Mea Risk's Nigeria Weekly Threat

Politics/Social 3 MEA RISK’S Economic Issues 8 Security Issues 12 NIGERIA WEEKLY THREAT & STABILITY ASSESSMENT 31 OCTOBER TO 6 NOVEMBER 2016

HIGHLIGHTS

 For the period of 31 October to 6 November 2016, there were 74 critical Nigeria MEA Risk index incidents in Nigeria, resulting in at least 111 recorded deaths, 79 wounded, and 105 arrests. The highest share of incidents fell in the criminality category, which gathered over 32% of the incident pool during the week, followed by nearly 19% by the Human & Social Crises category.

 On the political front, Nigeria is confronted with multiple challenges, dominated this past week by the rejection by many militant groups in the Niger Delta of the ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and political representatives of the oil producing regions. Militants involved in attacking oil sites and facilities, mainly pipeline, as well as civil organizations active in oil producing regions rejected the talks and refuse to endorse the negotiators selected to represent them.

 Also on the political front, the Federal Government has been facing growing opposition to its request to obtain a financial bailout from the IMF and the World Bank valued at nearly $30 billion. Not only the international donors insist that Nigeria undergoes a substantial structural adjustments that will inevitably lead to a major austerity plan, but the Nigerian assembly also rejected President Buhari’s request stating precisely that the impact of such a loan program will be devastating to the population.

 On the security front, Nigeria continues to be confronted with severe security problems. Despite the Nigerian military often insisting that it won the war against Boko Haram, there have persistent attacks from Boko Haram militants in the northeast, with daring incidents this week in Malam Fatori and in Talala and Ajigin, in the southern part of Borno State, resulting in scores of dead. The military continues also on its anti-Boko Haram offensive and has been able to neutralize many militants, freeing several captives this week.

 Nigeria is also confronted with sustained violence from militants attacking oil sites, herdsmen raiding villages over grazing rights, and dangerous levels of general violence and criminality across the country.

 On the economic front, various government bodies have been pushing for solutions that would reduce government spending, including a new increase in fuel prices in petrol stations, a new law that would allow local governments and municipalities to seek their own sources of revenues, therefore disengaging States and the Federal government, and a new law that would allow the government to charge highway tolls. We anticipate greater austerity measures to be enacted and social unrest could escalate if and when Nigeria agrees with the terms of international lenders for new loans, likely in early to mid-2017.

© MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker MAJOR CRITICAL INCIDENTS IN NIGERIA For the period of 31 October to 6 November 2016. Source: MEA Risk’s Critical Incidents Tracker

Borno: 4 Nov 2016 Borno: 1 Nov 2016 Borno: 1 Nov 2016 19 dead in Boko Haram-army clash Nine suspected Boko Haram militant Eight suspected suicide bombers in Malam Fatori. Most victims were killed in a vehicle explosion near blown off at military check point in from Boko Haram Maiduguri near a military checkpoint Gubio near Niger border

Lagos: 2 Nov 2016 Borno: 31 Oct 2016 44 criminals arrested by the police Boko Haram ambushes soldiers, in Lagos kills 9, injures 20 in Damboa

Niger Delta: 1 Nov 2016 Cross River: 1 Nov 2016 Benue: 3 Nov 2016 militants attack Trans Forcados Army kills wanted militant in Cross Criminal gang holds magistrates export line in Warri River, arrests Priest close to militant hostage in Makurdi court groups

Niger Delta: 30 Oct 2016 Niger Delta militants attack gas pipeline in Urhobo region, feeding into a major Lagos gas plant

Political and sources, but local leaders insist that it President Buhari met in Abuja on 1 is much bigger. November with representatives and Human & leaders of the oil rich region, who In addition, Hostcom also wants to Social Issues presented a 16-point agenda on behalf capture 13% of the derivation fund, of the region. The meeting followed modeled on the Lagos State share of with an attack on an export line the derivation fund. Oil-producing communities in located in Batan area of Delta State on Niger Delta want more Furthermore, Hostcom is 2 November, which was considered as concessions in ongoing complicating the talks by demanding a message from the militants that they peace talks, likely to were not properly represented in the complicate the negotiations that it is awarded pipeline surveillance contracts and wants the government negotiations.

to create an agency that would boost

Host Communities of Nigeria, security in the host communities. Hostcom, which says it represents the Police in Abuja repress Other demands include the passage of communities in the - oil producing Shiites' demonstrators, who the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, by the called for release of their regions of Niger Delta, issued new National Assembly. leader and members demands in the midst of negotiations between the Federal government and local leaders seeking to redefine Hundreds of members of the Shiite governance and revenue sharing in Niger Delta militant group criticizes local negotiators, leaning Islamic Movement of Nigeria the oil-rich region. The new demands expect more attacks on oil (IMN) demonstrated in Abuja on 2 are likely to complicate the works of facilities November for the third time to protest the negotiators who have been the continuous detention of the their meeting with President Bouhari, spiritual leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. considering that Hostcom has not The Movement for the Emancipation The demonstration was met with a been included in the direct talks. of Niger Delta (MEND) says it is not heavy police presence, and ended impressed by the local leaders who are before the demonstrators reached the Hostcom says it wants to be the negotiating with the Federal national assembly with the police recipient of additional incomes Government on the future governance using force and teargas to disperse the originating from the so-called Gas of the Niger Delta. MEND described demonstrators. El-Zakzaky has been in Flare Penalty Fund. Nigeria has been most of the leaders as “vultures and prison for over a year after members seeking to exit gas flaring by 2020 and dead wood.” MEND's poisition is likely of his movement clashed with the has enacted a gas flaring penalty to to make the reaching an agreement convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, force oil companies to move away difficult and this means attacks against Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, at from the practice. The fund is said to oil sites may continue. MEND already Zaria Kaduna State. IMN also be worth some NGN98 billion today, attributes the most recent attacks on demanded the release of 50 of its according to Federal government what it considers President Buhari members arrested by security agents meeting with "corrupt politicians." in Jos on 12 October 2016. IMN says 20 © MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker of the prisoners are young students, Corruption in Politics: A leading Senator complained that mostly minors and even a 9 -year old Former Abia Governor “lNEC has failed, refused and or arraigned over alleged child. neglected to conduct re-run elections corruption in Rivers State into the Senate, House

of Representatives and state House of Assembly. The failure of lNEC to Corruption in Politics: The financial enforcement agency, the conduct the re-run elections in Rivers President likely to fire two Economic and Financial Crime Presidency officials over State within the time frame ordered by Commission (EFCC) arraigned the corruption case the respective Election Petition former Governor of Abia State, Orji Tribunals/courts is in breach of the Uzor Kalu in Lagos for money Electoral Act and Section 76 of the Sources in Abuja say President laundering. Kalu was governor of Abia 1999 Constitution (as amended), thus Muhammadu Buhari is considering for eight years, ending in 2007. Kalu endangering the nation’s democracy. firing two of his top aides who have also owns Slok Ltd. and the Daily Sun Non-representation of the entire been indicted in a major arms and New Telegraph newspapers in people of Rivers State in the Senate procurement corruption case. A report Nigeria. and some constituencies of Rivers looking into procurement practices at Kalu is charged with 34 counts State in the House of Representatives the Ministry of Defense between 2007 bordering on money laundering. and House of Assembly is in breach of and 2015 listed officials in the current the 1999 Constitution, and endangers and previous administrations as being Appearing before a Judge, Kalu peace and order in the state." implicated in wrongdoing, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. indicting several former military Indeed, the lack of Rivers Kalu was alleged to have used his leaders, ministers, and contractors. representation in the Senate is an company to retain NGN200 million, issue on the legislative front where, for With the indictments in place, the part of funds illegally obtained from instance, the Petroleum Industry Bill Economic and Financial Crimes the Abia State Government accounts. (PIB) is about to be debated, while a Commission (EFCC) will soon begin its Senate issues ultimate to major oil state (Rivers) is not investigations on the targeted officials. election commission to fast- represented. Included in the indictment report are track election rerun in Rivers State Arrested Judges get public two of President Bouhari’s senior sympathy appointees who are likely to be fired so as to allow EFCC to conduct an The Nigerian Senate issued this week official probe on them. The two an ultimatum to the Independent On 31 October 2016, protesters, unnamed officials may have been National Electoral Commission (INEC) mostly lawyers and workers in the involved in irregularities and fraud to conduct the pending National legal system, marched in Abuja to during the procurement of military Assembly rerun elections in Rivers show their support to the Judges hardware and other purchases while State. Today, Rivers State has no arrested the Department of State holding sensitive positions in representation in the Senate and so Services on allegation of corrupt. The government. INEC is given until 10 December 2016 protestors said the arrest was a to organize the elections. retaliation against the magistrates not a fight against corruption. The protestors urged the Judges not to © MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker resign and urged the government to respect court orders directing that some suspects be released from custody.

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© MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker Human & tire also while landing. Both incidents were blamed on the runaway. Social Issues Dozen women prosecuted by religious police in Kano for A passenger of a third flight on airline alcohol consumption carrier Air Peace said the “airplane started vibrating terribly on landing, High mortality rate for women prompting the pilot to announce to at childbirth Eleven women, who were recently the passengers that the vibration was arrested in Sabon Gari neighbourhood caused by the bad nature of the of Kano, are facing harsh punishment runway.” Some 40,000 women die every year for drinking alcohol. Kano's religious from childbirth related complications. police (State Hisbah Board) are also The data was released this week by the charging the women of drug Association for the Advancement of consumption and lewd behavior, but Hundreds of pharmacies shut Family Planning (AAFP). The data down in Kaduna over illegal stopped short of charging five men practices, five arrested indicates that Nigeria has second caught with the women. The State of highest cases of maternal mortality in Kano is a conservative state, which the world after India, with a maternal uses Sharia law as its main code. Nigeria’s pharmacist regulator, the mortality ratio reaching 576 deaths Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) out of every 100,000 live births daily. has launched a nationwide inspection Airlines warn of damaged of the country’s pharmacies and drug runways at Lagos Airport, retail outlets and has focused its three incidents this past Bayelsa regions confronted enforcement operation last week in with new oil spills week Kaduna State. In that State alone, the agency announced that it has shut down nearly 400 pharmacies due to a The towns of Ogbia and Yenagoa in Airline carriers that use Murtala host of offences ranging from Bayelsa State reported new oil spills Muhammed International Airport operating without proper licensing, that reportedly started on 2 (MMIA) in Lagos are complaining non-renewal of license, to dispensing November. Residents in those about the decay of the airport controlled drugs without supervision. communities say the spills come from runways and are calling on the Federal an oilfield operated Nigeria Agip Oil Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to Five people were arrested for criminal Company, and are having damaging fix and rehabilitate them. Airlines say offences such as resisting inspections impact on the regions' environments. runway decay has been damaging and breaking of seal. aircraft gears on landing and take-off. A senior PCN official says “pharmacies are expected to have pharmacists to One of the sectors most affected by supervise the dispensing of ethical the spills, is the fishing industry, with Three incidents took place this past products to the public. What we fish, crayfish and shrimp forced to find week. In the one case a private jet saw observed in Kaduna state is that so shelter to the high seas beyond the its landing gear completely damaged many premises commenced reach of fishermen. Some rivers seem upon landing, and in another case, a operations without fulfilling minimum to have been badly affected as well. Nigeria Air Force C130 aircraft lost a requirements. Some of these premises

© MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker store products in environments where cassava flour to the a farm in Ohuepe the quality, safety and efficacy of village. pharmaceutical products cannot be guaranteed. This exposes the public to serious danger.” Subscribe to Widespread HIV in refugee camps in northeast Nigeria MEA Risk’s HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus) appears to be a widespread phenomenon in the northeastern THREAT regions that host camps of refugees that were forced out of their homes and villages by the incessant attacks of & STABILITY Boko Haram.

International NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) just in one such camps, assessments the number of women and girls affected with HIV has increased sharply from 2014 to today, jumping To learn more, visit for 200 to 500. It believes the actual MEA-Risk.com/assess number to be higher considering that many affected persons prefer to remain anonymous instead of reporting their disease.

Food poisoning kills six in Okene, Kogi State

Six people, including four of the same family living in Ogaminana area of Okene in Kogi state dies of food poisoning after consuming a meal based on cassava flour. Officials at the Adavi Local Government (municipality) traced the source of the

© MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker Economy & by a State Joint Local Government fresh revenues for the government, Account, giving no financial autonomy which is facing adverse economic Business to local entities. The sponsor of the conditions. bill, Ms. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha says she

seeks to abolish the state-local Three percent increase in fuel government joint account, saying that Weak economy prompts price in NNPC petrol stations it would foster the autonomy, parliament to OK resumption of highway toll collection transparency and accountability of local government administration in The Nigerian National Petroleum the country. However, that may also Corporation (NNPC) has announced an force local entities to seek to raise The Senate passed a motion to allow increase in the fuel price across its their own funds, reducing the Federal the Federal government to generate nationwide petrol stations and in retail and Provincial governments' funding new revenue from the collection of outlets distributing its products. The obligations. tolls on some federal highways across increase is 2.8% to NGN145 per liter. Nigeria. MPs argued that the The decision is in line with Nigeria But Onyejeocha argues that “The maintenance and expansion of the seeking to increase revenues amid low practice of truefederalism is lacking in highway system require motorists' oil prices, however this is likely to have Nigeria, especially at the local contribution, but it is a decision likely a chain reaction in other sectors, such government level. Some state prompted by dwindling revenues at as transportation and industry, with governments even deprive their local the Federal and provincial levels. impact on general consumption. governments of principal source of their revenues. Unless more stable

internal source of revenue are Power companies' debts exploited, and state-local government Parliament debates affecting their suppliers and constitutional change to joint account abolished, the objective gas producers allow financial autonomy to of strengthening local governments local governments, outcome relationship with state and federal uncertain governments will remain a mirage.” Gas producers in Nigeria are facing massive account receivables and rising Industry group wants debts of their clients, particularly government to privatize Members of Nigeria's parliament have power firms. The indebtedness to gas made progress in pushing for a unproductive state assets to cope with economic crisis producers in Nigeria is currently over constitutional amendment that would NGN110 bn with most of this debt allow local governments to run their (about 80%) owed by electricity financial affairs in a more autonomous The President of the Manufacturers generation companies. The gas way. The bill scaled through the Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. producers confirmed the concerned second reading in the House of Frank Jacobs, has asked the echoed private investors who placed Representatives on 2 November, with government to push for the investments in electricity companies the purpose of changing section 162 of privatization and sell of state assets but said that the power sector could the 1999 Constitution. The section that are unproductive. Such collapse as a result of the liquidity today requires that local government privatization, including oil refineries, crisis affecting the sector. bills are paid and revenues collected could yield important returns and

© MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker Foreign Airlines complain of the the Committee tie this amid a severe reduction in oil their inability to access hard employment practice to the insecurity production and earnings, resulting in a currency in Nigeria in the oil producing regions, as a 40% fall in the value of the Naira, the source of trouble, and lament what country is looking to increase its debts they see lost opportunities for to cover its budget deficit. While both Foreign airline carriers Nigeria, qualified Nigerian nationals to get the IMF and the World Bank have been represented by the Association of employment in these foreign pressuring Nigeria to launch new Foreign Airlines’ Representatives in companies. The Federal Ministry of reforms as a condition for new loans, Nigeria have issued a formal complaint Interior and Nigerian Immigration many politicians and economists this week about the Central Bank not Services are being asked to perform within Nigeria have been vocal going allowing them access to foreign verifications that the NCD-MB has against Nigeria’s call for new loans. exchange at the inter-bank foreign provided its agreement before exchange market, resulting in a Among those opposing Nigeria’s move allowing a new permit to a foreign weakening of their position on the to up foreign borrowing is Femi Falana, worker. Nigerian market. The airlines counted a leading human rights activist and on the Minister of State for Aviation's Government plan to borrow $30 Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who (Hadi Sirika.) pledge to grant them billion faces internal and external recently called on the federal forex concession, in an effort to ease resistance. Senate rejects request government to drop its plan to borrow access to foreign currency. However, $29.960 billion. with Nigeria facing hard currency Falan argued that such move would shortages, the problem of access Efforts by the Nigerian force such a severe structural remains. government to borrow $30 billion from international adjustment “that would be putting the lenders to cover its budget collective destiny of the younger deficit have run into delays generation in jeopardy should it go MPs say foreign oil firms and resistance from sources ahead with the controversial violate Local Content law opposed to the move. decision.”

Falan said the government should use The Nigerian House of President Muhammadu Buhari had the funds recovered from corruption Representatives' Committee on Local sent a request to the House of and theft to fund its projects, arguing Content, has accused international oil Representatives and Senate to borrow that just the oil companies and the companies active in the country of the sum of $29.960 billion to provide Nigeria oil giant NNPC “are owing the knowingly violating the Nigerian Local infrastructure and execute its safety federal government a joint $20.2 Content Act on the employment of net programs from 2016 to 2018. But billion.” expatriates. The companies are the move is not only facing resistance accused of exceeding expatriate domestically but it has yet to enact Also under pressure from various quotas and not seeking approval on reforms that would pave the way to sources, led the Nigerian Senate to new employment of foreign nationals international financial aid. overwhelmingly vote against the from the Nigeria Content presidential debt request in a voting Development Management Board session that took place on 1 (NCD-MB) before applying to the November 2016. A debate on the With Nigeria facing its first full-year Ministry of Interior. Some members of matter was turned down by Senate economic decline in over 25 years © MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker President, Bukola Saraki, moving it The party is reported to owe NGN1.2 directly into a voice vote that saw million, after it managed to pay opposition to the debt louder. recently N500,000.

Foreign oil companies preparing to downsize labor force in Nigeria

Sources in Lagos say both Shell and Chevron will collectively downsize their Nigeria-based employees by 1,700 workers, 250 of them are scheduled to go on training for new careers outside of the oil and gas sector. The move is the result of the companies’ operations and financial results affected by unplanned downtime and civil unrest in Nigeria during the third quarter of 2016.

Shell and Chevron have reportedly approved about N50 billion severance packages (about $150 million) for some 1,700 workers in Nigeria out of 25,000 workers slated for layoffs in their global operations.

Electrical company disconnects President’s party (APC) offices as unpaid bills exceed N1 million

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has disconnected power supply to the National Headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over a NGN1.2m debt. APC is President Bouhari’s party that enabled him to run in 2015.

© MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker Maiduguri. A confrontation took place, Ninteen dead in Boko Haram- which resulted in the killing of two army clash in Malam Fatori Security insurgents. The army recovered weapons and two motorcycles. On 4 November 2016, suspected Boko Haram militants raided a Nigerian MPs pressure President to army base in Malam Fatori in northern Navy braces for increase deploy troops against Borno. The site is located north of herdsmen anti-piracy and anti- insurgency operation Megumeri, near the border with Niger. The incident ended with the killing of

one officer and four soldiers, while the Nigeria's House of Representatives is The Nigerian Navy has launched new militants lost 14 of their own. The pressure the Presidency to deploy maneuvers called ‘Exercise Sharkbite’ officer killed in the attack carried the troops in Ossissa in Delta to forcibly at the Eastern Naval Command. The rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The remove herdsmen in an effort to avoid two-day training operation is meant to military recovered one General a new wave of attacks against local prepare almost 3,500 troops to engage Purpose Machine Gun, seven AK-47 populations. Members of Parliaments militants and criminals as the Navy rifles and a large quantity of (MPs) say herdsmen have settled braces for a new offensive against sea ammunition. around Ossissa since late October and pirates, in particular along the may be planning more attacks. The MP country's costal line. The Navy has representing the region says an attack been mandated to also contribute to has already taken place on 27 October Army recovers one Chibok enforcement against pipeline and has led to deaths and scores of girl in Sambisa Forest, in sabotage and oil theft. The naval Borno wounded. maneuvers focus on Rivers to Cross Responding to the national call to River State, covering 24,000 nautical control the herdsmen, the Nigerian miles. The Nigerian military recovered on 5 military issued a statement to assure November 2016 another Chibok The Nigerian armed forces are already that it would soon be embraking into a schoolgirl among escaped prisoners of active in combating piracy and militant campaign aimed at stoping “the Fulani Boko Haram during a sweeping activity in many key regions of the herdsmen of unleashing terror across operation in the Sambisa National country. They have set up a joint the nation.” Park. The girl was discovered carrying sweeping operation, code-named a 10-month-old child, and both were Operation Awatse, aimed at removing dispatched to a local hospital. militants and criminal elements from Army says two Boko Haram the Arepo, Ishawo and Elepete creeks militants killed in Borno in Lagos and Ogun states. The Nigerian Two logistics for and air force already launched aerial suppliers to Boko Haram The Nigerian army intercepted a bombardment in summer 2016. arrested in Borno group of suspected Boko Haram The Nigerian army has arrested on 30 militants on 3 November it says were October two suspected logistics men on a mission to steal supplies in involved in supplying drugs, fuel and villages near Borno's capital other products to Boko Haram in

© MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker Borno. Each of the two had their own resistance from troops who insisted were on a sweeping mission in Talala specialiaties and had deep relations that the vehicle be thoroughly and Ajigin, in the southern part of with supplier channels. checked. Borno State, and were ambushed by suspected Boko Haram militants in One of the two was apprehended in Thirty eight people rescued Ugundiri village, affiliated to the Bama Local Governmnet Area of from Boko Haram in Borno Damboa Local Government Area. Borno, while trying to cross into near Niger, six militants killed Sambisa forest. The suspect was carrying packets of Glucose The Nigeria military active in the Intravenous infusion, assorted northeast has freed 38 people from analgesics and pain killer drugs, Boko Haram. Half of the Boko Haram clothes, bathroom slippers, victims were women and the other insecticides, salt, and other products. half were children. The women and The second suspected was children were kept captive in the apprehended in Maiduguri. He had extreme northeast, very near the been supplying Boko Haram operating border with Niger. in and from the Sambisa National Park A military spokesman said “as the with fuel and other petroleum operation progresses, troops have products. cleared pockets of insurgents from Eight alleged Boko Haram their hideouts in Momo and Tunshe bombers die in failed suicide villages around Marte general area attempt in Gubio, Borno State Borno state.

The military had to confront militants On 1 November, eight Boko Haram during its sweeping and rescue suicide bombers loaded in a pick-up operation, killing six insurgents and van detonated themselves in a failed wounding many. attempt to cross over a military check point at Gubio town, in Borno State. The explosion took place when an Terrorism army checkpoint officer insisted on searching the vehicle, before one of Boko Haram ambush in passangers detonated his explosives. Borno claims five soldiers and four vigilantes

A military statement says “the suicide bombers who came in a Bedford pick On 30 October five soldiers were killed up vehicle primed with Improvised along with 4 vigilante members when Explosive Devices including suicide Boko Haram militants launched a vests attempted to force their way violent attack. The incident led to 19 through the checkpoint but met stiff soldiers sustaining injuries. The troops

© MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has set for questioning in connection with the up a special investigation team to incident. Criminality probe reported alleged sexual abuses,

exploitation, harassment, gender- Human Rights Watch based violence and professional Niger Delta militants claim accuses Nigerian officials of misconduct in the IDP centers. attack on Effurun-Otor gas abuse at refugee camps, pipeline feeding into a major government reacts Lagos gas plant

Nigeria to expand police Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a force with 10,000 new recruits Niger Delta militants on Sunday , 30 damning report accusing Nigeria's October 2016 claimed an attack on the security services from the police, Effurun-Otor gas pipeline in the army, vigilante groups and camp After many delays due to technical Urhobo region of Niger Delta to leaders of raping young girls and disagrements, the Nigerian parliament protest their lack of participation at women in various camps for Internally is working to enable the funding of a the talks between the Nigerian Displaced Persons (IDPs). The report, new wave of recruits that will see the government and leaders from the oil- which was published on 31 October nation’s police force increase by producing south. The Effurun-Otor 2016, states that authorities used 10,000 personnel. The promoters of pipeline supplies the Utorogu gas abusive practices, with some victims the project want the new recruits to plant that powers Lagos, a city of forced to take drugs and others forced focus on community policing, around 20 million people. to engage to have sex based on false assigning some nine personnel per promises of marriage. In a statement, the Niger Delta local government, before expanding to Greenland Justice Mandate group said as many as 30 police personnel per The report hinted that the it would not support the talks being local government in the longer term. government was complacent and has held by Nigerian President taken no measures to bring the The police’ central command has been Muhammadu Buhari and perpetrators to justice, even stating calling on parliament to allow representatives from the Niger Delta that “Government officials and other recruitment to take place at the State to end the oil infrastructure sabotage. authorities in Nigeria have raped and level, but lawmakers insisted on sexually exploited women and girls Attacks on pipelines by militant groups pushing recruitment at the local level. displaced by the conflict with Boko have slashed Nigeria’s oil production Haram. The government is not doing helping to tip the country into enough to protect displaced women recession as it struggles to adapt to Gang attacks Delta bank in and girls and ensure that they have the low price of crude globally. Ughelli in Delta State using access to basic rights and services or to dynamite, steal N25m sanction the abusers, who include A gang of thieves raided a Union Bank camp leaders, vigilante groups, The militants warned that their attacks branch in Ughelli, Delta State, stealing policemen, and soldiers." will not stop. “This is not ending soon, NGN25 million after blowing up the we shall fulfil our promise of uprooting Reacting to the report, the Federal bank’s vault with dynamite. your entire assets in our land,” government promised to investigate The branch manager and some senior dismissing the talks in Abuja, saying the report's findings. The Inspector staff were arrested and taken to Asaba they would “never get our support.” © MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker Cattle rustlers on 31 October 2016 The Lagos State Police Command has attacked Gbada community in Kaure, arrested 17 policemen during the Army Foils Attack on NPDC Shiroro Local Government Area of month of 2016 for acts of misconduct, Wellhead in Niger Delta Niger State and killed five persons. including taking bribes. Witnesses say a gang of 30 cattle Some of the arrested policemen are rustlers started the attack in the On 31 October 2016, the military also likely to be dismissed from the middle of the night to steal cattle and forces active in the Niger Delta have police force, while others could be killed five villagers along the way. The prevented militants known the Bakassi demoted. Strike Force from attacking a Nigerian police said the attackers fled to Petroleum Development Corporation neighboring Kaduna State. (NPDC) wellhead at Kokori Oil Field, Navy arrests four for oil theft Army in Bauchi kills suspect which is located at Ethiope East Local in Akwa Ibom kidnappers, rescues teen boy Government Area of Delta State. The attackers fled upon seeing a military team engage them. One of the The Nigerian Navy in Mbo Local The Nigerian army in Bauchi killed two attackerswas killed during the attempt Government Area of Akwa Ibom State suspected kidnappers on 2 November escape. has apprehended three Cameroonians during an exchange of fire in Rafin Gigi and a Nigerian with large volumes of village in Alkaleri Local Government A statement released by the military petroleum products. After their arrest, Area. on 31 October said the troops also the suspects were paraded in front of discovered the dead body of a Bakassi the press. The suspects used a boat Troops involved in the operations Strike Force militant who had earlier powered with two 40 horsepower rescued a 16-year-old boy who was engaged in a gun battle, but who outboard engines. recently kidnapped, and recovered escaped with injuries. NGN770,000 in cash. The kidnappers Police in Kogi arrest a dozen had demanded a ransom of N1.6m Police arrest 44 suspected for illegal mining criminals in Lagos from the family, but the family only raised NGN770,000.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence

Some 44 suspected criminals, mostly Corps, Kogi State command, says it has armed robbers and kidnappers were arrested 12 people for alleged illegal Niger Delta militants attack arrested by the Lagos police. mining of Feldspar stone at Oworo in Trans Forcados export line in Lokoja. Warri This latest wave of arrests fetched two

AK-47 rifles, 14 locally-made pistols and 193 live cartridges. On 1 November, suspected militants The NSCDC has been tasked recently have bombed a state-run oil pipeline with the responsibility of securing all near the southern Nigerian oil hub of mining sites in the state. Cattle rustlers kill five in Warri in the latest blow to the Shroro, Niger State Seventeen policemen industry. arrested for taking bribes The Trans Forcados export line was

attacked late on 1 November, just

© MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker hours after President Muhammadu that she earned her money through cases,” said a magistrate who Buhari met with representatives of legitimate donations. witnessed the attack. militant groups in the oil-rich Niger At least five dead in rival “After the criminals were done with delta to discuss how to end the unrest gang war in Llorin, Kwara my court, they proceeded to High plaguing the region. Court 9, presided over by the wife of “The attack was carried out with the At least five gang members where the deputy governor, Justice Mary aid of dynamite and it is coming less killed in Llorin, the Kwara State capital, Abounu, and carted away a than 48 hours after the resumption of following clashes between two rival refrigerator, three stabilizers, a set of operations at the flow station,” a cult groups. The gangs used guns, computers, window blinds and left security official, who declined to be machetes, and other weapons to behind empty bottles of drinks.” named, told French news agency AFP. attack each other, when the fight At the Upper Area Court, the registrar escalated, spreading to the Ipata Four companies convicted in says the thieves stole NGN280,000. money laundering case Market and Kankatu areas of Llorin. involving former First Lady Ten gang members have been Suspected herdsmen kill two arrested, including the gang leaders. in Adamawa

A Federal High Court in Lagos Two people have been killed on 1 convicted this week four property Gangs raid three Makurdi development and management courts, hold Judge, lawyers November by suspected herdsmen companies for laundering $15.5 hostage believed to be of Fulani origin, at million, money that was said to be Kwayine village while scores were owned by former First Lady, Patience injured in Demsa local government Jonathan. The companies are tied to a A dozen gunmen stormed three courts area of Adamawa State. former Special Adviser on Domestic in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on

Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Wednesday, 2 November and held a Jonathan, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, sitting judge hostage. The gunmen, An eyewitness said the herdmsen who is accused to acting as a who shot into the air, caused panic in attacked the village in the cover of the middleman in facilitating the transfer the courts’ neighborhoods, forcing night, leaving behind two dead. of Ms Jonathan's funds. The Economic residents to evacuate. Kwayine village is located few and Financial Crimes Commission Authorities say at the Benue State kilometres from Kodomun village (EFCC) had in August frozen the High Court 9, the Presiding Judge, where a dozen people were killed two accounts of the four companies and Justice Mary Abounu, who is the wife months ago resulting to constitution seized the $15m in the course of of deputy governor, was already of farmers/herder committee by the probing Dudafa for money laundering. seated when the gunmen stormed her state government to bring to end The former First lady has been under court and held her and the people in farmer/herder crisis in the state. investigation by the EFCC following her court hostage. The eyewitness said many villagers accusation of financial “The gang broke into a courtroom and had since fled Numan and Demsa mismanagement leading to the the chambers of another nearby court, towns to the state capital for the fear freezing of some accounts connected where they stole a computer, a printer, of being targeted again. to her. But Patience Jonathan insists a generator as well as files for various

Federal government files criminal charges of fraud and bribery against Supreme Court employees

Nigeria's Attorney-General Abubakar Malami filed criminal charges against Supreme Court employees, including Saleh Gambo, the court's Chief Registrar, the Assistant Director of Finance at the apex court, and the Deputy Director of Finance. The three men are charged to have defrauded the Supreme Court of Nigeria of NGN2.2 billion for their own personal use. They have also allegeldy received bribes of up to NGN10 million from a private contractor to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Kidnappers strike in Ekiti

Five people were abducted by gunmen on 5 November in Ise/Orun local government area of Ekiti state. Although the gunmen are unknown, they are suspected to be professional kidnappers who abduct people for profit. Among the victims is a Pastor. This latest incident took place two days after an Administrative Secretary of the election commission INEC in Ekiti State was abducted in Osun state, and then released on Friday in Ilesha.

© MEA-Risk.com. US+508-981-6937 [email protected] Powered by Critical Incidents Tracker ended up with the killing of eight On the social front, Nigeria faces a insurgents shows that Boko Haram great many challenges as well, include The Weeks faces no shortages of would-be suicide the same ones that most Africa’s Ahead attackers. More of these attacks are commodity exporters are facing. The likely in the foreseeable future. dwindling oil export revenues is forcing the government to seek new Also facing the security authorities is austerity measures, as the domestic the difficult issue of the Shiite Politics & Security currency the Naira drops and inflation community that is considered by Several Nigerian security and increases. As such, the population is Abuja as an arm of Iran in seeking to enforcement bodies, such as the navy, expected to bear the brunt of the destabilize the country. The continued army, air force, police and others are upcoming cost containment measures crackdown of the Shiites in Nigeria bracing for a long-term confrontation that will be eventually enacted by the represents a very difficult problem and with various groups active in regional government, and that will likely lead to a tough balancing act, when it comes militancy, criminality and insurgency growing social unrest. to insuring domestic security while across the country. allowing religious freedom. Economy In general, the short and medium The economy is struggling amid a Also worth watching is the terms outlook are negative. A political counter-performing oil sector, which government’s stance on the grazing compromise on the future of the oil wars, which for Nigeria it manifests in has seen its revenues decrease as a producing regions remains remote at a conflict pitting so-called Fulani result of low oil prices, and a declining best, as militants have already herdsmen against farmers. Pressure production, partly due to attacks signaled that they do not endorse on the government to mount a against oil facilities. those selected to represent them. punitive campaign against the Such lack of endorsement came this With dwindling revenues, the herdsmen is growing and it can turn past week in the form of pipeline government is looking for a sort of into a campaign against the ethnic attacks, which we expect to continue IMF/World Bank bailout, with fresh Fulanis, further plunging Nigeria into going forward, forcing the Nigerian funds to support the country’s budget another cycle of violence. military to deploy more assets to and compensate for its deficit. Getting those funds will be difficult and will be contain such attacks. Finally Nigeria will continue to tied to Nigeria’s willingness to enact confront a complex set of criminal The tasks of the military are likely to be factors, from white collar corruption structural reforms. Domestically, difficult, considering that authorities and fraud cases affecting government resistance will continue to grow are also dealing with the permanent against an IMF bailout, but already the and businesses, to general criminality, issues of Boko Haram in the northeast, government is working to cut back on as highlighted by the growing cases of an Islamist militant group that has re- cost by increasing prices of many kidnapping and cult wars. ignited fresh attacks on the northern commodities and reducing spending provinces, despite the military Human and Social Issues on many social programs. authorities’ narrative that the war against Boko Haram has been won. This week’s failed suicide mission that

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