The Bayelsa State capital, Yenagoa, is reportedly abuzz with excitement as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) formally welcome Governor Douye Diri and his supporters to the party

Naija News recalls that Diri, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15, has been engaged in weeks of discreet negotiations with key APC figures to finalize his defection plan.

Thousands of supporters of the APC and Diri, who were dressed in white t-shirts and colourful attire from all eight local government areas, started trooping into the state capital as early as 8 am, defying the early morning downpour.

Other supporters were seen signing and drumming along some major streets of the state capital.

Additionally, the 5,000-capacity Samson Siasia Stadium was filled, with the crowd continuing to throng inside, prompting security operatives to stop further entry due to concerns about a potential stampede.

Already, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Ondo State, Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, Minister of Regional Development, Engineering Abubakar Momoh, have arrived at the state capital for the event.

The latest development has formally put to rest speculation about Diri joining the APC

The Chadian Government has reportedly announced an immediate closure of its border with Nigeria, citing heightened security concerns and intelligence reports of possible militant infiltration from Northern Nigeria.

Military sources in N’Djamena confirmed on Monday that President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno ordered a military lockdown on the Nigerian border following reports that armed groups were planning to cross into Chad.

According to regional security analyst Zagazola Makama, Chadian troops have been deployed along key border corridors, backed by armoured vehicles and aerial reconnaissance units to prevent infiltration.

Chadian troops and armoured vehicles have been deployed to critical routes from Nigeria, and all units are now at full readiness,” Makama reported.

President Déby was quoted as warning that “no armed group or foreign force will be allowed to enter Chadian soil under any disguise.”

Naija News reports that the border closure follows growing tension across the Sahel and West Africa amid rumours of U.S. military movements in the region.

While no official statement has been issued from Washington, speculation about America’s alleged repositioning of troops in parts of West Africa has sparked diplomatic unease and security responses from several regional governments

Security experts described Chad’s border closure as a preventive measure designed to protect its territory from potential spillovers of regional instability.

Chad’s latest action comes amid renewed militant activity across Lake Chad Basin countries and shifting alliances following military takeovers in neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso.

With the Nigerian border now closed, movement between the two countries has been temporarily suspended.

Meanwhile, cross-border traders and transport operators have been advised to remain patient pending further directives from the Chadian authorities.

The Lagos State Police Command has declared activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly planning to incite public disorder and obstruct major roads across the state.

Naija News reports that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, made the announcement on Monday while addressing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge, warning that the command would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt public peace.

According to Jimoh, intelligence reports revealed that Sowore and his associates had mapped out strategic locations, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park for simultaneous demonstrations.

The Commissioner said, “Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found.

Anyone attempting to cause disturbance or block our roads will face the full weight of the law.”

The police chief described the planned demonstrations as “criminal”, warning that such actions could trigger massive traffic gridlock and endanger lives.

He further stated, “It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily.”

Jimoh confirmed that 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the alleged protest plot, while Sowore reportedly fled before the operation began.

“Investigations are ongoing to identify sponsors and collaborators,” he stated.

He disclosed that security operatives had been strategically deployed to critical locations across Lagos, including bridges, highways, and entry points, where temporary roadblocks and diversions had been introduced to maintain orders

The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” the Commissioner warned.

Jimoh also spoke on the recent demolitions in parts of Lagos, particularly the Oworo-Soki area, dismissing claims that the exercise was carried out without compensation.

He said, “The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke crisis under the guise of protest.”

The police boss assured residents that there was no cause for alarm, adding that all security agencies were fully mobilized to protect lives and property.

“We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” Jimoh said.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour, emphasizing that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, it must not degenerate into public nuisance or lawlessness.