Alarmed by renewed attacks by armed bandits in parts of Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris has ordered an immediate overhaul of security strategies, declaring that no effort or resources will be spared in protecting lives and property.
The governor’s directive followed an emergency security meeting held at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi at the weekend to review the growing threat posed by criminal gangs, particularly the notorious Lakurawa group operating in Wasagu Chiefdom and parts of Argungu Emirate.
Speaking before the closed-door session, Governor Idris expressed deep concern over the resurgence of banditry and insisted that fresh measures must be introduced to tackle the menace head-on.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, the meeting brought together top security chiefs, including the Brigade Commander, Commissioner of Police, Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commander of the Vigilante Group, as well as Controllers of Customs and Immigration Services.
The governor stressed that the safety of residents remains a top priority of his administration and vowed to support security agencies with whatever is required to restore peace in affected communities.
While the security meeting was in progress, a high-powered government delegation led by Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida was dispatched to Wasagu Chiefdom to sympathise with victims and assess the damage caused by the attacks.
The delegation included Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Dangoje, the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi Mikailu Sami Gomo III, commissioners and heads of government agencies.
At the palace of the Chief of Wasagu, Alhaji Mukhtar Musa Muhammad, the deputy governor conveyed Governor Idris’ message of solidarity and assured residents that government would not relent until lasting peace is restored.
The delegation also met with community leaders and residents to explore ways of strengthening local participation in security efforts and intelligence gathering.
Governor Idris highlighted the significant investments already made by his administration to support security operations across the state.
According to him, thousands of youths have been trained to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies, while more than 100 operational vehicles and 7,000 motorcycles have been provided to enhance patrol and rapid response operations.
The state government has also continued to provide financial support and logistics to security personnel serving on the frontlines.
As part of efforts to secure a long-term solution, the governor is expected to brief President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Defence and Defence Headquarters on the latest security developments in the state.
He is also expected to present recommendations from the State Security Council aimed at strengthening military operations and ending the activities of bandits terrorising communities in Kebbi.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information that could help prevent further attacks and bring perpetrators to justice.
