The Kogi State Government, led by Governor Ahmed Ododo, has intensified its crackdown on banditry and other criminal activities in the state.

In a major operation, the combined security forces, led by the State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd), demolished and set ablaze bandits’ camps and hideouts in Aherin-Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas.

Speaking to journalists at the location on Thursday, Omodara said two wounded bandits and their fake doctors were apprehended in a settlement in Aherin-Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu LGA.

Omodara said acting on intelligence information, the security agencies, arrested two wounded bandits who were receiving treatment from local doctors in the settlements.

•State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd).

The doctors, who were treating the bandits, were also apprehended.

According to Omodara, the bandits had sustained gunshot injuries in a previous encounter with security forces.

Following the arrest, Governor Ododo directed that the bandits’ camps and settlements be wiped out.

Acting on the governor’s directive, the combined security forces demolished the camps, including a makeshift clinic, and destroyed the bandits’ farmland and farm produce”.

Omodara emphasised that the security agencies have saturated the state, making it difficult for bandits to hide.

He warned that anyone caught perpetrating, abetting, or collaborating with criminals would be dealt with, regardless of their status or identity.

“We received intelligence that two bandits were receiving treatment in a settlement in Aherin-Bunu community in Kabba-Bunu LGA.

“We swiftly deployed security personnel and arrested the two wounded bandits.

The Governor directed that any house used for treating bandits should be demolished.

We’re arresting fake doctors treating them and warning that anyone perpetrating, abetting, or collaborating with criminals will be dealt with, regardless of their status.

“We will not accept that and we are not going to allow it,” Omodara said.

Omodara stressed that the operation is part of the Kogi State Government’s ongoing onslaught against banditry and other criminal activities, which is yielding unprecedented results.

“Gov. Ahmed Ododo reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the state,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the combined security forces, led by Omodara, demolished and torched the bandits’ camps, farmlands, and produce in the major crackdown operation on Thursday.

‎A medical panel appointed by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has concluded that Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is medically fit to stand trial on terrorism-related charges.

The panel’s findings were submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday by the prosecution team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adegboyega Awomolo. Portions of the report were read in open court, revealing that the ailments Kanu had complained of were not life-threatening and did not impair his ability to participate in legal proceedings.

The medical panel was constituted by the court following conflicting health reports submitted by Kanu’s personal physician and the Department of State Services (DSS), where he is currently being held. Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, appointed the independent panel to objectively assess Kanu’s health and resolve the dispute.

Following the panel’s submission, Justice Omotosho ruled that the trial will proceed without further delay. He scheduled six consecutive days, beginning October 23, for Kanu to present and conclude his defence.

In a related development, the court granted a request by Kanu’s lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), for a private consultation with his client. The defence team had expressed concerns that their previous discussions were potentially monitored by the DSS, thereby infringing on attorney-client privilege.

Justice Omotosho ordered that the private meeting be held inside the courtroom on October 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with only Kanu and his legal representatives present. The trial will resume the following day.

The court’s rulings mark a significant turn in the high-profile case, which has drawn widespread attention both within and outside Nigeria. Kanu faces multiple charges including terrorism, secession, and incitement, all of which he has denied.

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a rigorous screening session held in the Senate Chamber.

The confirmation came after the upper legislative chamber convened as a Committee of the Whole, where Professor Amupitan was subjected to an extensive question-and-answer session. Lawmakers across party lines took turns interrogating the nominee on a range of national issues, particularly around electoral reforms, voter education, and the independence of the electoral body.

Professor Amupitan, a respected legal scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), provided detailed responses to the lawmakers’ questions, emphasizing his commitment to transparency, neutrality, and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

After the screening exercise, the nominee was asked to “take a bow” — a traditional Senate practice signifying the conclusion of the confirmation hearing — and exited the chamber alongside his entourage. Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured that the outcome of the screening would be formally communicated to him.

Following Amupitan’s departure, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to reinstate all floor privileges that had been earlier suspended to facilitate the screening. The motion was promptly seconded by the Senate Minority Leader and received unanimous approval through a voice vote.

The final confirmation of the nominee was subsequently put to a voice vote by the Senate President. With no dissenting voices, the appointment was officially ratified.

“The nomination of Joash Ojo Amupitan for appointment as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission is hereby confirmed,” Senate President Akpabio declared.

Professor Amupitan’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the country’s electoral body, as preparations begin for upcoming off-cycle elections and broader electoral reforms. His tenure is expected to usher in a new chapter in INEC’s leadership, with stakeholders hoping for greater credibility, independence, and innovation in Nigeria’s electoral system.