Kebbi seeks Tinubu’s backing as Idris moves to strengthen frontline security operations

The Kebbi State Government is set to seek stronger federal intervention in its fight against insecurity as Nasir Idris, Governor of Kebbi State, prepares to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and top defence authorities on the worsening security situation in parts of the State.

The move comes amid renewed attacks by armed bandits and criminal groups in several communities across Kebbi, particularly in local government areas bordering Niger State and neighbouring countries, where residents have suffered repeated raids, cattle rustling, kidnappings and killings in recent months.

The State Government said the planned engagement with the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Defence and Defence Headquarters is aimed at securing lasting solutions to the security challenges confronting the state while strengthening ongoing military and security operations.

As part of efforts to boost the morale of security personnel, Governor Idris is also expected to announce additional financial support for troops and other operatives serving on the frontlines.

The initiative forms part of the administration’s broader strategy to improve operational effectiveness and encourage security agencies battling criminal elements across vulnerable communities.

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The governor is expected to present the prevailing security situation in Kebbi State alongside recommendations adopted by the State Security Council, with emphasis on the need for enhanced collaboration between federal and state authorities in addressing the growing threats posed by banditry and other violent crimes.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru, Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, said the state government has continued to invest heavily in security despite constitutional limitations on the role of states in policing.

According to him, the administration has trained thousands of youths to complement conventional security agencies through community-based security initiatives aimed at improving intelligence gathering and surveillance in rural areas.

He disclosed that the State Government had also procured and distributed more than 100 operational vehicles and about 7,000 motorcycles to security formations to improve mobility and response time during emergency operations.

The adviser added that financial assistance continues to be provided to security personnel deployed to the frontlines as part of the Government’s commitment to supporting efforts to restore peace across the State.

Kebbi has witnessed an upsurge in insecurity over the past year, particularly in border communities where heavily armed bandits have launched attacks on villages, abducted residents for ransom and rustled livestock, forcing many families to flee their homes.

Security experts attributed the recurring attacks to the state’s proximity to forests stretching into neighbouring Niger State and the Republic of Niger, which had become hideouts for criminal gangs operating across State and international borders.

The attacks have also disrupted farming activities in several communities, raising concerns over food production and livelihoods in one of Nigeria’s major agricultural states.

In response, the Kebbi State Government had repeatedly pledged to work closely with the military and other security agencies while investing State resources in logistics and local security support structures.

The planned presentation to President Tinubu and defence authorities is expected to seek additional military deployments, improved surveillance capabilities and stronger inter-agency cooperation to tackle the persistent security threats and restore confidence among affected communities.

Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue supporting security agencies until lasting peace is restored across Kebbi State.