted a luxury bus with VRN XB 443 NEN travelling to Calabar at Abudu in Edo state. The hoodlums dispossessed the passengers of their valuable items including cash worth N1.m.Investigation is ongoing.
2.20 On May 05 2006 at about 1620hrs, three policemen attached to an Anti-Crime patrol team code named ‘Delta Storm’ were arrested by the Delta state commissioner of police’s (CP) monitoring team over the extortion of money from commercial motorists and motorbike operators along the Eku/Abraka road. The officers are under going interrogation by the police authority at Asaba.
2.21 On May 06 2006 at about 0210hrs, the Special squad from ‘B’ Division Warri acting on a tip-off from the public recovered one locally made double barrel cut-to-size gun from a suspect while in a robbery operation at Ekuremu street, off Okumagba Avenue, Warri. The B’ division is investigating.
2.22 On May 07 2006 the Police at Ughelli arrested two members of a four man armed robbery gang believed to be responsible for several acts of crime in the locality. The suspects were arrested following a tip-off from members of the public. Other members of the gang escaped on sighting the police patrol team. A locally made pistol was abandoned and later recovered. Men of the Ughelli police division are investigating the incident.

Car-Jacking five (5) vehicles were reportedly snatched at gunpoint at different locations in Warri and its environs during the week. Three (3) of the said vehicles have been recovered while investigation is ongoing to recover the rest.

Lagos (and adjoining States)
2.23 On April 30 2006 at about 1340hrs, an unidentified male occupant jumped out of the bus and escaped when Ikeja Police intercepted a Volkswagen mini bus marked XB 450 KTP along Allen Avenue. When the bus was searched, one locally made pistol with four cartridges concealed in the speaker compartment was recovered. The driver, his conductor and other occupants were arrested. State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti, Yaba is investigating.

2.24 On May 01 2006 at about 0800hrs, three (03) men operating on a motorcycle, armed with cutlasses robbed a female victim of two (02) bags containing cloths, a Bible, one hand set and the sum of =N=3,400.00 at Osborne Bus stop, Lagos. A police patrol team from Ikoyi police station patrolling within the vicinity chased the hoodlums and succeeded in gunning down two of the robbers while the third person escaped. Items dispossessed of their and a sharp cutlass was recovered from the robbers. SCID Panti, Yaba is investigating.

2.25 On May 01 2006 at about 0530hrs, about seven (07) unidentified men followed a security guard and forced their way through the gate while the gate was being opened for a member of the family to go out of the premises of the Leader of Afenifere, Pa Abraham Adesanya. The hoodlums in a fleeting operation stole series of handsets, trinkets and some yet to be specified amount of money at the boy�s quarters and escaped. No member of the family was hurt. Apapa Police Division is investigating.

2.26 On May 01 2006 at about 2200hrs, four (04) handsets and cash yet to be estimated was carted away by five (05) armed men in a shop at No. 15 Turner Street, Amukoko. Two (02) customers at the shop were shot and injured in their leg and thigh respectively by the hoodlums. SCID Panti, Yaba is investigating.

2.27 On May 02 2006 at about 0600hrs, the Force Special Anti Robbery Squad (FSARS) attached to Adeniji Adele Command along Berger-Suya Trinity, Lagos arrested a hoodlum with a black polythene bag containing one heavily loaded Sub-Machine Gun (SMG). The suspect is in detention for further investigation.

2.28 On May 02 2006 at about 0900hrs, some miscreants (area boys) suspected to have come from Tolu Area with the intention to vandalize vehicles and other cargoes, steal spare parts and other items clashed with the port workers at the Tin-Can Island second Port gate, Apapa. During the fracas, vehicles were vandalized. Police quick response calmed the situation. No arrest was made as the area boys escaped through the water ways on sighting the police team. No casualty was recorded. Apapa Division is investigating

2.29 On May 03 2006 a Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), under the Jigawa State Police Command and two other police officers were shot dead by armed bandits at Kirikasama, after a gun battle when the vehicle in which they were travelling ran into robber�s ambush. Anti-riot police team was drafted to the scene but before getting there the robbers were reported to have abandoned the operation and fled. However the hoodlums had already gained access and broken into thirty-six (36) shops before fleeing, but were unable to cart away their loots. SCID Panti, Yaba is investigating.

2.30 On May 04 2006 at about 0300hrs, heavily armed men numbering about twenty (20) invaded International Trade Fair complex (BBA market) off mile II Badagry Expressway, Festac town Lagos and broke into shops. Properties valued at millions of naira were carted away.

2.31 On May 06 2006 at about 1500hrs, suspected political thugs numbering about twenty (20) invaded the Bodija, Ibadan private residence of the former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja, and held the residence hostage for almost an hour. They were said to have arrived in three vehicles, two buses and an Audi car with siren allegedly fixed on the rooftop, wielding lethal weapons and daring the occupants of the one-storey building to come out. Their motives was however not immediately known but that when the suspects gathered in front of the secretariat of the Yoruba Council of Elders brandishing guns and machetes, their mission was obvious that they have sinister motives. The police however reacted promptly to secure the area.

Car-Jacking twenty-eight (28) vehicles were reportedly snatched at gunpoint at different locations in Lagos and its environs during the week. Seventeen (17) of the said vehicles have been recovered, while police investigation is ongoing to recover the rest.