Why Police Moved Evans, Billionaire Kidnap Suspect To Abuja

The police yesterday explained why the alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, aka Evans, was moved out of Lagos State Command to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

A senior police officer who did not want his name in print confirmed that Evans had been moved out of Lagos by the Police. He stressed that he was only moved from the Lagos State Police Command to Police Headquarters Abuja, from where he would be taken to Ghana and South Africa for further investigations.

“You know that we got a court order to detain Evans for three months and the reason is to enable us conclude investigations, which will take us to Ghana and South Africa. That was the reason we moved him to Abuja. The rumour making round was that he has vanished. No, Evans is still in our custody. He did not vanish.

The clarification by the police came on the heels of a report in Saturday Sun, yesterday, which carried the banner headline, Evans Vanishes, buttressed with these bullets: Billionaire kidnapper’s whereabouts unknown; 30 heavily armed men move him out of Lagos at midnight.

When the story hit the newsstand and the website of The Sun, readers were quick to express umbrage over the headline.

Interestingly, the headline was a classic one done in the global tabloid news tradition to give the story an exciting touch.

It is to be noted that one of the meanings of the word, ‘vanish’ is, “sudden movement out of sight or inexplicably.”

It is also to be noted that the police had given briefings after Evans was arrested and also taken journalists to his Magodo home and Igando hideout. When the police decided to move the kidnap kingpin out of sight, it fuelled suspicion.

In the wake of the dust raised by the story yesterday, and to douse public anxiety, the Police Headquarters issued an official statement through the Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, who said: “Evans is intact in police custody. He did not vanish anywhere.”

The officer in-charge of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Assistant Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari, who corroborated the remarks of the police spokesman added: “In accordance with the 90-day remand order from the Federal High Court, investigation covering three countries is in progress. We cannot joke with the security of Nigeria. So, Evans has not vanished, he is in our custody.”

A lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje had on behalf of Evans instituted a lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police and three others before a Federal High Court in Lagos over what he termed illegal detention of the alleged kidnap kingpin.

In the suit, Evans allegedly made a claim of N300 million as general and exemplary damages against the police for “illegal detention and unconstitutional media trial.”

Few days after the lawsuit became public, Evans categorically denied the court case, claiming that he did not brief the lawyer to initiate any litigation on his behalf, stating that he preferred to remain in the protective custody of the police.

He said he might be killed as he had stepped on many toes if he were to be released.

Plateau confirms outbreak of Lassa fever in FGGC Langtang

The school authorities are right now working with the State Ministry of Health and Staff of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) to contain the outbreak.

Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kunden Deyin Kamshak, has confirmed the death of a student of Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Langtang, Langtang Local Council, as a result of fresh outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

Kamshak, who confirmed the outbreak yesterday, said modalities have been put in place to curtail its spread.He said of the four samples tested, three tested positive to Lassa fever, adding that the three confirmed cases are students of FGGC Langtang, and unfortunately one of them died.

The school authorities are right now working with the State Ministry of Health and Staff of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) to contain the outbreak.“The students are due to resume from the extended mid-term break today, but we have advised the principal of the school to postpone the resumption,” he said.

25 Facts you probably didn't know About Africa !

25 Facts you probably didn't know About Africa !

1. Gambia has only one university.

2. Equatorial Guinea is Africa’s only Spanish-speaking country.

3. South Africa is the most visited African country.

4. Nigeria has the richest Black people in
Africa.

5. Samuel Eto’o is the highest paid Footballer of all time, he received about £350,000 weekly in Russia in 2011.

6. A person from Botswana is called a
Motswana, the plural is Batswana.

7. A person from Lesotho is called a Mosotho.

8. A person from Niger is called a Nigerien. A person from Burkina Faso is called a Burkinabe.

9. Nigeria has won more football cups than England.

10. Zimbabwe’s President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe is the world’s most educated President with 7 degrees, two of them are Masters.

11. Al-Ahly of Egypt is the richest club in
Africa.

12. Didier Drogba is Chelsea’s highest goal scorer in European competition.

13. Johannesburg, South Africa is the most visited city in Africa.

14. Zinedine Zidane wanted to play for
Algeria, but the selector rejected him, saying they are already many players like him in the team.

15. President Jacob Zuma was once a referee
in prison.

16. President Robert Mugabe was jailed for 11 years for fighting for freedom.

17. President Robert Mugabe is Africa’s oldest Head of State and the world’s second oldest Head of State. He was born 1924.

18. The Seychellois are the most educated Africans. Seychelles’ literacy rates (Adult: 92%, Youth: 99%)
Zimbabwe is 2nd (Adult: 91.2%, Youth: 99%).

19. Rwanda is a better country for gender equality than England and USA.

20. Somalia got its first ATM on October 7,2014.

21. South Africa has the most Grammy Award winners in Africa.

22. Ethiopia has the most airports in Africa.

23. Ethiopia’s economy is growing faster than China's.

24. Eritrea’s President, Isaiah Afwerki is the least richest President in Africa.

25. Ethiopia is Africa’s oldest independent country.

Dino Melaye: Why Is Vice-President’s Gatehouse Costing As Much As N250m?

Senator Dino Melaye, has said the National Assembly will call for a review of the contract awarded for the construction of the official residence of the Vice-President.

According to Melaye, the gatehouse of the three-bedroomed apartment will cost N250m.

The senator, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, also alleged sharp practices by the contractor handling the construction of the official residences of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Melaye was asked about the effort by the Federal Capital Development Authority to ensure that the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; and the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, eventually move into their official accommodation.

He replied, “As chairman of the committee, even if the Senate President had not asked that the money (for the project) be removed from the budget, we would have stopped it. You will recall that I was on an oversight function with some of you and we visited these buildings, and I can say that they were built at skyrocketing, over-inflated prices.

“As I speak to you, the mosque that is occupying less than 100 square meters, that is meant to be the prayer place for the Senate President and the deputy Senate President’s residences, and even the Vice-President’s residence, was awarded for over N200m. And it’s a three-bedroomed ‘boys quarterless’ structure.

“The gatehouse of the Vice-President’s residence was also awarded at over N250m. We are going to call for a review of that contract. Julius Berger said they were going to build a concrete building. I went there with a hammer and I hit it on the wall and I saw block. That investigation is ongoing. We want to make sure that government is not being short-changed. So, we are definitely going to call for a review of the contract because this is a rape of the taxpayers’ money.”

“CONSTRUCTION OF VICE PRESIDENT’S GATEHOUSE COSTS ₦250MILLION” – SENATOR DINO MELAYE

The Chairman, Senate Committee of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Dino Melaye, on Thursday said the lawmakers could call for a review of the contract awarded for the construction of the official residence of the vice president. .

According to Melaye, the gatehouse of the 3-bedroomed apartment will cost N250m.

He also described the cost of the official residence being constructed for the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives as inflated.

Fallen tree suddenly 'resurrects' after 2 years (photos and video)

Wonders they say shall never end. A tree that was cut down two years ago and had dried up reportedly “resurrected” at the Ndokwa West local government area council secretariat, Delta state.


A fallen old tree in Ndokwa west LGA suddenly rises again
The place has now become a tourist centre as people have been trooping in to behold the wonder tree.

A Facebook user, Tony Oyem, shared the photos of the “resurrected tree” with the caption: "Wonder tree in Ndokwa west council, fair down and dry for two years rose up today's night. Turned council Secretariat a tourist center..."
                   
      

                                                    You can watch the video here

SHOCKING: Bomb Discovered On A Church Altar In Benin

Pastor John Odemwingie Omorogbe at Christ's Chosen Church of God Int'l in Benin, Edo State, said this "explosive device" was found planted on the church's altar on Sunday - with thousands of members seated.
According to the pastor, security operatives on ground discovered the bomb and detonated it alongside another one found in the car park. Read what was posted by the pastor:

"This bomb was planted on the altar of the international conference hall of Christ chosen Church of God headquarters Benin city during the service on Sunday while our international annual conference was on,more than 10,000 believers were seated, but God through the instrumentality of the security operatives on ground made them to discover the bomb and it was detonated alongside with another one found in the car park, the God of Christ chosen church of God,the God of our Spiritual leader/General overseer Most SNR Apostle Dr Joshua Osasuyi JP Mfr is alive.

Base on this, and with the arrest attempt that was carried out on Apostle Johnson Suleiman, I curse all these evil perpetrators that is standing against Christian all over Nigeria and the world in General, May the ground open and swallow them, every weapon they prepare against believers shall turn against them, their strategy shall work against them in Jesus name. Enough is enough, it is fire for fire spiritually and physically."

When I Sell The Pampers For Native Doctor They Will Use It For Ritual And The Baby Go Sick And Die After 14 Days – Man Who Pretend To Be Mad Confesses

The man in the photos below reportedly pretends to be a mad man and goes from house to house looking for used baby pampers from dust bins. He allegedly sells them to ritualists, who use them to make charms, causing the babies to die not long after the sale.


When he was caught, used baby diapers, lots of cash, and other materials were found on him Nigerian Facebook user Zevi Gins shared the pics and said:

When i sell the pampers for native doctor they will use it for ritual and the baby go sick and die after 14 days”.
 
FROM OGUN STATE: THIS MAD-MAN HAS BEEN PRETENDING TO BE MAD BUT GO FROM ONE HOUSE TO ANOTHER TO GET USED BABY PAMPERS
FROM THE BIN AND SELL THEM TO RITUALISTS AND ANY BABY THEY SELL THEIR USED PAMPERS DON’T LIVE LONG.
MAY GOD HELP AND PROTECT US ALL.

Soldiers beat Redeemed pastor into coma for refusing to ‘frog-jump’

A pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Abuja, Alex Ochienu, said he was assaulted and beaten by two soldiers into a coma for refusing to obey their order to do frog jumps.

The cleric alleged that he was flogged by Cpl. M. Dankwa and his colleague whose name he did not know, until he collapsed and was rushed to the Gwarimpa General Hospital where he was admitted at the Emergency ward.

The civil engineer said he was supervising construction works at Paradise Estate, Life Camp, Abuja when the soldiers invaded the site with officials of the Development Control Department and assaulted him and other workers.

Ochienu told Northern City News on Tuesday that the soldiers beat him with rifle butts and kicked him in the stomach simply because he told them he could not obey their order to do frog jumps as he was fasting.

The engineer said he lost his phone during the incident which occurred on January 17, 2017 at 3pm.

Ochienu said despite his pleas to the rampaging soldiers that he was fasting, they refused to listen, but rather flogged him until he collapsed.

He said, “The soldiers rushed into the site and ordered everyone to frog-jump; they flogged the workers and threatened to shoot us. I tried to explain to them that I was weak because I was fasting, but Dankwa was infuriated by my explanation.

“He kicked me in the stomach; another soldier also joined in beating me till I collapsed. When they saw that I was almost lifeless, they left and I was rushed to the hospital by the workers.”

The cleric said he learnt the soldiers apologised to the owners of the estate “for their mistake.”

But Ochienu said he planned to take legal action against the Development Control Department and the military for the assault.

The Paradise Estate Project Manager, Tobias Tokbe, said he was not at the scene, but added that beside Ochienu, another worker, Bem Ali, was also brutalised by the soldiers without any reason.

He said, “I was discussing with the development control officials at the project office when I saw some workers carrying somebody and they told me Ochienu was beaten by the soldiers that accompanied the development control officials to the site; I was livid.

“I immediately called the development control director who said he didn’t authorise the soldiers to attack anyone. We asked the soldier why he beat up the engineer and he said Ochienu grabbed his jacket, which we know was a lie.”

Tokbe said the riot policemen guarding the estate almost fought with the soldiers after the incident.

When contacted, the Development Control Director, Muktar Galadima, said he was informed about the incident and “I said sorry, but I didn’t see the victim of the attack.”

Fayose foils DSS plan to arrest Pastor Johnson Suleiman in Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’s Forum, Mr Ayodele Fayose, in the early morning on Wednesday foiled an attempt by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) from arresting Apostle Johnson Suleiman of The Omega Fire Ministries World wide in Ado Ekiti.

The firebrand Pastor was alleged to have been preaching against Islamizing Nigeria and asked members of his church in Auchi, Edo State to resist the killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen, who he alleged of targeting Christians for decimation.

The Pastor who was in Ado Ekiti for a two-day crusade that was also attended by Fayose was trailed after paying a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House to his hotel room by the operatives of the DSS in Adebayo area of the State capital who almost forced their way to his room but were resisted by security men of the hotel that insisted to know their mission.
                  

Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’s Forum, Mr Ayodele Fayose and Apostle Johnson Suleiman of The Omega Fire Ministries World wide after the during arrest by DSS
Sensing the danger, the Pastor was alerted and he called Governor Fayose who personally led a rescue mission to prevent the abduction of the Pastor and took him to safety.

The Pastor who narrated his ordeal around 2am said, “I came to Ado Ekiti for a crusade. But I had a premonition that I was being trailed after I preached that Christians should retaliate any attack or killings by the Fulani herdsmen. These Fulani headmen had turned many Christians to orphans and widowers but the time has come to protect ourselves.

“I received several calls from hidden numbers trying to locate where I am and I had warned my security not to allow any Fulani man to come nearer me. So when the men of DSS came in the middle of the night I knew their mission and I had to call the Governor because if they arrest me, they will put this country in fire”.

Governor Fayose, who expressed surprise that a man of God was been trailed to be arrested by the men of DSS said, he expected the security operatives to invite him “ if they have any issue with him instead of arresting him in the dead of the night after a powerful and spirit-filled crusade in my State.

The Governor said, “I personally attended his crusade and I think it is wrong for a man of God who is armless that could be invited if they have any issue against him. Are Christians and Moslems under different dispensation of the rule of law? . That’s why I went there to rescue him. Let them kill two of us together. But when they saw my vehicles and the crowd, they fled.

“But we have information that instructions came from DSS in Abuja that the Pastor should be arrested. We are not in a fascist state, Federal Government must learn to respect the rights of Nigerians and freedom of expression”.

Governor Fayose noted that it was unbecoming of the Federal Government to be harassing the clergymen in the country noting that the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye was harassed and forced to resign shortly after he visited him in Ado Ekiti.
                    

He said, “This is unacceptable, We are in a democracy and Nigerians should warn the Presidency against putting this country on fire because religion is an emotional thing”.

The governor also warned security operatives against intimidation and arrest of men of God in the interest of peace and religious harmony in the country. The constitution guarantees freedom of worship”.
 

Goodluck Jonathan becomes first African leader to win Martin Luther King human rights award

Former President Goodluck Jonathan was awarded in the US on Thursday for his leadership in human rights in Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria.

Jonathan, who was awarded in recognition of his leadership in “human rights, social justice and universal fight for freedom”, becomes the first African leader to be so honoured.

The presidential award was presented by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, founded by the late American human rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr, best known for his human rights struggles and the I-have-a-dream speech.

In statement on Friday, the former president expressed his pleasure in being so honoured and also meeting the sister of the famous human rights activist.

“I thank Dr. Charles Steele Jr, President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, and the executive of the SCLC for honoring me today,” he said.
                               

“It was also a pleasure to meet Naomi King, the sister of the late American Civil Rights leader and founder of the SCLC, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, who was kind enough to attend the event and identify with the goals and aspirations of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

“By this award, I am further inspired to continue to work for the advancement of democracy, peace and progress in Nigeria and Africa.”Jonathan is billed to be in the US for the 2016 Hope Global Forums conference, where he is expected to Succeed the 42nd president of the US, Bill Clinton as keynote speaker.

In the letter sent to Jonathan in December 2015, he was invited to join the biggest 500 companies in the world in their promotion of King’s human right ideals.

“We invite you to join Fortune 500 CEO’s, private investors, financial leaders and government officials to connect and collaborate on this vision,” the letter had read.

“With the theme ‘Reimagining the Global Economy: Inclusive Economics’, the annual meeting is set against the backdrop of the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend and gathers leaders from government, community and the private sector to outline a vision for the modern global economy.”

Jonathan was earlier in Florida to welcome his second grandchild, delivered by his adopted daughter, Inebharapu Paul.

You’re Now Wiser After Leaving Office, Obasanjo Tells Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday sneaked into Ibogun of Ogun State, the ancestral of one of his predecessors in office, and an architect of his defeat in the 2015 election, ex – President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The rare meeting between the duo who were bitterly divided in the run-up to the election saw Obasanjo tell his host how wise he (Jonathan) had become since leaving office.

“When leaders come, they have little or no experience. When they have to go is when they have really amassed a lot of experience, where they have wisdom, their experience is in high demand.

“Those like you and me who have the grace of God to bow out gracefully, if there is now what I call a constitutional office, we have residual responsibilities for Nigeria,” Obasanjo said.

With Jonathan on the trip, which observers branded as fence mending yesterday, were former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Kabir Turaki; a former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Suleiman Abubakar; King A.J Turner; and a former Chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency( FERMA), Engr. Jide Adeniji.

They flew into the village in a chartered helicopter at about  11.30am.

The visit lasted about four hours of which Obasanjo and Jonathan alone spoke behind closed doors for 40 minutes.

No member of Jonathan’s  entourage or Obasanjo’s associates was allowed into the inner room where the secret talks took place.

One source said yesterday that the visit was part of Jonathan’s new rapprochement with some of the key figures that had a hand in his defeat in the April 2015 polls.

Obasanjo received his visitor in company with former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who was ousted as National Secretary of the then ruling PDP by Jonathan and his loyalists.

Obasanjo took  Jonathan round the village for a door-to-door greeting of the elders and the residents.

The people sang and danced in appreciation of Jonathan’s visit.

Obasanjo, welcoming Jonathan, said: “The first point I want to make is to thank you very sincerely and most sincerely for taking it upon yourself to pay us a visit at this point in time and at this location.  Secondly, since you left office, you hardly have time to sit down and relax like you have been able to do today, and I hope, I sincerely hope and pray for more such relaxed situation where we can reminisce on situations of the past that we have been through in this country and we can also look at what the future portends.

“I believe that not only Nigeria, West Africa and Africa and indeed the world will continue to tap our experiences,   our wisdom and I hope and pray that when the call is made to you, you will be more than ready to put your experience, the lessons you have learnt into the service of this country, for African and indeed for humanity in general.

“ I have said to you before, and I will say again that there are plenty of opportunities out there, within the country, within West Africa, within Africa and indeed in the larger world where people will want you to make contributions.

“I believe that you are resting now and when you have fully rested, and you will be hearing from me because I have this opportunity to be around the world and if I mention your name in dispatch, I thank you sincerely that you have received us as we are in this village to prove to you that we are in a typical village, I was telling you that your village is better than mine.

“I want to say that we have it. Nigeria is a good country, and we must never be tired of lifting the country up to the height that God has created it to be, and God did not make a mistake when he put all of us together and if he doesn't want us to be together any power in the world will have made us come together.

“My regards to everybody at home, especially your wife. Please, tell her that my wife sends her regards and I hope sooner or later we will be on your part of the world to enjoy the atmosphere together.  I want to thank you on behalf of everyone here  this village.”

Explaining his mission, in company Jonathan said he had planned to visit Obasanjo during thin company with former military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), but the plan fell through owing to unforeseen circumstances.

He said the idea came about when he visited Babangida in Minna when the two of them agreed to come to Ibogun.

Jonathan thanked Obasanjo for the warm reception accorded him and entourage.

Thereafter,  Obasanjo and Jonathan retired to one of the sittings rooms for  “strictly personal talks for 40 minutes.”

Talks over, Obasanjo and one of his friends launched into the popular Yoruba game of ayo.

Jonathan watched as the game went.

A source at the meeting said he was “full of admiration” for it.

It was not immediately clear if the trip was part of the ongoing political realignment for 2019 general elections.

But a top source simply said: “It is a reunion of Papa and his son. Do not read any meaning into it.

“The ex-President decided to make it a private visit in order to be able to have frank talks with Obasanjo.

“During the visit, Obasanjo and Jonathan locked themselves up for 40 minutes. No member of Jonathan’s entourage nor Obasanjo’s associates in Ibogun was allowed to be part of the private session.

“All I can tell you is that the two leaders were able to iron out a few things and Jonathan has since returned to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.”

“At the end of the visit, ex-Minister Turaki, who is the Chairman of ex-Ministers Forum, gave the vote of thanks.”

Jonathan started out as Obasanjo’s political godson having been plucked out of office as Bayelsa State governor to become presidential running mate in the 2007 election.

He went on to become president, following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and won the 2011 election.

The parting of ways came in 2015, following persistent disagreements between them with Obasanjo launching vitriolic attacks on Jonathan culminating in the tearing of his membership card of the PDP and openly campaigning against Jonathan’s re-election.

They had not seen eye to eye since then until yesterday.

Nigerian Warship And Troops Head For Gambia To Sack Jammeh

Nigeria soldiers will, on Wednesday (today), arrive at a base of the Economic Community of West African States troops in Senegal to ensure that President Yahya Jammeh of the Gambia steps down on Thursday, January 19.

Nigerian warship, NNS UNITY, is also heading for the coast of The Gambia to join the operation.

The PUNCH learnt from a top military source in the Nigerian Air Force that the troops would be briefed by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in the early hours of Wednesday, before leaving for Senegal.

It was gathered that apart from the NAF and the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Army would also contribute troops, although the number of deployment could not yet be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

The source said some of the NAF fighter jets were expected to airlift the troops.

He said, “I can confirm to you that men of the Air Force will leave for Senegal tomorrow (Wednesday). They will be briefed by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at the Kainji base in Niger State.

“That Nigeria is deploying troops is now a certainty after several meetings with The Gambian president yielded no result. The Chiefs of Defence Staff of ECOWAS countries came to Abuja on Saturday, where they discussed what components each member state is expected to contribute to the troops that will force Yahya Jammeh out.

“The troops are expected to stay for two weeks and they will be received at a base in Senegal.”

Another military source added, “The NNS Unity is currently sailing off the coast of Ghana, after leaving from Lagos. It is not only Nigeria. Senegal is the host country for the troops, as it would be easy to launch an attack from there.”

The Defence Headquarters, Abuja, however, said it could not confirm the deployments, adding that it was a matter being coordinated by political leaders.

The Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, said, “We should not drag the Nigerian military into a political issue. What is happening is a political discussion between the ECOWAS leaders, aimed at solving a political impasse in one of its member states.

“Whatever they agreed to do is what will happen. Therefore, the military is not for any engagement regarding Jammeh or any other person for that matter.”

Adama Barrow of the opposition party won the December 1, 2016, presidential election but Jammeh, who initially conceded defeat by congratulating Barrow, made a U-turn a week later, saying he would challenge the results.

Despite interventions by the African Union and ECOWAS, Jammeh insisted he would not hand over power to Barrow.

This stance informed the decision of the leaders to withdraw their recognition for Jammeh as the Gambian president after Thursday.

Meanwhile, Jammeh, on Tuesday, declared a 90-day state of emergency 24 hours to the end of his tenure.

He warned security forces against violating the order or engaging in acts likely to cause a breach of the peace, and denounced “foreign interference in The Gambia’s election.”

The declaration of a state of emergency by the embattled President followed a rejection of his injunction to stop Barrow’s inauguration by the Gambian Chief Justice, Emmanuel Fagbenle, on Monday.

In a televised announcement on Tuesday, Jammeh said, “Any acts of disobedience to the laws of the Gambia, incitement of violence and acts intended to disturb public order and peace are banned under the state of emergency.”

He directed security forces to “maintain absolute peace, law and order.”

Barrow is currently in Senegal and due to security fears, he was unable to attend the funeral of his eight-year-old son, who died on Monday after a dog bite.

Popular Nigerian Church Sacks Pastor For Participating In MMM With Church's Account

The cleric was relieved of his duties after it was revealed that he used the ministry’s name and bank account to register for money doubling scheme, Mavrodi Mundial Movement, MMM.

  The leadership of Omega Fire Ministries, OFM, Worldwide, led by Johnson Suleman, has sacked one of its pastors, Joseph Aiyedun.

The cleric was relieved of his duties after it was revealed that he used the ministry’s name and bank account to register for money doubling scheme, Mavrodi Mundial Movement, MMM.

The church’s head of administration, David Apelorioye, made this known in a statement.

A controversial cleric, Mr. Suleman, an apostle, is best remembered for the infamous ‘death sentence’ he pronounced on the Kaduna State Governor last year.

Speaking during a service in 2016, Mr. Suleman condemned the MMM scheme, and described it as demonic and satanic. He also said participants need prayers.

The statement from the church reads:

“The management of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide is using this medium to react to news making the rounds on social media regarding one of its pastors who used the ministry’s name to register for the MMM scheme.

“Ordinarily, the church would not have reacted to the story because of falsehoods being published regularly by some blogs and news websites whose credibility are questionable.

But after a thorough investigation by the church authority, it was established that one of our branch pastors in Aba, Pastor Joseph Aiyedun, indeed participated in the scheme.

“The church authority decided to expel Pastor Aiyedun not because he registered for the ponzi scheme but because he involved the ministry’s name in the satanic adventure. And we discovered that he was able to use the ministry’s name because he had access to the account of his branch which itself is against the church’s guidelines and a fraud likely to have been carried out in connivance with the branch’s account department. We are still investigating further to unravel the whole activities.

“Of the OFM’s 200 churches in Nigeria alone and its 800 branches in 51 nations of the world, it is possible for any of the pastors to go astray and be corrected. In fact, we discovered that Pastor Aiyedun, including some other members of OFM, did the scheme before our father, Apostle Johnson Suleman, made the warning last year against MMM, but Pastor Aiyedun was fired because he did it with the ministry’s name as the OFM rules forbid any of its pastors access to the account except people in the account department.”

Nigerian Fighter Jet Misfires, Kills More Than 100 Civilians

A Borno State official confirmed that over 100 refugees and humanitarian aid workers were killed.

 
During an operation aimed at clearing the area of Boko Haram insurgents, a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet mistakenly bombed a refugee camp in Borno State on Tuesday, killing no fewer than 100 civilians.

The Associated Press (AP) reports that a Borno State official confirmed that over 100 refugees and humanitarian aid workers were killed. According to an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worker, 20 ICRC aid workers died.

Members of Medicines Sans Frontiers/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) were also killed, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). An MSF official disclosed to AP that 50 of its workers died while at least 120 were wounded.

“So far, it is a little bit disturbing; death has occurred. There are casualties; there were deaths and injuries," said Major General Leo Irabor, Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, confirming the incident to reporters in Maiduguri.

“This morning, we received a report about the gathering of Boko Haram terrorists around Kala Balge area of Maiduguri. I coordinated and I directed that the air component of the operation should go and address the problem.

“Unfortunately, the strike was conducted but it turned out that other civilians were somewhere around the area and they were affected," Mr. Irabor explained.

He added that two soldiers died in the misfire and several others were wounded.

“We are sending helicopters to evacuate those that were critically wounded, including our wounded soldiers,” Mr. Irabor said.

President Muhammadu Buhari offered his condolences to the families of the deceased.

"I received with regret news that the Air Force, working to mop up [Boko Haram] insurgents, accidentally bombed a civilian community in Rann, Borno State," Mr. Buhari said on his Twitter.

"I sympathize with the families of the dead, and with the injured, and the government and people of Borno State."

BREAKING!!! NUC DROPS WARNING – If You Are Studying Any Of These Courses In Nigerian Universities, You Are Not in School (SEE LIST)

List of courses that have not been accredited in Nigerian universities have been released – A certificate issued for those courses will be considered void
– The university of Abuja has the highest number of unaccredited courses The National Universities Commission (NUC) has released a list of some courses that have not been accredited.
The unaccredited courses pose serious danger to students who study them as the certificates issued by these universities for the courses will not be officially recognised.
Premium Times reports that 2016 accreditation status report indicated that these unaccredited courses were taught in 37 out of 143 universities in the country. The Quality Assurance Department of the NUC is in charge of accrediting courses in the universities.
The NUC insists that for a course to be accredited, it must meet the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) that has been stipulated by the commission. Some of the requirements include: “qualified faculty members, good learning environment and adequate teaching materials – equipment, books and journals”.
According to the NUC, accreditation is necessary to ensure “employers and other members of the community that Nigerian graduates of all academic programmes have attained an acceptable level of competency in their areas of specialization.” It also says it is also important to certify courses to assure “the international community that the programmes offered in Nigerian Universities are of high standards and that graduates of the institutions are adequate for employment and further studies.”
According to the commission, the pre-accreditation process include “drawing up a list of academic programmes to be certified, compilation of list of panel chairmen/members, time-tabling, budgeting and organizing the accreditation coordination meeting for panel chairmen and members in a simulation workshop.”
The post-accreditation activities include “analyzing accreditation reports (technical and administrative), ranking of programmes and universities based on their accreditation status, publishing of accreditation status of programmes, issuance of certificates to programmes that earned Full and Interim accreditation results.”
According to Premium Times, 13 federal universities, 16 state universities and eight private universities were running courses that had not been accredited. Some of the high profile institutions include University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Benin, University of Jos, University of Calabar. The biggest casualty seems to be the University of Abuja which has 15 of its courses, including Law, unaccredited. See full list of unaccredited courses and their universities in the table below: S/No School Course
1.University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Russian
Dentistry
Statistics
2. University of Benin
Anatomy
Pharmacy
3. University of Calabar
Business Management
Theatre and Media
Arts
Public Health
4. University of Jos
History and International Relations
Medical Laboratory Science
Biochemistry
Science Laboratory Technology
5. Federal University of Technology, Owerri
Architecture
Microbiology
6. Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola
Banking
7. Federal University of Technology, Minna
Biology Education
Chemistry Education
Geography Education
Industrial and Technical Education
Mathematics Education
Physics Education

8. University of Abuja
Accounting
English Language
Linguistics
Philosophy
Agricultural Education
Biology Education
Chemistry Education
Economics Education
Education (Social Science)
Geography Education
Integrated Science
Mathematics Education
Law
Chemistry
Microbiology
9. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi
Automobile Education
Building
Technology Education
Business Education
Electrical Electronics Technology Education
Integrated Science
Architecture
Building Industrial
Design Survey & Geo-informatics
Applied Geophysics
Engineering Physics
Physics Electronics
10. University of Uyo Efik/
Ibibio
11. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Nursing Science
Industrial/Production Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
12. University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
Chemistry Environmental Management & Toxicology
Geology
Geophysics
Mathematics
13. Federal University, Wukari
English/Literary Studies
14. Rivers State University of Science & Technology
Quantity Surveying
15. Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
Material & Production Engineering
Architecture
Building
Biochemistry
Botany
Microbiology
Political Science
16. Abia State University
English Language Education
French Education
Igbo Education
History Education
Religious Studies Education
Education (Library Studies/Igbo/English/Social Studies/Government)
Biology Education
Chemistry Education
Economics Education
Geography Education
Guidance & Counselling
Mass Communication
17. Enugu State University of Science & Technology
Library & Information Science
18. Olabisi Onabanjo University
Christian Religious Studies Education
History Education
Islamic Studies Education
Electrical Electronics Engineering
19. Ekiti State University African
Traditional Religion
Religious Studies
Civil Engineering
20. Lagos State University
English Language
French
Philosophy
Yoruba
21. Imo State University
English & Literary Studies
French
Theatre Arts
Medical Laboratory Science
Nursing Law
22. Delta State University
Accounting & Finance
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Mechanical & Metallurgical Engineering
Petroleum Engineering Law
23. Kogi State University
Medicine & Surgery
24. Niger Delta University
Adult & Community Education
Economics Education
Geography Education
Marketing Education
Political Science Education
Religious Studies Education
Social Studies
Botany
Computer Science
Mathematics
Pure & Applied Chemistry Zoology
25. Anambra State University
Early Childhood Education
Human Kinetics
Geology
Microbiology
26. Ebonyi State University
Building/Woodwork Education
Physics Education
Applied Biology
Applied Microbiology
Applied Statistics
Biotechnology
Geology
Industrial Mathematics
27. Nasarawa State University
English
28. Cross River University of Technology
Physiology
Wood Production
Engineering
Architecture
29. Kebbi State University of Science & Technology
Information Technology
30. Babcock University
rench
31. Benson Idahosa University
Business Education
32. Ajayi Crowther University
Actuarial Science & Insurance
33. Caritas University
Bio-technology Microbiology
34. Kwararafa University, Wukari
Public Administration
computer Science
Statistics Economics
Mass Communication
Sociology
35. Novena University
Chemistry
36. Joseph Ayo Babalola University
Building
Quantity Surveying
37. Tansian University, Anambra
Architecture

These 8 men are richer than 3.6 billion people combined

 8 men now control as much wealth as the world's poorest 3.6 billion people, according to a new report from Oxfam International.

The men -- Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Carlos Slim, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Amancio Ortega, Larry Ellison and Michael Bloomberg -- are collectively worth $426 billion, the anti-poverty group said on Sunday.

"Such dramatic inequality is trapping millions in poverty, fracturing our societies, and poisoning our politics," said Paul O'Brien, Oxfam America's Vice President for Policy and Campaigns.
The release of the group's annual inequality report coincides with the World Economic Forum in Davos. The annual meeting in the Swiss mountain resort brings together political and financial leaders and some of the wealthiest people in the world.

Eight men now control as much wealth as half of the world's population.
The Oxfam report said that the richest 1% has owned more wealth than the rest of the planet since 2015. In the U.S., the richest 1% control 42% of the wealth.

The study draws from Forbes' annual list of billionaires and Credit Suisse's Global Wealth Databook.
It has been four years since the WEF identified rising economic inequality as a major threat to social stability. But Oxfam said the problem is just getting worse.
"Despite world leaders signing up to a global goal to reduce inequality, the gap between the rich and the rest has widened," it said.

The report said that seven out of 10 people live in a country where inequality has worsened over the past three decades. And over the past 25 years, the top 1% has gained more income than the bottom 50% put together.
"Far from trickling down, income and wealth are being sucked upwards at an alarming rate," the report said.
There's also a big gender disparity. Of the 1,810 dollar billionaires around the world, 89% are men.

Breaking! Nigerian footballer dies in ghastly motor accident

Samson Folorunso who plays for Nigerian National League (NNL) club Crown FC of Ogbomosho has been reported dead after he was involved in an accident.

Late Samson Folorunso before his death
Reports say he was on his way to Ibadan from Ogbomosho on Saturday, January 14, 2017 when the tragic incident occurred.

Although details of the incident as at the time of filing this report remain sketchy, relatives and friends of the youngster have besieged his Facebook timeline to pay condolences.

Details shortly.....

Woman caught while trying to sneak her boyfriend out of jail in a suitcase (photos)

This love is serious o!

A 25-year-old lady, Antonieta Robles Saouda, has been arrested in Venezuela, after she tried sneaking her boyfriend, Ibrain Jose Vargas Garcia, out of jail in a pink suitcase.


Woman caught while trying to sneak her boyfriend out of jail in a suitcase
The Central European News Agency, revealed that the young lady had gone to see her boyfriend in company of her 6-year-old daughter at the Jose Antonio Anzoategui prison, with the plan of smuggling him out of the facility alive.


However, she succeeded in stuffing him into the suitcase but unfortunately for her she did not have the strength to wheel him out of the prison. The prison guards took notice of her struggle with the suitcase and she was asked to open it for inspection and her boyfriend was found inside.

The guy was immediately taken back to his cell; the lady was arrested while her daughter was taken into temporary custody by the Venezuelan social service workers.

World War III tension: China, Russia agree to blast Donald Trump

China and Russia to team against America

- China and Russia is said to have joined in alliance against Donald Trump and the US

- Chinese and Russian officials agreed to safeguard their security interests by preparing a series of “countermeasures” against THAAD

There are fears that the world might be on the verge of another war, this is coming on the heels of reports that Russia and China have teamed up and agreed to blast Donald Trump’s missile system

The tension of global conflict has escalated, even as Russia and China have agreed to blast Trump's lethal missile system in South Korea if he launches an attack.


World War III tension: China, Russia agree to blast Donald Trump
Chinese state-controlled news agency Xinhua, reports that Chinese and Russian officials agreed to safeguard their security interests by preparing a series of “countermeasures” against the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system in South Korea which was originally launched to counter Kim Jong-un's growing nuclear arsenal.

After the security meeting between Chinese and Russian officials in China, Xinhua published a statement which said the countermeasures will be prepared to achieve "strategic balance in the region.”



Although China and Russia are said to have urged Trump and South Korean officials to stop the deployment of the THAAD system in a South Korean golf course, a US security expert stressed the President-elect is highly unlikely to give up the lethal system because of growing Chinese tensions.

Andrew Martin, a Dean at the University of Michigan told a South Korean newspaper, said: “It is clear that the nuclear issue in North Korea is not going to disappear.


“With regard to THAAD, my thinking is ultimately the Trump administration will be supportive of it moving forward.

“A lot of that turns on the relationship with China and I think that certainly we've seen since the election and I suspect we will see in months to come the U.S.-China relationship will continue to be strained.


"So, I suspect Trump ultimately wants to continue with this defensive measure not only within the context of the strained relationship with China, but also because I think he understands its strategic importance of having the missile defence."

During his first press conference as President-elect, Trump said he “hopes” he will get along with Putin because a relationship with Russia is “an asset not a liability”.

But James Mattis, a retired general and former commander of US Central Command, said America’s chances of working with Russia were getting slimmer by the day.

The 66-year-old added: "I think it's under the biggest attack since World War Two sir, and that's from Russia, from terrorist groups and with what China is doing in the South China Sea.

"Russia is raising grave concerns on several fronts and China is shredding trust along its periphery."



State-controlled newspaper the Global Times warned incoming President Donald Trump he would be "foolish" to stop China from accessing the islands.

The paper wrote on its website: "Unless Washington plans to wage a large-scale war in the South China Sea, any other approaches to prevent Chinese access to the islands will be foolish.”


It added that the US "has no absolute power to dominate the South China Sea”.


World War III tension: China, Russia agree to blast Donald Trump
The warning comes after Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson said such access should be restricted.


But the Global Times comment added that Mr Tillerson "had better bone up on nuclear power strategies if he wants to force a big nuclear power to withdraw from its own territories".

The statement also added: "If Trump's diplomatic team shapes future Sino-US ties as it is doing now, the two sides had better prepare for a military clash.”

The 64-year-old former ExxonMobil chief made his remarks during his Senate confirmation hearing last Wednesday where he said that China’s activities in the disputed waters of the South China Sea were “extremely worrisome”.

Nigeria put 800 troops on standby for Gambia

A Nigerian army memo seen by Associated Press has indicated that the country is preparing a battalion of 800 troops for a possible military intervention in Gambia should President Yahya Jammeh refuse to cede power when his mandate expires next Thursday.

The memo reportedly signed by the chief of army staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, and describes the force as ECOMIG, or ECOWAS Mission in Gambia.
ready to release Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky – Shiites

The memo also indicates the 800 troops will come from different battalion as the force is already stretched from fighting Boko Haram's Islamic uprising in the northeast and deployed against oil militants in the South-south and Biafra movement in the South-east.

The report added that the standby force would be led by Senegal.

But Army spokesman, Brig. General Sani Kukasheka Usman denies Nigeria's military is readying such a force.

President Muhammadu Buhari and other West African leaders are currently in a meeting with President Yahya Jammeh in Gambia.

Nigeria’s federal lawmakers have also voted to allow Buhari to offer asylum to Jammeh should he he step down.

Read also>>> China and Russia to fight America

2Face gives Big Boy Ayiri Emami a special treat in his home 3:30 am News

Nigerian music star 2Face Idibia hosted Warri big boy Ayiri Emami at his Lagos residence, and it was all fun as they had a lot to eat and crack up with comedian Bovi around.
          
..and 2Face had a feel of Ayiri's classic customized 1965 Bentley. More photos.......

Army Recovers Corpses Of Soldiers, Arrests, Kills Terrorists

 

He announced that over 50 Boko Haram terrorists have been killed since the start of the new year and several more have been arrested.

Major General Leo Irabor, theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, delivered a press briefing on Wednesday in which he updated the public on the Nigerian Army's latest counter-terrorist activities.

He announced that over 50 Boko Haram terrorists have been killed since the start of the new year and several more have been arrested. The Major General also said that troops have been recovering the bodies of soldiers who lost their lives in the fight against Boko Haram.

Read the text of the press briefing below:

TEXT OF PRESS BRIEFING BY MAJOR GENERAL LEO IRABOR THEATRE  COMMANDER OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE AT MILITARY COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE, MAIDUGURI TODAY WEDNESDAY 11TH JANUARY 2017

It is in line with our resolve to keep you and the general public informed of our activities in Operation LAFIYA DOLE. Our gallant troops have continued exploitation and mop-up operations against fleeing Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs). The activities of the week under review show that the BHT are in disarray and are equally desperate. Therefore, this brief is intended to give update as follows:

a. Clearance Operations. Our gallant troops have conducted some clearance operations during the last one week:

(1) On 7 Jan 17 at about 1625hrs, following reports of BHT attempting to regroup, our troops embarked on clearance operation and established contact with BHT elements at WULGE village. Fire fight ensued which resulted to 11 BHT killed in action while 9 others were captured. However, one soldier was wounded in action. The captured BHT are undergoing interrogation.

(2) On 9 Jan 17 at about 0630hrs, own troops deployed between BANKI and DAREL JAMEL conducted clearance patrol towards BHT crossing site and encountered the insurgents at about 0715hrs. The insurgents fled on sighting own troops approaching and abandoned Honda motor cycle and 6 Jerry cans of 25 litre each containing AGO. The items were destroyed in situ.

(3) On 5 Jan 17 at about 0745hrs, own troops in conjunction with CJTF conducted clearance operation along DAMASAK – GASHIGAR road. The troops successfully cleared DUOMA, ASAGA, GASHIGAR and other surrounding villages. At ASAGA village, our troops encountered and dislodged some BHT elements. Subsequently, the troops recovered corpses of one officer and 15 soldiers earlier declared Missing in Action during their dislodgment from GASHIGAR on 16 Oct 16. The corpses were recovered along Kamadugou River line. Among the recovered corpses was that of Lt Col K Yusuf, the former Commanding Officer of 223 Tank Battalion. They have since been buried in Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery with full military honours.

(4) On 8 Jan 17 at about 1125hrs, own troops in conjunction with CJTF conducted clearance operation to METELE village and encountered pockets of BHT which were successfully cleared. The troops also cleared all identified BHT hideouts from DOGON CHUKU toward TUMBUN RAGO. During the  operation, 6 BHT were killed in action while 2 of our soldiers were wounded in action. The wounded soldiers are currently receiving treatment in our medical facility in Baga.

(5) On 8 Jan 17 at 0830hrs, own troops conducted clearance operation in MANAWASI and GAREL villages. The troops encountered BHT at BULAKESA village. The troops successfully cleared the BHT with support from Air Component and dominated the village. Sadly, an officer and 4 soldiers were killed in action while 3 other soldiers were wounded. A total of 50 BHT were killed in action while 3 AK47 rifles and several weapons and grenade were recovered from the BHT. Also, 9 BHT adults and 18 minors were arrested during the operation.

b. Arrests. Own troops have arrested some BHT suspects as follows:

(1) On 3 Jan 17 at about 1240hrs, 4 women and 13 children were apprehended by vigilantes at BUNI YADI and were later handed over to our troops. Preliminary investigation revealed that the women were wives of BHTs who fled from Sambisa Forest as a result of our operations. All suspects are in our custody undergoing investigation.

(2) On 9 Jan 17, a surrendered BHT identified a male sympathiser as BHT spy to MONGUNO and identified 2 wives of BHT Amir from the arrested BHT members.

(3) On 4 Jan 17 at about 1300hrs, own troops at KATARKO while on patrol along GUJBA-NANAMAJI road arrested 4 BHT suspects fleeing TALALA. Their names are Babagana Mohammedu from HONG in MICHIKA LGA, Usman Usman from FUNTUA Katsitna State, Murtala Dan-azimi from KOFAR GOMBE Bauchi State and Sanusi Dahiru from SAKWAYA in Jigawa State. Arrested suspects are in own custody undergoing further interrogation.

(4) On 5 Jan 17 at about 1030hrs, own troops and CJTF arrested 4 BHT suspects at SHUWARI village ahead of own checkpoint following a tip off that there were some BHT amirs lurking around. The suspects are Modu Auwami, Mamye Modu, Usman Kachanawa and Mallum Maji. During preliminary investigation, some local witnesses identified Modo Auwami as the one who used to provide medical treatment to injured BHT and had been seen wielding AK47 rifle on several occasions. The other 3 suspects claimed they were abducted by the BHT but only spent few days in their camps. The suspects are all from DAGUMBA and GUMSHE in MAFA and DIKWA LGA respectively. The suspects are in custody undergoing further interrogation.

(5) On 3 Jan 17 at about 1430hrs, own troops in conjunction with CJTF arrested 4 BHT suspects namely: Usman Alhaji Karama, Wakil Aga, Biye Kunti and Maimusa Khadi at SHUARI village close to custom house. The suspects were from DAGUMBA village in MAFA LGA and they all confessed to be BHT members. They claimed to have come to town to buy Tramadol tablets as they were arrested with 27 sachets of Tramadol tablets, 3 sachets of Cowbel chocolate and the sum of N5,040.00 only. They are all undergoing further interrogation.

(6) On 8 Jan 17 at about 2317hrs, following a tip-off a suspected BHT member one Abubakar Babagana Tijani (also known as Mafiyo) was arrested at GONGE area of MAIDUGURI. The suspect is believed to be among those at the top hierarchy of the BHT sect as he is especially known for his cross border activities. He has been to Chad, Cameroun and Republic of Niger at various times. The suspect has been undergoing interrogation.

(7) On 6 Jan 17 at about 1140hrs, our troops while on patrol at AWTI village general area arrested one Alhaji Muhammed with gunshot wounds on his left leg. The suspect confessed to be among the BHT that were ambushed by own troops around RANN on 30 Dec 16. The suspect is currently undergoing medical treatment in one of our medical facilities while interrogation also is ongoing.

(8) On 6 Jan 16 at about 2120hrs, own troops deployed at BUNI YADI arrested 2 men who were wandering forward of own troops location. On challenge, one of them identified himself as an ex-soldier. Troops arrested them and preliminary investigation revealed that the ex-slodier was dismissed from the military in Jan 16 at NASI while the other suspect was his friend. The suspects are undergoing interrogation.         

c. Discovery of CHIBOK School Girl. On 5 Jan 17 at about 1900hrs during profiling of some rescued persons from BHT at AJIGIN-TALALA general area, our troops discovered one of the CHIBOK School girls abducted by the BHT in 2014. Her name is Rakiya Abubakar and was with her 6 months old baby boy named Abdullahi, I handed them over to the Borno State Governor same day at about 1900hrs at the Borno State Government House here in MAIDUGURI.

d. Handover of IDPs. On 5 Jan 17 at about 1130hrs, a total of 119 Nigerian IDPs were handed over to our troops at BANKI by the Cameroonian forces. The IDPs comprised 20 male adults, 25 female adults and 74 children. They were screened and moved to the IDP camp.

e. Surrendering of BHTin Limankara. On 9 Jan 17 at           about 1250hrs, one Alhaji Njida, a BHT member surrendered to our troops deployed at LIMANKARA. One AK 47 rifle loaded with 9 rounds with 7.62mm special ammunition was recovered from him. He is currently in custody undergoing interrogation.

f. Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device Explosions. During the period under review, there were recorded incidences of PBIED:

(1) On 8 Jan 17 at about 2015hrs, civilians within MUNA DALTI sighted 2 suicide bombers trying to infiltrate the metropolis through MUNA DALTI. When challenged, the armed suicide bombers opened fire and killed a member of CJTF and injured a little girl. The suicide bombers thereafter ran into Muna Park where one of them detonated his suicide vest killing himself, and a Motor Boy. The other suicide bomber was shot by the CJTF. However, suicide vest strapped on him did not detonate. Quantity 2 AK47 was recovered at the scene. The injured girl was evacuated to hospital while Nigeria Police EOD Team disposed the suicide vest and NEMA staff evacuated the body parts and disinfected the area.

(2) On 8 Jan 17 at about 2230hrs, 2 female suicide bombers detonated their suicide vests at KALARI general area. The first suicide bomber knocked at the door of one Wakili Bulama's house, the daughter came out to check on who was at the door and the suicide bomber detonated the suicide vest and killing herself and the little girl. The explosion also destroyed part of the building. The second suicide bomber also knocked on the door of one Usman Wule about 200m away from the first scene and the owner of the house came to open the door. She detonated the suicide vest at about 2240hrs, killing herself and the owner of the house.

g. BHT Attack. On 7 Jan 17 at about 1740hrs, some BHT elements attacked our troops location through the Range Area during stand-to. The troops repelled the attack. Sadly, an officer and 3 soldiers were killed in action. By first light the following day, own troops went pursuit of the attackers by trailing their tracks. The tracks led the troops through GOLGORE up to BULAISARI village, where own troops discovered a camp observed to have been their staging area. Apart from one dead BHT discovered at the camp, a camel bag and several jackets all soaked in blood were discovered. The troops also found a pair of forceps, disposable hand gloves and cotton wool all stained in blood suspected to be as a result of the heavy casualty inflicted on BHT during the attack. The camp which was deserted had a workshop, grinding mill, scattered settlements and livestock. Own troops also recovered 2 dane guns and a motorola GP 340 hand held set. Thereafter, troops cleared the camp and exploited further to AJIGIN and TALALA general area.

h. Recovery of BHT Items. On 5 Jan 17 at about 1000hrs, own troops conducted a mop-up operations around CAMP ZAIRO general area and recovered additional BHT items. They included a pair of black uniform with camouflage design on the edges, a précis on motar operation written in Arabic, one big size Quran, 4 notebooks containing names of BHTs, a list of BHT locs, a list of IED materials and method of preparation, breakdown of quantities of arms and ammunition issued to BHT members, some instructions written in Arabic and a small BHT flag with Arabic inscription.

i. Display of BHT Doctor and Amir.
Summary of Arrested/Surrendered BHT Suspects and Other Rescued Persons.  A total of 963 civilians were arrested as BHT suspects while 2 BHT members surrendered to our troops during our operations conducted between 4 – 11 Jan 17.

Maritime Operation. The update for Op LAFIYA DOLE Maritime Component will be delivered by the Maritime Component Commander.

Air Operations. The clips of Air ops conducted during the period is as shown.

Going Forward. While we await other stakeholders to undertake repairs of broken down infrastructures, we have reconstructed many bridges and a bridge currently constructing one as could be seen among other construction works. I am hopeful that my earlier call to well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies for equipment support for construction and rebuilding of infrastructures will be fruitful.

At this stage of our fight against terrorism, I urge you and members of the general public to continue to be more security conscious. Given the apparent end of BHT, they are changing their modus operandi. As you go about your normal activities, be careful to know who is knocking at your door before opening.

We shall continue to inform the public of these developments. Your continued support would be highly appreciated as we Work to Win the Peace. Winning the peace is a process. Accordingly, What value are you adding? I urge you to leave the ranks of noise and distraction. Join to add value qualitatively. Thank you and God bless.

Major General LEO IRABOR
Theatre Commander
Operation LAFIYA DOLE

United Arab Emirates to invest $163bn in renewables

Concentrated Solar Power plant, in al-Gharibiyah district on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi (17 March 2013)
Image caption Abu Dhabi has been at the forefront of the UAE's push to plough resources into renewables
The United Arab Emirates has said that it intends to invest $163bn (£134bn) in projects to generate half of the nation's power needs from renewables.

The major oil producing Gulf state is hoping to get close to this by 2050 and says it wants to balance economic needs against environmental goals.

The UAE has considerable solar power potential and is eager to reduce its use of fossil fuels.
                   The country ranks high in per capita greenhouse gas CO2 emissions.

The UAE is eighth on the World Bank's worldwide list of CO2 emissions per capita, below Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.

UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum said it is hoped that by 2050, 44% of the country's energy needs will be provided by renewables, with 38% from gas, 12% from cleaner fossil fuel and 6% from nuclear energy.

Renewable energy capacity overtakes coal

Renewable energy surges to record levels around the world

Can UAE ditch oil for renewable power?
              Writing on Twitter, he said: "The plan aims to increase usage efficiency by 40% and boost clean-energy contributions to 50%.

"He who does not think of energy is not thinking about the future. The UAE government has made an achievement in drawing up a unified energy strategy for the country."

Visitors gather near a model of a solar city during the 'Inter Solar Connecting Solar Business' exhibition in Dubai (19 September 2016)
Image caption Dubai last year unveiled plans for a solar city
Dubai and Abu Dhabi in particular have been at the forefront of the UAE's push to plough resources into renewables:

In June, Dubai announced its intention to construct a huge solar power plant scheduled to be completed by 2030
In 2014, Abu Dhabi opened what was hailed as the world's largest solar power operating station
Firms from South Korea are also constructing four nuclear reactors near Abu Dhabi, which it is hoped will produce 1,400 megawatts by 2020
Elsewhere, Morocco, Tunisia and Yemen pledged in November to use only renewable energy by 2050.