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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor Dr Nasir Idris has directed an immediate review of existing security strategies to address the resurgence of armed banditry in parts of the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Zuru, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
Zuru explained that the directive followed an emergency security meeting convened over the weekend at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, to assess recent attacks and strengthen response measures.
He disclosed that 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, as well as Controllers of Customs and Immigration Services.
According to him, while speaking before the closed-door session, “the governor expressed concern over the renewed activities of notorious bandit groups, particularly Lakurawa, in Wasagu Chiefdom and parts of Argungu Emirate.
“He declared that new strategies must be introduced to protect lives and property, regardless of cost implications.”
Zuru explained that, while the meeting was ongoing, a high-powered government delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, was dispatched to Wasagu Chiefdom.
The delegation, he said, included the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Dangoje, the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi Mikailu Sami Gomo III, Honourable Commissioners, and Chairmen of State Boards and Commissions.
According to the statement, at the palace of the chief of Wasagu, Alhaji Mukhtar Musa Muhammad, the deputy governor delivered the governor’s sympathy message to the affected community and assured them of the government’s commitment to ending the banditry menace.
“The delegation also assessed the extent of damage and engaged community leaders to strengthen local participation and support for security efforts.
“Governor Idris reiterated that his administration remains committed to supporting security agencies. To date, the state government has trained thousands of selected youths to complement security operations and has provided over 100 operational vehicles, 7,000 motorcycles, and financial support to officers on the frontline.”
Zuru added that the governor was scheduled to present the current security situation and recommendations from the State Security Council to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Defence, and Defence Headquarters to secure lasting solutions to the unfortunate situation.
