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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Once upon a time, Kebbi State was renowned for peace. Residents slept with their two eyes closed and woke up to a bright new day.
However, something strange happened. From Mera in Argungu Emirate to Bunza, Dakingari, Bagudo in Gwandu Emirate, to Dankowasagu, Bena, Maga in Zuru Emirate, down to Shanga and Ngaski in Yauri Emirate the story is the same. This peace has gone with the winds and is not coming back soon!
Daily Sun investigations indicated that suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group or their sympathizers have been terrorising communities in the state. They have rusticated their cows and animals, sacked their homes and farmlands and murdered their friends and relatives.
A resident, Umar Abubakar, said the dreaded Lakurawa terrorists have turned many children to orphans, converted wives to widows and ruined several families and communities in recent times.
Muhammad Jamilu resident in Mera said many schools around Augie, Arewa and Mera towns are yet to resume due to fear of these terrorists: “Kidnapping and cattle rustling have become the order of the day in these areas. Lots of villagers and rural dwellers have relocated to Argungu town, Birnin Kebbi and other big towns within Argungu Emirate to ensure their safety and survival.”
Series of insurgency credited to Lakurawa and bandits highlight the tragic story of fear in the state. On November 17, 2025, about 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS,) Maga, were kidnapped by Lakurawa. They were later rescued.
In February, five Muslim worshippers were killed in worship place in Dadin Kowa town. And on February 20, 2026, 33 villagers were killed in Bui village in Arewa LG for reportedly resisting an attempt by members of the gang to rusticate their cattle.
Only recently, the convoy of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Major General Bemgha Kougha, was attacked by suspected Lakurawa terrorists around Maiyama Hill, Maiyama LG. The operatives attached to the GOC, from Sector 2, North West Operation FASAN Yamma, repelled the attack and killed five of the insurgents.
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While the security challenges persist unabated, the communities and emirates are not folding their arms. They have refused to succumb to the enemies terrorising their world. Many communities established vigilance groups to support the existing security structures around them. Others sent out appeals for additional military presence, while some are working hard to ensure they counter the narrative of the terror group and ensure they do not recruit from among their youths.
Government recruited Forest Guard to confront the bandits while redoubling its funding and support to security agencies operating to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Special Adviser to Governor on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Zuru, acknowledged the security challenges:
“However, on the assumption of office in 2023, the administration of Governor Nasir Idris has been initiating different measures in collaboration with the various security agencies at the highest level, aimed at finding lasting solutions to the menace in view of its potentiality of threatening his ambitious socio-economic development programmes” he added.
“After a comprehensive analysis of the negative effects of the unfortunate persistent armed banditry attacks, the governor resolved to complement the Federal Government’s efforts with the provision of 100 Hilux vehicles and 5,000 motorcycles to the security agencies involved in the operation, namely the Army, Police, DSS, Civil Defence Corp and the Vigilante.
“In addition, the governor made special monthly financial support for the maintenance of the facilities and allowances to the men and officers in the field. In appreciation for the complementary support, the Defence Headquarters provided the state with two jaguar vehicles while the Police Force Headquarters provided another.
“As the situation persisted with a slow pace of achievement, Governor Idris decided to involve critical stakeholders in the nation’s security architecture to brain storm and find the way forward. He started with the convening a meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council chaired by Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, with the former Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and a representative of the Director General of the state security service, in attendance, to share their peculiar security challenges and proffer workable solutions.
“Thereafter, he hosted a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum to have an overview of the situation and advise on the way forward. The governor’s request for the establishment of a Naval Base in Yauri and additional military units across the state, particularly the southern part of the state has been approved.
“While the armed banditry menace involving armed bandits and the Lakurawa cannot be said to be over yet, the governor has consistently assured that he would remain committed to overcoming the unfortunate situation regardless of the cost involved.”
State Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, said: “Police are not leaving any stone untouched in dealing with the situation. The command is working to neutralise all elements of criminals irrespective of their locations.
“The command has sustained intelligence-led and community-driven operations, which have produced immeasurable results. Recently, our operatives engaged suspected armed Lakurawa elements along the Zogirma–Kangiwa axis, leading to the recovery of about 60 rustled cattle.
“In separate operations, suspected kidnappers were arrested in Kalgo, while a kidnap attempt was successfully foiled in Danko. The recent decline in criminal activities in parts of the state is not accidental but a product of strategic deployment, improved intelligence gathering, inter-agency synergy and strong community cooperation.
“While certain operational details remain confidential for security reasons, the command remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and properties and urges members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.”
