Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, has vowed that the command will intensify its crackdown on criminal gangs operating in the state, particularly targeting those responsible for the recent ambush that claimed the lives of three police officers.

CP Sani made the commitment while reacting to Friday’s attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits along the Zogirma–Tilli Road in Bunza Local Government Area.

The assailants, believed to be targeting travellers, were intercepted by police operatives in a gun duel that left several bandits dead, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Despite successfully repelling the attack, the Commissioner confirmed that three gallant officers were killed in the crossfire.

“These officers died as heroes. They stood their ground to protect innocent lives, and their sacrifice will not be in vain.

“We will hunt down those responsible, and their informants, wherever they are hiding,” he said.
The Commissioner praised the swift response of the security team and noted that ongoing intelligence operations have been expanded across vulnerable border communities in the state.

He also confirmed that coordination with the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes has been strengthened, especially following another attempted bandit invasion in Ribah, Zuru Emirate, which was foiled by troops earlier in the week.

CP Sani stressed that residents should remain vigilant and report suspicious movements in their communities, promising confidentiality and rapid response.

“The police cannot be everywhere at once, but with timely information, we will respond swiftly and decisively,” he assured.

The lawmaker representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson, has thrown his weight behind the return of his colleague from Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to the Senate.

OSUNDAILY NG recalls that Natasha was suspended on March 6 after a heated argument with Senate leadership over a new seating arrangement, which she claimed was intentionally designed to undermine her.

It will also be recalled that hat the issue degenerated when she appeared on national television and accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of retaliating against her for allegedly rejecting his sexual advances, an allegation Akpabio has denied.

Meanwhile, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on July 4, ordered the Senate to reinstate Natasha.

Senator Dickson, while addressing newsmen, said that he never supported her suspension and hopes she will resume her duties in the Senate as soon as possible.

“I sympathize with Natasha. I have never been in support of any legislative activities that suspend members for long periods of time.

“The Senate leadership and my colleagues know my position on it is anchored on the law and the constitution and my personal conviction. Senators are here to agree and disagree in the national interest.
“So, we have to tolerate and respect one another even when you have differences of opinion. I was not there when it was announced, but that’s not my concern.

“My concern is that the sooner she resumes her seat to perform and continue to perform her constitutional responsibilities. That’s my interest and I have been told that the court has decided on it,” he said.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has said that the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the political crisis that rocked the state earlier this year was timely and reassuring.

Ibas stated this on Saturday at the grand finale of the 25th anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to him, the President’s decisive actions restored order and strengthened governance in the state.

“Let me express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to peace and stability in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta.

“His intervention in restoring order and governance in the state was timely, firm, and deeply reassuring. Mr President continues to demonstrate strong political will for regional development, economic equity, and national cohesion. We are indeed grateful,” Ibas said.

It will be recalled that the Niger-Delta state had plunged into political turmoil after a fallout between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, which led to chaos in the state assembly and tension in the state.

Reacting to the crisis, President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in March, suspending Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and appointing Ibas.

The move sparked both praise and legal backlash.

OSUNDAILY NG reports that in June, Fubara and Wike resolved their rift after a peace meeting with Tinubu, pledging to work together to restore stability in Rivers State.

They were later seen at a public gathering after the peace talks.