Clash between security forces and radical Islamist group leave dozens dead in Nigeria

Earlier today an Islamist militant group attacked a police station in Bauchi, Nigeria. Nigerian national police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu released this statement:

"A group of fundamentalists this morning attacked a police station in Bauchi state," 

"They were armed with guns, bows and arrows and explosives. There were some casualties but I cannot say how many for now."

According to a report by AFP news agency, as many as 42 people were killed in the clash and dozens of people injured.

The situation was brought under control and members of the radical Islamist group were arrested according to police spokesman, Mohammed Barau.

The radical Islamist group is known as Boko Haram, members of the group are seeking to impose sharia law across Nigeria. A group member said they want to "clean the (Nigerian) system which is polluted by Western education and uphold sharia all over the country".

BBC    AP

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Hillary Clinton visiting Nigeria next month

The U.S. Secretary of State and former First Lady, Hillary Clinton will be visiting Nigeria in August according to a letter of notification received by the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry from the U.S. State Department.

Hillary Clinton is expected to meet with President Umaru Yar'Adua and discuss issues affecting both countries. Particularly the Niger Delta crisis in Nigeria.

U.S. import of crude oil from Nigeria is on the rise with Nigeria recording a 16.2 percent increase in its crude oil export to the U.S. last year.

A source from the foreign ministry made this statement: "The U.S. government is keen about a speedy resolution of the Niger Delta crisis because Nigeria is a key source of crude oil  for the U.S. This is why it is top of the agenda."

Other issues that Hillary Clinton will be discussing with Yar'Adua are corruption and electoral reforms in Nigeria.

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Jay Jay Okocha appointed Football Ambassador

Nigerian football Legend Jay Jay Okocha has been appointed as an ambassador of football by Guinness. The managing Director of Guinness, Devlin Hainsworth, made the announcement in Lagos, Nigeria:

"Jay Jay Okocha is a huge icon in Nigeria and as a football star his name is known all around the world. He is a great figure to be associated with and truly reflects Greatness as well as inspiring it in others. There will be many opportunities for our loyal adorers to see the work we will be doing with Jay Jay in the coming months. In particular we look forward to working with him on Arthur Guinness Day later this year and with our Reach for Greatness Football activities as well as helping us to spread the responsible drinking message"

Jay Jay Okocha shared his appreciation of being made an ambassador  "This is an honour to me and I promise to uphold the values associated with the role of a soccer ambassador."

The former Bolton captain will be featured in a new advertising campaign as part of his new role as ambassador. The campaign will coincide with the start of the English Premier League (EPL) season and the sponsorship by Guinness of EPL broadcasts in Africa.

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512 kidnappings in Nigeria this year

Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Yakubu Lame disclosed that 512 people were kidnapped this year alone and 30 out of the 512 died in the hands of their kidnappers. In 2008, 353 people were kidnapped and only 2 captives lost their lives.

Kidnappings in Nigeria began rising in 2006 when militants in the Niger Delta started kidnapping expatriates for ransom.

This sharp increase in Kidnappings in Nigeria is said to have been brought by politicians using militants for their own political agendas according to the minister:

"The question of militants started as a political move. Politicians use them. Gradually it degenerated from mere agitation to militancy. It became very disheartening to government that money has now become the central point for criminal situation in the Niger Delta."

"We have realized that most of the cases of kidnapping are internally generated especially within the family. The action which started from kidnapping of oil expatriates, moved to men of God and children. The police is very concerned about the life of those kidnapped."

The minister added a bill providing stiffer punishment for kidnappers has been submitted to the National Assembly. N7.45 billion ($49.33 million) has also been budgeted this year to provide special security for Lagos, Port Harcourt, Onitsha, Kano, Abuja, Maidugri and Kaduna. Plans are on the way to build six forensic laboratories in each of the six geo-political zones and also provide mobile forensic labs.

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Nigerian militants release kidnapped sailors

Six foreign crew members of an oil tanker kidnapped by Nigerian militants MEND (Movement for the emancipation of the Niger Delta) three weeks ago have been released.

MEND said the release of the hostages was part of the 60-day cease fire announced. They are hoping "the Nigerian government would reciprocate."

The militant group also wants the Nigerian military to withdraw its troops from the Gbaramatu community in Delta State, and allow displaced people to return home.

BBC

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