Thursday, August 4, 2016
Video - Nigeria resumes cash payoffs to former militants in Niger Delta
Nigeria has resumed previously suspended payments to former militants in the oil-rich Niger River delta. About 30,000 ex-fighters, who were receiving a $206 monthly allowance, were informed that the government would resume paying stipends after a "hiccup," according to the office of the coordinator of the presidential amnesty program. Africa's biggest economy is likely headed for a recession because of a slump in crude prices and a 15-month currency peg to the dollar that crippled foreign-exchange supplies. Peace talks that started last week with the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND and the resumption of amnesty payments may however do little to halt attacks on wells and pipelines by a different rebel faction, the Niger Delta Avengers.
Video - Nigeria's Central Bank suspends operations of all but 3 remittance firms
A sudden announcement by Nigeria's Central Bank has limited the flow of remittances to the country, to just 3 entities, Western Union, Moneygram and Ria. The decision now leaves millions of Nigerians abroad with limited options to send cash back home. It was only 3 days later that the Central Bank made a public explanation for its actions, arguing that it was partly triggered by quote, "unwholesome of some unlicensed international money transfer operators". When CCTV's Ramah Nyang spoke earlier to World Remit's Alix Murphy, and CCTV's Deji Badmus, it emerged that the CBN's other motive, is tapping into the over 20 billion U.S. dollars of remittances that flow into Nigeria.
Split emerges over Boko Haram leadership
The disputed leader of Boko Haram has said he is still in charge of Nigeria's militant Islamist group despite a statement by so-called Islamic State that he had been replaced.
Abubakar Shekau denounced the IS declaration that Abu Musab al-Barnawi was now leader.
Shekau accused al-Barnawi of trying to stage a coup against him.
Boko Haram is fighting to overthrow Nigeria's government and establish an Islamic State in the north.
In the last 18 months it has lost most of the territory it had controlled after being pushed back by an offensive by the forces of Nigeria and its neighbours.
Shekau was last heard from in an audio message last August, saying he was alive and had not been replaced - an IS video released in April said the same.
In a 10-minute audio message in both Arabic and Hausa, Shekau appeared to distance Boko Haram from IS, but still called its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi "caliph".
He said that some in Boko Haram had stopped him communicating with al-Baghdadi.
"I was asked to send my ideology in writing to the caliph but it was manipulated by some people in order to achieve their own selfish interests," he added, describing a coup attempt against him.
He said he had sent eight different letters to IS leaders but they did not act on them, only to hear the news that he had been replaced.
He then described al-Barnawi and his followers as polytheist.
Shekau had been accused of hoarding food and ammunition and also of driving away IS military advisers.
BBC's Abuja bureau editor Naziru Mikailu says this split is likely to have a major impact on the way the group operates and could be a turning point in the fight against the insurgents.
Shekau took over as the group's leader after its founder, Muhammad Yusuf, died in Nigerian police custody in July 2009.
Under his leadership Boko Haram became more radical, carried out more killings and swore allegiance to IS in March 2015.
In numerous videos, Shekau taunted the Nigerian authorities, celebrating the group's violent acts, including the abduction of the more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls in April 2014.
Nigeria's army has claimed to have killed him on several occasions, and he has not appeared in a video since Boko Haram aligned itself with IS.
Abubakar Shekau denounced the IS declaration that Abu Musab al-Barnawi was now leader.
Shekau accused al-Barnawi of trying to stage a coup against him.
Boko Haram is fighting to overthrow Nigeria's government and establish an Islamic State in the north.
In the last 18 months it has lost most of the territory it had controlled after being pushed back by an offensive by the forces of Nigeria and its neighbours.
Shekau was last heard from in an audio message last August, saying he was alive and had not been replaced - an IS video released in April said the same.
In a 10-minute audio message in both Arabic and Hausa, Shekau appeared to distance Boko Haram from IS, but still called its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi "caliph".
He said that some in Boko Haram had stopped him communicating with al-Baghdadi.
"I was asked to send my ideology in writing to the caliph but it was manipulated by some people in order to achieve their own selfish interests," he added, describing a coup attempt against him.
He said he had sent eight different letters to IS leaders but they did not act on them, only to hear the news that he had been replaced.
He then described al-Barnawi and his followers as polytheist.
Shekau had been accused of hoarding food and ammunition and also of driving away IS military advisers.
BBC's Abuja bureau editor Naziru Mikailu says this split is likely to have a major impact on the way the group operates and could be a turning point in the fight against the insurgents.
Shekau took over as the group's leader after its founder, Muhammad Yusuf, died in Nigerian police custody in July 2009.
Under his leadership Boko Haram became more radical, carried out more killings and swore allegiance to IS in March 2015.
In numerous videos, Shekau taunted the Nigerian authorities, celebrating the group's violent acts, including the abduction of the more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls in April 2014.
Nigeria's army has claimed to have killed him on several occasions, and he has not appeared in a video since Boko Haram aligned itself with IS.
Nigeria olympic football squad were stranded in Atlanta
Nigeria’s Olympic men’s soccer team was locked in a race against time to make it to Brazil for its opening match on Thursday, following a farcical mix-up that saw the players stranded in Atlanta.
The squad remained on American soil on Wednesday night, and were due to board a flight that would land in the western Brazilian city of Manaus with just hours to spare ahead of their Group B clash with Japan on Thursday (9 p.m. ET).
Their delay, according to multiple reports from journalists following the team, was caused by a payment mix-up between the Nigerian sports ministry and a charter airline company.
“It has been an absolute shambles and the whole thing is a complete embarrassment,” Nigerian soccer expert Colin Udoh told USA TODAY Sports. Udoh said he had spoken to several members of the team who were “devastated and angry” at the situation.
Nigeria’s players had initially thought they would be leaving Atlanta on Wednesday morning. However, when they boarded a flight that their sports ministry had booked with a charter company it was not large enough to carry all of the players, so they disembarked.
A solution was eventually found when the group made contact with another airline, Delta, which was able to provide an aircraft that will depart Atlanta at 8 a.m. ET on Thursday. The scheduled landing in Manaus is at 2 p.m. ET, with the match starting seven hours later. However, the multitude of hold-ups affecting Olympic athletes and travelers to Brazil means there is still some trepidation in the camp.
“The players are really worried and so are the people in Nigeria,” Udoh said. “Anything can happen – more delays, bad weather. It is completely the wrong way to prepare for an Olympic game.”
At least they will get there in comfort. The aircraft that will take the team on Thursday morning is a plane normally used to transport NBA basketball players to games. Delta spokesman Anthony Black said the company flew the plane into Atlanta on Wednesday evening from Cincinnati, and prepared it overnight for the Nigerian party to use. The company arranged for landing clearance with Manaus airport officials.
“We realized there was a time crunch here because these guys were playing the next day,” Black told USA TODAY Sports. “Once we realized that logistically we could make this happen, we got things rolling quickly.”
“We understand, with the plans on ground, we will definitely be in Manaus for the game," said team spokesman Timi Ebikagboro.
Nigeria’s players have been locked in a dispute with their sports ministry after becoming increasing disgruntled with the handling of their travel plans. Their flight was first delayed because a payment to a prior charter company did not arrive on time. Once Wednesday’s flight was abandoned due to the size of the plane, the federal government stepped in to pay for the Delta trip.
Ebikagboro said on Twitter that the players’ performance would not be affected by the extraordinary saga. “The players can be comfortable all through the journey so they can arrive refreshed,” Ebikagboro wrote. He added the players “will be well taken care of by the medical team on the flight, all is happy.”
The squad remained on American soil on Wednesday night, and were due to board a flight that would land in the western Brazilian city of Manaus with just hours to spare ahead of their Group B clash with Japan on Thursday (9 p.m. ET).
Their delay, according to multiple reports from journalists following the team, was caused by a payment mix-up between the Nigerian sports ministry and a charter airline company.
“It has been an absolute shambles and the whole thing is a complete embarrassment,” Nigerian soccer expert Colin Udoh told USA TODAY Sports. Udoh said he had spoken to several members of the team who were “devastated and angry” at the situation.
Nigeria’s players had initially thought they would be leaving Atlanta on Wednesday morning. However, when they boarded a flight that their sports ministry had booked with a charter company it was not large enough to carry all of the players, so they disembarked.
A solution was eventually found when the group made contact with another airline, Delta, which was able to provide an aircraft that will depart Atlanta at 8 a.m. ET on Thursday. The scheduled landing in Manaus is at 2 p.m. ET, with the match starting seven hours later. However, the multitude of hold-ups affecting Olympic athletes and travelers to Brazil means there is still some trepidation in the camp.
“The players are really worried and so are the people in Nigeria,” Udoh said. “Anything can happen – more delays, bad weather. It is completely the wrong way to prepare for an Olympic game.”
At least they will get there in comfort. The aircraft that will take the team on Thursday morning is a plane normally used to transport NBA basketball players to games. Delta spokesman Anthony Black said the company flew the plane into Atlanta on Wednesday evening from Cincinnati, and prepared it overnight for the Nigerian party to use. The company arranged for landing clearance with Manaus airport officials.
“We realized there was a time crunch here because these guys were playing the next day,” Black told USA TODAY Sports. “Once we realized that logistically we could make this happen, we got things rolling quickly.”
“We understand, with the plans on ground, we will definitely be in Manaus for the game," said team spokesman Timi Ebikagboro.
Nigeria’s players have been locked in a dispute with their sports ministry after becoming increasing disgruntled with the handling of their travel plans. Their flight was first delayed because a payment to a prior charter company did not arrive on time. Once Wednesday’s flight was abandoned due to the size of the plane, the federal government stepped in to pay for the Delta trip.
Ebikagboro said on Twitter that the players’ performance would not be affected by the extraordinary saga. “The players can be comfortable all through the journey so they can arrive refreshed,” Ebikagboro wrote. He added the players “will be well taken care of by the medical team on the flight, all is happy.”
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Video - Sections of Nigerian Olympics teams unsure about travelling to Rio
Sections of the Nigerian Olympics teams are unsure about their travel to Brazil for the game as funding crisis continues to hit the West African nation.
Mikel Obi officially changes his name to Mikel John Obi
Jon Obi Mikel has been called many things by Chelsea fans during his decade at Stamford Bridge... many of which are far too rude. However, while he may have got used to the abusive slurs hurled his way by a section of the Stamford Bridge support, it seems the Nigerian midfielder has finally had enough of people getting his actual name wrong.
That is why the Chelsea stalwart who was was born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna (the son of Michael Obi) in 1987, but a mistake in 2003 changed things for the midfielder. has just officially changed his name... to Mikel John Obi.
For starters, it turns out that he was never actually called 'Mikel'.
The Guus Hiddink favourite was born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna - 'Mikel' only became a thing when the Nigerian FA mistakenly used Mikel instead of Michael on his submission form during the registration process for the 2003 Fifa Under-17 World Championships.
So much so, that despite the fact it's not actually his name, he's been happy to be called John Obi Mikel ever since he joined Chelsea in 2006.
It seems, he has now officially changed his name to... Mikel John Obi.
Mikel risking Chelsea career for Nigeria
He will also captain the football team.
"To be my first Olympics and getting this huge honour made the tournament 10 times as exciting for me," Mikel told the UK paper, Evening Standard.
But Mike said achieving all these is at a risk to his Chelsea place as he starts his 11th season with the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
The 29-year-old faces stiff competition for spots in manager, Antonio Conte's midfield with new purchase N'Golo Kante pushing the Nigerian, Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas.
"To carry the flag of your country at an Olympics is absolutely amazing. You're leading a whole nation going into the biggest sporting event there is," he continued.
"To represent the flag of Nigeria, not just the football team, is incredible."
Mikel was jettisoned by Jose Mourinho before his sack last December but came to the fore during the interim regime of Guus Hiddink and he feels he is putting his Chelsea place at stake by leading Nigeria at Rio 2016.
"It is difficult to leave Chelsea at this time but I explained to the club why I wanted to go and I thank them for their understanding and allowing me to be a part of this.
He then added that it was a calculated risk. "Obviously, it is hard to be away because I want to impress the new coach.
"I had one week of pre-season training and you need more than that if you want to prove yourself to a new manager who wants to change everything around.
"It is a risk that I have taken but I am willing to stand by that. I hope after the Olympics I can go back and prove myself."
If he leads the Nigeria U-23 team to gold, then the risk would have been worth it.
Nigeria Super Eagles get new kit
The Nigerian Football Federation has unveiled a new kit for the national football team.
According to the NFF, the team will take to the pitch this week in the new kit, designed by Nike featuring Dri-FIT technology.
“The home kit is a solid green, with white ribbing around the back of the modern crewneck collar,” it said.
“In keeping true to the national colours of Nigeria, the new away kit is white with a green stripe that runs the length of the sides of shirt and shorts, and a green stripe along the back of the collar.”
Explaining the technology used for the kit, the NFF said the Nike Dri-FIT technology “draws sweat away from the body to the exterior of the shirts and shorts, where it quickly evaporates”.
It added, “This allows players to perform at their best by remaining cooler, drier and more comfortable.
“The laser-cut ventilation holes and mesh panels in the key areas of the kit are designed to improve performance by increasing air circulation and helping regulate players’ temperatures.”
According to the NFF, the team will take to the pitch this week in the new kit, designed by Nike featuring Dri-FIT technology.
“The home kit is a solid green, with white ribbing around the back of the modern crewneck collar,” it said.
“In keeping true to the national colours of Nigeria, the new away kit is white with a green stripe that runs the length of the sides of shirt and shorts, and a green stripe along the back of the collar.”
Explaining the technology used for the kit, the NFF said the Nike Dri-FIT technology “draws sweat away from the body to the exterior of the shirts and shorts, where it quickly evaporates”.
It added, “This allows players to perform at their best by remaining cooler, drier and more comfortable.
“The laser-cut ventilation holes and mesh panels in the key areas of the kit are designed to improve performance by increasing air circulation and helping regulate players’ temperatures.”
Former Super Eagle Taribo West remembers when Nigeria made history at the Olympics
For Taribo West, the former Auxerre, AC Milan and Inter Milan defender, that 3-2 triumph over Argentina in the final is still fresh in his memory.
"The Olympics in 1996 is one of the most fantastic periods in my career," West reminisces to BBC Sport.
"We had a team that could match any in the world."
West says the build-up to the Games, under the guidance of Dutch coach Jo Bonfrere, was ideal despite being beaten by Togo, in Lagos, in their final pre-Olympic friendly before travelling to the USA.
"Before the Olympics, we were well prepared in the USA. We were not distracted by the usual things we encounter back home in Nigeria, where family and friends can come and visit us in camp," he remembers.
"We were in a very remote place and we were very focused on the task at hand. Jo Bonfrere's preparation of the team was excellent."
After their opening 1-0 win over Hungary and a subsequent 2-0 victory over Japan, the West Africans lost 1-0 to Brazil in their final Group D match in Orlando, Florida.
With a 2-0 win over Mexico in the quarter-finals, the "Dream Team", as the Nigerians were nicknamed back home, collided with the Brazilians once again, in what was an epic semi-final.
The 31 July encounter is one that West, renowned for his dreadlocks and robust defending, will never forget.
After going 3-1 down in the first half, with Brazil's Flavio Conceicao scoring in the game's very first minute, the Nigerians were in a particularly tough spot.
"We knew that in the first half of that game, we had played very poorly," West admitted.
"But the key to our comeback in the second half was that we were our extraordinary determination.
"The voice of the leaders came up in the dressing room. We won that match in the dressing room.
"Fortunately, we had Daniel Amokachi, Sunday Oliseh and Uche Okechukwu. It was a big advantage for us."
Victor Ikpeba, the AC Monaco striker who was voted as Africa's top player a year later, reduced the tally in the 78th minute.
But when Jay-Jay Okocha blew the opportunity to draw level, fluffing a penalty with just minutes left on the clock, the match seemed well and truly over for Nigeria.
That feeling, however, was not in the mind of Nwankwo Kanu, the two-time African Footballer of the Year.
The former Ajax, Inter and Arsenal striker scored the equaliser in the 90th minute and displayed uncanny presence, agility and finesse to score the winner four minutes into extra-time, sending the Eagles' bench into delirium.
After such a dramatic victory against the team of Bebeto, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo, which had won the World Cup only two years before, West says the Nigerians were certain they had a golden date with destiny in the final against Argentina, at the Sanford stadium in Athens, Georgia.
"There was something in our spirit that made us realise that we going to win, although we didn't know how," West recalls.
"As soon as Argentina got the first goal, we were not discouraged. Amunike was able to give us the winning strike.
"When [Italian referee Pierluigi] Collina blew that whistle, I just collapsed on the field and knew my dream had come true.
"My [gold] medal in is the bank overseas. It is something to show to my children."
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Video - Fraudster behind online $60 million fraud arrested in Nigeria
A Nigerian behind an online fraud network which engineered scams worth more than 60 million dollars has been arrested in the southern oil city of Port Harcourt. The suspect ran a network of at least 40 people working from Nigeria, Malaysia and South Africa which used malware and carried out the fraud. He also had money laundering contacts in China, Europe and the US who provided bank account details for the illicit cash flow. The fraudster and a second suspect face charges including hacking, conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences.
Related story: Nigerian online fraudster behind $60m scams arrested
Video - MSF appeals to United Nations for urgent assistance in Nigeria
International charity Doctors Without Borders has warned that north-eastern Nigeria is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster. MSF says at least 30 people die of hunger or illness every day in refugee camps in the region. With millions affected, the charity is calling on the United Nations to intervene -- as a matter of urgency.
Video - Nigerian chef transforms traditional cuisine into fine dining
Chef and blogger Ozoz Sokoh is turning traditional Nigerian recipes into an up market fine dining experience. Ozoz is part of a new generation of chefs, who are pushing the boundaries of African cuisine.
Nigeria resumes paying former MEND militants as oil output drops
Nigeria resumed payments to former militants in the oil-rich Niger River delta and the military targeted gangs involved in sabotage of pipelines, as the government responded to sustained attacks on infrastructure that dragged crude production back to an almost 30-year low.
Paul Boroh, coordinator of the presidential amnesty program, told former militants that their delayed stipends would resume on Monday, his office said in an e-mailed statement. He also assured them that "President Muhammadu Buhari appreciates their patience" and attaches much importance to the amnesty, according to the statement.
Nigeria’s government is trying to engage militants and other stakeholders to establish a cease-fire, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Emmanuel Kachikwu said in a meeting broadcast on state television. Oil production has dropped to 1.4 million barrels a day, he said, close to the May average that was the lowest since 1989.
After several years of relative calm, Nigeria’s oil wells and pipelines are being blown up again by a rebel group that says it wants to expose corruption and earn justice for impoverished local communities. Attacks resumed after Buhari ended security contracts and payments that had turned earlier militants into protectors. The return of violence has worsened economic problems in Nigeria, where oil accounts for two-thirds of government revenue and almost all exports.
Talks between the government and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta started last week, but the group claiming responsibility for the bombing of pipelines and platforms this year -- the Niger Delta Avengers -- did not take part in the discussions. Nigerian military aircraft attacked hideouts in the creeks used by criminal gangs that steal refined petroleum products near the commercial capital, Lagos, Rabe Abubakar, Defence Headquarters spokesman, said by phone from the capital, Abuja Monday.
The interruption of the policy of amnesty payments to rebels had been temporary, Boroh said. "The hiccups in the payment of their stipends are already being addressed" and Buhari has promised to invest heavily in the region, he said in the statement.
Paul Boroh, coordinator of the presidential amnesty program, told former militants that their delayed stipends would resume on Monday, his office said in an e-mailed statement. He also assured them that "President Muhammadu Buhari appreciates their patience" and attaches much importance to the amnesty, according to the statement.
Nigeria’s government is trying to engage militants and other stakeholders to establish a cease-fire, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Emmanuel Kachikwu said in a meeting broadcast on state television. Oil production has dropped to 1.4 million barrels a day, he said, close to the May average that was the lowest since 1989.
After several years of relative calm, Nigeria’s oil wells and pipelines are being blown up again by a rebel group that says it wants to expose corruption and earn justice for impoverished local communities. Attacks resumed after Buhari ended security contracts and payments that had turned earlier militants into protectors. The return of violence has worsened economic problems in Nigeria, where oil accounts for two-thirds of government revenue and almost all exports.
Talks between the government and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta started last week, but the group claiming responsibility for the bombing of pipelines and platforms this year -- the Niger Delta Avengers -- did not take part in the discussions. Nigerian military aircraft attacked hideouts in the creeks used by criminal gangs that steal refined petroleum products near the commercial capital, Lagos, Rabe Abubakar, Defence Headquarters spokesman, said by phone from the capital, Abuja Monday.
The interruption of the policy of amnesty payments to rebels had been temporary, Boroh said. "The hiccups in the payment of their stipends are already being addressed" and Buhari has promised to invest heavily in the region, he said in the statement.
Video - Team USA beats Team Nigeria 110-66 in exhibition before Rio Olympics
The U.S. men's national basketball team finished off its pre-Olympics showcase with a 110-66 win over Nigeria on Monday night. The Americans had no trouble sweeping through their four-game exhibition schedule and enter Rio looking like the heavy favorites to take the gold.
The game at Toyota Center started out close but quickly turned into a blowout. Team USA went on a 30-6 run in the first half to blow things wide open then steadily built on its lead with good defense and shooting.
Even though the U.S. wasn't playing its best, its talent advantage is almost always present. The team's ability to spread size and length across all five positions makes mismatches a near constant. A shorter three-point line compared to the NBA means elite shooters like Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson can start gunning from even closer than usual. Nobody has figured out how to score regularly on these guys, either.
Nigeria was able to get some penetration at times but found itself stuck from there. DeAndre Jordan, Durant and the other rim protectors were always ready to make things difficult. Nigeria doesn't have the three-point shooting to drive, kick it out and regularly make defenses pay, especially given the length that the U.S. has in closing out. Nigeria shot 4-of-29 from three in this game (including 0-of-23 to start), which was the biggest reason they fell behind so quickly. You can't shoot 14 percent from three against anyone, but especially not against Team USA.
The Americans shot 54 percent from the floor, including 13-of-33 from three. Carmelo Anthony led the team with 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting. Klay Thompson wasn't far behind with 17 points, while Durant scored 14. Kyle Lowry almost had a triple-double with 11 assists, eight points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes.
For Nigeria, the leading scorer was Chamberlain Oguchi, who scored 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting. Oguchi hit all four of Nigeria's three-pointers. Alade Aminu, the brother of Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu, added 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting. The other Aminu is no longer participating with the national team this year, reportedly due to complications over insuring his NBA contract. Former NBA players Ike Diogu and Ben Uzoh added 10 points apiece.
It was another strong defensive effort for Team USA, which will enter Rio looking very strong on that end of the floor. The team's shooting came and went during the showcase, but defense ensured that the final results were never all that close. Coach K's team allowed just 56.3 points per game during the four exhibitions.
The competition will be much tougher in Rio, where the stakes are higher and the talent is more plentiful, but the past few games have made it clear the U.S. is yet again the team to beat. They're going to be brutally tough on defense and spread the floor with shooting galore. As we saw again against Nigeria, most teams won't really be able to match up against that.
Monday, August 1, 2016
Video - Niger and Nigeria launch separate military operations to combat terro
Military forces in Niger and Nigeria have launched separate military operations to enable them deal with the current security threats they face. In the West African region, it's been Boko Haram and just recently, militancy in Nigeria's Niger Delta region.
Video - Turkey asks Nigeria to shut down Turkish colleges
Turkey wants Nigeria to shut down all Turkish colleges in Nigeria.The Turkish government claims Fethullah Gulen owns them.He is the man alleged to have sponsored a failed military coup on July 15.
Shell owned oil pipeline blown up in Nigeria
Nigerian militants on Sunday blew up a crude pipeline operated by Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell in the restive oil-producing south, residents said.
"The incident occurred at about 1am near Odimodi community in Delta State with the velocity of the blast shaking apartments in the community amidst a huge ball of fire," said local resident Endoro Newworld.
"The trunk line known as Trans Ramos belongs to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), he said.
"At sunrise, a group from the community in company of the SPDC surveillance team was able to locate the site of the blast," he said.
Another resident who did not want to be identified told AFP the pipeline had been previously targeted by militants.
"Precisely on the 22nd of this month, there was a failed attempt to attack the same facility, hence we were expecting that security in the area would have been tightened, but we are really disappointed that they succeeded this time," he said.
There were no details available about the damage or any possible casualties.
Shell officials could not immediately confirm the incident and no group has claimed responsibility.
The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) militant group has claimed a string of attacks against the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation as well as oil majors Shell, Chevron, Exxon and Eni since February.
The attacks have slashed output at a time when Nigeria is grappling with low global crude prices which have hammered government revenues, weakening the naira currency and pushing up inflation to near 11-year highs.
The Avengers want oil majors to leave the Niger Delta, blaming them for contributing to widespread poverty and under-development of the region.
The group also wants self-determination for the oil-producing states and political autonomy.
The rebels have spurned dialogue to end the violence, prompting the government to warn of an imminent military showdown with the insurgents.
"The incident occurred at about 1am near Odimodi community in Delta State with the velocity of the blast shaking apartments in the community amidst a huge ball of fire," said local resident Endoro Newworld.
"The trunk line known as Trans Ramos belongs to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), he said.
"At sunrise, a group from the community in company of the SPDC surveillance team was able to locate the site of the blast," he said.
Another resident who did not want to be identified told AFP the pipeline had been previously targeted by militants.
"Precisely on the 22nd of this month, there was a failed attempt to attack the same facility, hence we were expecting that security in the area would have been tightened, but we are really disappointed that they succeeded this time," he said.
There were no details available about the damage or any possible casualties.
Shell officials could not immediately confirm the incident and no group has claimed responsibility.
The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) militant group has claimed a string of attacks against the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation as well as oil majors Shell, Chevron, Exxon and Eni since February.
The attacks have slashed output at a time when Nigeria is grappling with low global crude prices which have hammered government revenues, weakening the naira currency and pushing up inflation to near 11-year highs.
The Avengers want oil majors to leave the Niger Delta, blaming them for contributing to widespread poverty and under-development of the region.
The group also wants self-determination for the oil-producing states and political autonomy.
The rebels have spurned dialogue to end the violence, prompting the government to warn of an imminent military showdown with the insurgents.
Nigerian online fraudster behind $60m scams arrested
The alleged Nigerian ringleader of an online fraud network will face charges of hacking, conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences, Interpol has said.
The 40-year-old and a 38-year-old who was arrested with him on similar charges are out on administrative bail in Nigeria as investigations continue, it added.
The alleged ringleader was suspected to be behind scams totaling more than $60m (Ј45m) involving hundreds of victims worldwide, Interpol said.
The global police body added:
"The [alleged] network compromised email accounts of small to medium businesses around the world, including in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, Romania, South Africa, Thailand and the US, with the financial victims mainly other companies dealing with these compromised accounts."
The 40-year-old Nigerian national, known as ‘Mike’, is believed to be behind scams totalling more than USD 60 million involving hundreds of victims worldwide."
The 40-year-old and a 38-year-old who was arrested with him on similar charges are out on administrative bail in Nigeria as investigations continue, it added.
The alleged ringleader was suspected to be behind scams totaling more than $60m (Ј45m) involving hundreds of victims worldwide, Interpol said.
The global police body added:
"The [alleged] network compromised email accounts of small to medium businesses around the world, including in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, Romania, South Africa, Thailand and the US, with the financial victims mainly other companies dealing with these compromised accounts."
The 40-year-old Nigerian national, known as ‘Mike’, is believed to be behind scams totalling more than USD 60 million involving hundreds of victims worldwide."
Friday, July 29, 2016
Video - Concerns at the UN over the impact of Boko Haram
Nigeria's Boko Haram insurgency has not only devastated communities, but the economy of the entire Lake Chad region. That's according to the UN Under Secretary for Political Affair, Jeffrey Feltman. He's told the Security Council that economic growth has also dropped sharply due to the decline in oil prices and other commodities .Feltman says it's crucial that development projects run in the region - alongside the military intervention.
Video - Businesses unhappy as Nigeria's central bank hikes interest rate
In an apparent move to keep rising inflation in check, and stabilize its currency, Nigeria's central bank has increased the benchmark interest rate from 12 to 14 percent. However, it's left the cash reserve ratio at 22-point-5 percent and liquidity ratio at 30-percent. Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele says the recent rise in inflation is more of a structural issue than a monetary one. But the business community isn't happy.
Nigeria disqualified from Rio Olympics 4x400 relay
Nigeria's medals prospect in the track and field of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil diminished by one event yesterday following the disqualification of the country's women's 4x400m by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
ThisDay learned yesterday that a member of the Nigerian 1600 relay quartet, Tosin Adeloye, tested positive to a banned substance at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Super Grand Prix/Warri Relays which took place in Warri, Delta State on July 24, 2015.
The quarter miler was a member of the Nigerian quartet that placed fourth at the IAAF World Championship in Beijing last August.
Adeloye ran the third leg in the semi-finals where the team clocked 3:23.27 seconds, the second fastest time in Nigeria's all-time 1600 relay record. She also ran the third leg in the final.
Other members of that Nigerian team include; Regina George (first leg), Funke Oladoye (second leg) and Patience Okon-George who anchored the team to place fourth.
Going by IAAF rule, all the results she achieved during the period after the test individually and jointly will be annulled. She has been banned for eight years.
While the trio of Okon-George, Margaret Bamgbose and Omolara Omotosho who have been picked by the AFN for the Games may still be in Rio after meeting the qualification standard for the open 400m.
ThisDay learned yesterday that a member of the Nigerian 1600 relay quartet, Tosin Adeloye, tested positive to a banned substance at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Super Grand Prix/Warri Relays which took place in Warri, Delta State on July 24, 2015.
The quarter miler was a member of the Nigerian quartet that placed fourth at the IAAF World Championship in Beijing last August.
Adeloye ran the third leg in the semi-finals where the team clocked 3:23.27 seconds, the second fastest time in Nigeria's all-time 1600 relay record. She also ran the third leg in the final.
Other members of that Nigerian team include; Regina George (first leg), Funke Oladoye (second leg) and Patience Okon-George who anchored the team to place fourth.
Going by IAAF rule, all the results she achieved during the period after the test individually and jointly will be annulled. She has been banned for eight years.
While the trio of Okon-George, Margaret Bamgbose and Omolara Omotosho who have been picked by the AFN for the Games may still be in Rio after meeting the qualification standard for the open 400m.
Mikel denies giving cash to Nigeria Olympics teammates
The Nigeria under-23 squad, together with select overage players like Mikel, are training in Atlanta ahead of next month's Olympics in Brazil.
Reports on Thursday claimed that Mikel had pitched in with the money to assist the team, but the Chelsea star told ESPN FC there was no truth to them.
"I was first told of this story by a friend who called me from Nigeria," Mikel said from camp at Hyatt Place. "I thought he was joking until he sent me the link.
"I don't know the source of this story, which to me is all out to divide us as a team. I would have thought that stories that should be coming out in the media are stories that will unite the team instead of dividing us.
"Our target in Rio is to excel, but if they continue like this, then I wonder how we can be united.
"To me, this is just mere distraction that won't help this team going into a major tournament like the Olympics."
Nigeria will face Japan, Sweden and Colombia in the group stage, beginning Aug. 4 in Manaus.
Task force recaptures town in Nigeria
A multinational task force battling Boko Haram said on Thursday it had recaptured the only town in northeast Nigeria's Borno state that was still held by the Islamist militant group.
Boko Haram, which formed in Borno, has waged an insurgency since 2009 to carve out a state based on sharia (Islamic law) in the northeast of Africa's most populous country. More than 15,000 people have been killed and some 2.4 million displaced.
Damasak, captured by Boko Haram in October 2014, was part of an area around the size of Belgium that the jihadist group controlled in northeast Nigeria by the end of 2009.
Its attacks have spread to neighboring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, which prompted those nations to combine troops to form the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
MNJTF spokesman Colonel Mohammad Dole said troops cleared militants from Dutse, a village in Niger, before moving to the Nigerian border town Damasak around 10 a.m. (0900 GMT).
"In continuation with clearance operation of towns and villages, troops of Sector 4 in Diffa (Niger) have successfully cleared Dutse village, captured and occupied Damasak town," he said.
"The forces are coordinating to stabilize the immediate environs," he added.
The troops were supported by an air force from MNJTF member states, he said. More than 30 Nigerian soldiers have been killed in previous attempts to recapture Damasak.
Since a push early last year led by the Nigerian army, supported by troops from neighboring states, most of the territory has been seized back from the militants but the group still stages guerrilla attacks in the region.
Boko Haram, which formed in Borno, has waged an insurgency since 2009 to carve out a state based on sharia (Islamic law) in the northeast of Africa's most populous country. More than 15,000 people have been killed and some 2.4 million displaced.
Damasak, captured by Boko Haram in October 2014, was part of an area around the size of Belgium that the jihadist group controlled in northeast Nigeria by the end of 2009.
Its attacks have spread to neighboring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, which prompted those nations to combine troops to form the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
MNJTF spokesman Colonel Mohammad Dole said troops cleared militants from Dutse, a village in Niger, before moving to the Nigerian border town Damasak around 10 a.m. (0900 GMT).
"In continuation with clearance operation of towns and villages, troops of Sector 4 in Diffa (Niger) have successfully cleared Dutse village, captured and occupied Damasak town," he said.
"The forces are coordinating to stabilize the immediate environs," he added.
The troops were supported by an air force from MNJTF member states, he said. More than 30 Nigerian soldiers have been killed in previous attempts to recapture Damasak.
Since a push early last year led by the Nigerian army, supported by troops from neighboring states, most of the territory has been seized back from the militants but the group still stages guerrilla attacks in the region.
Unicef suspends Aid to Nigeria
The United Nations Children’s Fund has temporarily suspended humanitarian operations in northern Nigeria, where as many as half a million people need assistance, after gunmen attacked a convoy and wounded two aid workers.
Unknown assailants ambushed the convoy on Thursday as it was traveling from Bama to Maiduguri, the capital of northeastern Borno state, a stronghold of Islamist militant group Boko Haram, Unicef said in a statement posted to its website. A Unicef employee and an International Organization for Migration contractor were injured and are being treated at a local hospital, it said.
“The convoy was in a remote area of northeastern Nigeria, where protracted conflict has caused extreme suffering and has triggered a severe malnutrition crisis,” it said.
Two soldiers were also wounded in the attack by suspected Boko Haram members, Nigerian army spokesman Sani Usman said in an e-mailed statement.
More than 500,000 people are living in “catastrophic conditions” in Borno state, Medecins Sans Frontieres said this week. At least 2.7 million people have been forced from their homes by the violent campaign by Boko Haram since 2009 to impose its version of Islamic law in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country of about 180 million.
Unknown assailants ambushed the convoy on Thursday as it was traveling from Bama to Maiduguri, the capital of northeastern Borno state, a stronghold of Islamist militant group Boko Haram, Unicef said in a statement posted to its website. A Unicef employee and an International Organization for Migration contractor were injured and are being treated at a local hospital, it said.
“The convoy was in a remote area of northeastern Nigeria, where protracted conflict has caused extreme suffering and has triggered a severe malnutrition crisis,” it said.
Two soldiers were also wounded in the attack by suspected Boko Haram members, Nigerian army spokesman Sani Usman said in an e-mailed statement.
More than 500,000 people are living in “catastrophic conditions” in Borno state, Medecins Sans Frontieres said this week. At least 2.7 million people have been forced from their homes by the violent campaign by Boko Haram since 2009 to impose its version of Islamic law in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country of about 180 million.
Turkey wants Nigeria to close 17 schools in the country due to failed coup
Turkey has turned to Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria, in its continued crackdown on all elements linked to the failed coup of July 15.
Local media sources in Nigeria report that the Turkish ambassador to the country, Hakan Cakil, has requested the Federal government to close down 17 schools that have links to the alleged mastermind of the failed overthrow, United States based Fetullah Gulen.
“In Nigeria, there are 17 schools, which belong to the Gulen Movement, one in Kano, one in Kaduna, one in Abuja, Lagos etc and they are offering scholarships. We are starting some legal procedures to take the name of Turkey out of the name of the schools. They are not the schools of the Turkish government,’‘ Cakil is reported by Vanguard online portal to have said.
The ambassador made the call when he met with vice chairman of Nigeria’s senate foreign affairs committee, Senator Shehu Sani. The ambassador emphasized that his country had nothing to do with the said schools.
He further disclosed that plans were far advanced at the federal government level to ensure that Turkey’s request is affirmed. “We are requesting the Nigerian Government to close down the schools. I have requested officially, both orally and in writing, the closure of these schools,’‘ he added.
The Erdogan led government meanwhile continues its massive purge in several areas of its society back home in light of the recently failed coup attempt which the government insists was led by Gulen, even though he has repeatedly denied the accusations.
The ‘African purge’ of Turkey’s coup plotters started in Somalia where the government ordered all charities linked to Gulen to leave the country. The Turkish government has said that it would take over operations of all the abandoned charities which include educational institutions and medical facilities.
A day after the failed coup, people in Somalia gathered to protest and strongly condemn the actions of those behind the coup, while celebrating their failure to overthrow Erdogan.
Draped with Somali and Turkish flags and portraits of the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan as well as the Somali leader, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the protesters marched through the city and gathered near the Turkish embassy, where they declared their support for the embattled Turkish government.
Local media sources in Nigeria report that the Turkish ambassador to the country, Hakan Cakil, has requested the Federal government to close down 17 schools that have links to the alleged mastermind of the failed overthrow, United States based Fetullah Gulen.
“In Nigeria, there are 17 schools, which belong to the Gulen Movement, one in Kano, one in Kaduna, one in Abuja, Lagos etc and they are offering scholarships. We are starting some legal procedures to take the name of Turkey out of the name of the schools. They are not the schools of the Turkish government,’‘ Cakil is reported by Vanguard online portal to have said.
The ambassador made the call when he met with vice chairman of Nigeria’s senate foreign affairs committee, Senator Shehu Sani. The ambassador emphasized that his country had nothing to do with the said schools.
He further disclosed that plans were far advanced at the federal government level to ensure that Turkey’s request is affirmed. “We are requesting the Nigerian Government to close down the schools. I have requested officially, both orally and in writing, the closure of these schools,’‘ he added.
The Erdogan led government meanwhile continues its massive purge in several areas of its society back home in light of the recently failed coup attempt which the government insists was led by Gulen, even though he has repeatedly denied the accusations.
The ‘African purge’ of Turkey’s coup plotters started in Somalia where the government ordered all charities linked to Gulen to leave the country. The Turkish government has said that it would take over operations of all the abandoned charities which include educational institutions and medical facilities.
A day after the failed coup, people in Somalia gathered to protest and strongly condemn the actions of those behind the coup, while celebrating their failure to overthrow Erdogan.
Draped with Somali and Turkish flags and portraits of the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan as well as the Somali leader, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the protesters marched through the city and gathered near the Turkish embassy, where they declared their support for the embattled Turkish government.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Video - ‘Super highway’ plans raise environmental concerns in Nigeria
Some Nigerians have been protesting a government plan to build a super highway through a rainforest.
The proposed highway will cut through the Ekuri rainforest in the southern Cross River State.
Residents and environmentalists say the highway will damage the environment and lead to the loss of rare and endangered plants and wildlife.
Video - Falling oil prices hit Nigeria’s construction sector
Nigeria is finding it hard to pay for major construction projects due to the fall in oil prices.
With the West African nation’s economy heavily reliant on oil, many projects needed to stimulate an already struggling economy are now on hold.
Video - Nigerian army rescues missing soldiers, civilians in Borno state
In Nigeria, six of the 19 soldiers who went missing in Borno state last week have been found. The military launched a search for the troops, who disappeared after a raid on Boko Haram base. The army says it's also rescued civilians held hostage by the militants.
Video - Doctors Without Borders warns of large-scale humanitarian disaster in Borno state
Close to eight hundred thousand civilians in Borno state in Northeast Nigeria have been cut off from relief supplies, for over a year now. Children are the worst affected by the lack of relief aid, with large numbers dying and many others being severely malnourished. Charity organization, Doctors Without Borders or MSF, estimates that 15 percent of children there are suffering from life-threatening malnutrition.
Video - Nigerian president commissions Abuja's standard gauge railway
Nigeria's President Muhamamadu Buhari has commissioned the Abuja-Kaduna standard rail gauge constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. The Abuja-Kaduna railway is aimed at promoting the modernization of the railway network in Nigeria.
Street hawking banned in Lagos, Nigeria
The Lagos state government has began a full roll out of a law banning street trading and activities of street hawkers.
A crackdown on street vendors started early July as authorities enforce a previously widely-flouted law.
Street hawkers and those who buy from them face a fine of more than 300 US dollars or a six month jail term.
The move has however been met with different reactions.
Chinedu Bosah, secretary of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) says
“What is going to be the alternative? The alternative will only be crime. And the government keeps spending money for security, reinforcement. It doesn’t pay society.”
Many hawkers have also raised concerns over how they will not be able to support themselves.
“We’re not criminals, we have (qualifications). We’re trained. Most of us are trained in one thing or another. Please, let the government do what is reasonable,” said street hawker Shedrach Ogona.
In spite of Nigeria being Africa’s leading economy, a large number of its citizens still live in poverty. Unemployment among young graduates has been estimated to be nearly 45 percent.
A crackdown on street vendors started early July as authorities enforce a previously widely-flouted law.
Street hawkers and those who buy from them face a fine of more than 300 US dollars or a six month jail term.
The move has however been met with different reactions.
Chinedu Bosah, secretary of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) says
“What is going to be the alternative? The alternative will only be crime. And the government keeps spending money for security, reinforcement. It doesn’t pay society.”
Many hawkers have also raised concerns over how they will not be able to support themselves.
“We’re not criminals, we have (qualifications). We’re trained. Most of us are trained in one thing or another. Please, let the government do what is reasonable,” said street hawker Shedrach Ogona.
In spite of Nigeria being Africa’s leading economy, a large number of its citizens still live in poverty. Unemployment among young graduates has been estimated to be nearly 45 percent.
The Naira is floating as Nigeria eases its grip
Following prolonged periods of a fixed exchange rate owing to depleted foreign reserves, last month, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) decided on a change of tack to adopt more flexibility. The new policy, the CBN said, would see the value of Nigeria’s naira currency determined by market forces and after the policy was adopted, the naira predictably fell sharply from around 199 naira per dollar to 282 naira per dollar.
But after the first day of the new floating policy, rather than the expected volatility in accordance with varying market conditions, the naira stabilized and it soon be came clear the naira had simply moved from one fixed peg to a new one. But in the past week, that appears to no longer be the case as the naira’s value has began to show the volatility expected of a floated currency related to market conditions.
Teneo Intelligence analyst Manji Cheto, who previously described the policy change as a”managed float” rather than a full float, says pegging the naira, rather than allowing a free-fall, was to be expected. “It was a little bit naive that the market and investors expected an immediate depreciation of the naira to around 350 after the supposed market driven system came into place.” Cheto says. “It betrayed a lack of understanding of the political reality in Nigeria.”
The perception of politics interfering with Nigeria’s currency policy is mainly due to president Muhammadu Buhari’s public statements. After months of strongly opposing a currency devaluation, when it finally happened Buhari immediately said he remained unconvinced that the float would be beneficial.
In part, the president was right. Even though his focus was on the impact of a devaluation on ordinary Nigerians, the new pegged value of the naira did not result in significant investment inflow due to uncertainty about the currency being traded for its actual value. Now though, it appears the CBN has been forced to enable a full market-driven system. However, even that alone will not fix all of Nigeria’s economic problems as the issue of a shortage of foreign exchange, which fuels investor reticence, still exists.
As Cheto says: “It’s not just about how quickly investors can get their money in, but about how quickly they can get it out.”
But after the first day of the new floating policy, rather than the expected volatility in accordance with varying market conditions, the naira stabilized and it soon be came clear the naira had simply moved from one fixed peg to a new one. But in the past week, that appears to no longer be the case as the naira’s value has began to show the volatility expected of a floated currency related to market conditions.
Teneo Intelligence analyst Manji Cheto, who previously described the policy change as a”managed float” rather than a full float, says pegging the naira, rather than allowing a free-fall, was to be expected. “It was a little bit naive that the market and investors expected an immediate depreciation of the naira to around 350 after the supposed market driven system came into place.” Cheto says. “It betrayed a lack of understanding of the political reality in Nigeria.”
The perception of politics interfering with Nigeria’s currency policy is mainly due to president Muhammadu Buhari’s public statements. After months of strongly opposing a currency devaluation, when it finally happened Buhari immediately said he remained unconvinced that the float would be beneficial.
In part, the president was right. Even though his focus was on the impact of a devaluation on ordinary Nigerians, the new pegged value of the naira did not result in significant investment inflow due to uncertainty about the currency being traded for its actual value. Now though, it appears the CBN has been forced to enable a full market-driven system. However, even that alone will not fix all of Nigeria’s economic problems as the issue of a shortage of foreign exchange, which fuels investor reticence, still exists.
As Cheto says: “It’s not just about how quickly investors can get their money in, but about how quickly they can get it out.”
Mikel's appointment as captain of Nigeria Super Eagles stirs controversy
The announcement by the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung that John Obi Mikel is captain of Team Nigeria to the Rio Olympics, has raised a lot of dust in Nigerian sports circles.
Immediate past spokesman of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Tony Nezianya who is a Director at the News Agency of Nigeria expressed concern on the choice of Mikel, saying that the Super Eagles captain is a newcomer to the Olympic family and therefore, not qualified for such a revered position in the team.
"I must tell you that I find Mikel's appointment controversial. He has just come into the team and there is Segun Toriola, a veteran of the Games, who is breaking an African record of having attended the most number of Olympic Games. With Rio Olympics, he will be making his seventh consecutive Olympics. He should have been given that honour with the captaincy of Team Nigeria instead of creating an unnecessary controve-rsy."
Nezianya said the decision to make a footballer captain of Team Nigeria was fundamentally wrong.
"Mikel was brought in as an overage player who happens to be the captain of the national team. They should have let him play his game quietly, not as captain of Team Nigeria."
The former NOC media officer refused to elaborate on whether the minister was right to appoint the team captain or if it was the function of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
"The NOC and the Ministry of Sports work as partners. Matters like that are discussed behind closed doors before such announcements are made. I am not competent to say anything on this because I do not know whether the minister and the NOC agreed before the announcement."
Another journalist, Ganiyu Oloyede reacted this way, "When I saw the release I thought that he was named the captain of the dream team. Haba minister! A player who refused to play in Beijing Olympics when we needed him most. I don't think he deserves that responsibility."
Basketball coach, Adeka Daudu said, the choice of Mikel underlined the poor judgement of sports administrators in the country. He buttressed his argument with a quote from the Holy Bible: "God said in the Bible, that my people perish for lack of knowledge. May it not be our portion".
Another Nigerian sports enthusiast, Simon Olajide was angry and in his reaction, he called for the immediate removal of the Sports Minister. Said he, "We need to change our minister of sports, the man knows nothing about sports. Let's join hands and change the man."
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