3. General.
Following an increase in petty crime, armed robberies and incidents with Police on the Victoria/Ikoyi Islands of Lagos and the Lekki Axis the Police are to be conducting more ��stop and search�� checkpoints throughout the affected areas. Approach with caution and be aware of such particularly at night where least expected. Be aware of ��illegal�� checkpoints where extortion of money, bribery and robbery can take place. Allow drivers and Police escorts to deal with such and do not become involved in heated discussions. Such incidents are expected to continue however the implementation of such checkpoints by Police may reduce or help to reduce the amount of incidents occurring. Remain security conscious and speak with the Security Department if you have any issues or concerns.
The current indictment of the Vice president and efforts by the embattled politician to save his career against possible disqualification from contesting in the 2007 Presidential election continues to generate reactions across the country. So far, the VP has taken recourse to the law court stating the investigation carried on him was not fair and contravenes parts of the constitution which should prevent further investigation taking place.
The government continues to seek measures to improve the security situation in the Niger Delta. Another incident of political assassination was averted in Abuja on 10 Sep 06 when a gang of ten stormed the residence of a former minister and governorship aspirant in Bauchi state. The politician escaped the attempt but one of the policemen attached to him was severely injured.
Two leaders of the militant group that recently abducted expatriate employees of Peak petroleum have been arrested by the SSS in Bayelsa in effort to rid the area of these groups.
The reported killing and injury on employees of Chevron around the Escravos axis in the early hours of 12 Sep 06 is currently causing concern across the region. The action is being done by a group that is determined to subvert the relative peace prevalent in the area and further frustrate the on going effort of the government to pacify the union against their now over, strike action. Reliable information indicates a renewed action by some groups to frustrate all efforts put in place by the government to restore peace in the troubled sector and region. Members of the Ateke group on the run are being strongly suspected for this.
4. Significant Events
PENGASSAN/NUPENG Strike
NUPENG AND PENGASSAN carried out their threat of a 3 day National Strike which they claim has had some success. Reports across the country indicate that though the action was effective it however lost steam in some parts of the country as most of the companies opened for businesses. The fuel scarcity that was beginning in some parts of the country has now eased off. The strike was in their words ��to protect members’ interest in the sector�� following an increase in kidnapping and killing of oil workers in the Niger Delta since late December 2005.
Police
Police in Port Harcourt has advised companies using mobile policemen to ensure that approvals are obtained before using its personnel for any duty. This new warning stems from continuous alleged abuse of use of police. A special team is being constituted to enforce this new directive.
Eket
Eket community in the Niger Delta was subjected to a violent confrontation when about twenty (20) militants invaded the community on 14 Sep 06 and held a police team in the area hostage after disposing them of their weapons. The patrol vehicle was set ablaze in the process. The Police were later released.
Air Fares
Reports indicate that there may be plans by airline operators in the country to increase airfare on domestic routes soon. Reason adduced for this action is the increase in aviation fuel and other sundry costs. The costs are yet to be fixed or get government approval.
Assassination Attempt
A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for Benue-South senatorial seat, managed to escape an assassination attempt on 14 Sep 06 following an attack on her by unknown gunmen a few kilometers outside Otukpo. Mrs. Ifenne, a former commissioner in the state cabinet during the military days, was traveling to Abuja through Makurdi when the attack occurred. Gunmen attempted to stop her vehicle but were unable and gave chase on foot firing at the vehicle. The rear window was shattered and no one was injured.
Victoria Island and Ikoyi Incidents
Incidents which have occurred in Victoria Island and Ikoyi between 11�V17 Sep 06 include:
�X An armed robber was burnt to death on Awolowo road in Ikoyi. A locally made pistol was found on him.
�X A gang of robbers robbed a police officer of his service weapon today at Ikate roundabout, Lekki.
�X A group of robbers narrowly escaped arrest by the police while attempting to carry out a robbery at the Oando gas station located on Ahmadu Bello way in Victoria Island.
�X Two locally made pistols were recovered on engineering close from where they were abandoned under an unused rubbish dump. This is becoming common on the island. Recollect that some weapons were recently recovered under same circumstance at Ikoyi near MTN offices.
�X A police constable was shot dead on Ozumba Mbadiwe in VI while on foot patrol in the area. His weapon was taken away while his colleagues took off during the attack.
�X A violent confrontation between the police and the soldiers was averted on Victoria Island when the police on stop and search operations were involved in scuffles with the military. The latter called for reinforcements however further confrontation was averted when a senior officer came to rescue of the police officers.
�X A robbery incident occurred along Oyin Jolayemi Street in Victoria Island.
�X One of the prominent banks was raided on Victoria Island by about 20 armed robbers dressed in Military uniforms. Though the robbers were not successful in their attempt to raid the bank over 500 bullets were recovered by the police after the operation. No arrest has been made.