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.

•Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has declared his resignation today from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abraham Ngobere, along with 18 PDP lawmakers, also tendered their resignation from the opposition party.

Announcing the decision at an expanded State Executive Meeting in Yenagoa, Diri said that he would be leaving the party with members of his cabinet and majority of lawmakers of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly including its Speaker Abraham Ngobere.

The atmosphere at the Executive Chambers, venue of the weekly Bayelsa State Executive Council Meeting was thick with anticipation ending the speculation of Governor Douye Diri’s intention to leave the Peoples Democratic Party.

The rare presence of State lawmakers including its Speaker only heightened expectations.

They did not have to wait for too long as Governor Douye Diri shortly after kick-starting the meeting formally announced resignation of his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ngobere praised Governor Douye Diri for making what he described as a bold decision in the interest of the State.

While, Governor Diri is yet to announce the party he would join, the People Democratic Party had in the past 29 years, enjoyed wide majority in Bayelsa state House of Assembly and it is not clear how many of them will defect to the APC or the ADC .