Kebbi gov orders security review as bandit attacks surge

Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, has ordered an immediate review of existing security strategies following the resurgence of armed bandit attacks in parts of the state.

The directive was issued after an emergency security meeting held on Saturday at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, where top security chiefs and government officials deliberated on recent security challenges and measures to strengthen response efforts.

The meeting was attended by the Brigade Commander, Commissioner of Police, Director of the State Security Service, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commander of the Vigilante Group, and the Controllers of Customs and Immigration Services.

Speaking before the closed-door session, Governor Idris expressed concern over the renewed activities of notorious bandit groups, particularly the Lakurawa faction, operating in Wasagu Chiefdom and parts of Argungu Emirate.

According to him, the state government is determined to adopt stronger measures to protect residents and their property.

“We must review our existing security strategies and introduce new measures to address the resurgence of banditry in some parts of the state.

“The protection of lives and property remains our top priority, and we are prepared to take every necessary step regardless of the cost implications,” the governor said.

As the meeting was underway, a high-powered government delegation led by Deputy Governor Umar Abubakar Tafida was dispatched to Wasagu Chiefdom to sympathise with victims and assess the security situation on the ground.

The delegation included the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Dangoje, the Emir of Zuru, Muhammad Sanusi Mikailu Sami Gomo III, commissioners, and chairmen of state boards and commissions.

At the palace of the Chief of Wasagu, Alhaji Mukhtar Musa Muhammad, the deputy governor conveyed Governor Idris’ message of sympathy to affected residents and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ending banditry in the area.

“The governor shares in your pain and remains fully committed to restoring peace and security across Wasagu Chiefdom and other affected communities. Government will continue to work closely with security agencies and community leaders to bring an end to these attacks,” Tafida said.

The delegation also inspected areas affected by the attacks and held consultations with community leaders aimed at strengthening local participation in ongoing security efforts.

Idris reiterated that his administration has continued to support security agencies through logistics and manpower development.

“To complement the efforts of security agencies, the state government has trained thousands of youths for community security operations, provided over 100 operational vehicles, 7,000 motorcycles, and sustained financial support for personnel serving on the frontline,” he said.

The governor further disclosed that he would present the current security situation and recommendations of the State Security Council to President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Defence and Defence Headquarters in pursuit of lasting solutions to the security challenges facing parts of the state.

He expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments, security agencies and local communities would help restore lasting peace in the affected areas.