Kebbi dismisses claims of abandoning communities to bandits
July 25, 2026 3:03 pm
File photo: Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris
The Kebbi State Government on Saturday dismissed claims that some communities in the state had been abandoned to bandits and terrorists, describing the allegations as misleading and politically motivated.
The government said Governor Nasir Idris remained actively involved in efforts to tackle insecurity through close collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, the government said opposition figures were creating a false impression of the state’s security situation by suggesting that affected communities had been left to fend for themselves.
“The attention of the Kebbi State Government has been drawn to a misleading narrative being circulated by some members of the opposition, alleging that certain communities have been abandoned to bandits and terrorists,” the statement read.
The government stressed that security matters were highly sensitive and that not every operational strategy, intelligence-gathering effort or intervention could be made public.
“Security matters are highly sensitive, and not every strategy, intelligence-gathering effort, or operational action undertaken by government can or should be discussed publicly.
“The fact that certain actions are not publicly announced does not mean that nothing is being done,” the statement added.
According to the government, Idris remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, remains deeply committed to the safety and well-being of the people, working tirelessly every day to address security challenges across the state.
“The governor is not standing on the sidelines. He is actively leading the state’s efforts against insecurity, working closely with the relevant security agencies and other critical stakeholders to safeguard lives and property,” the statement said.
The statement added that the administration’s security efforts were aimed at ensuring residents could carry out their daily activities without fear while enabling farmers to return safely to their farmlands.
It also urged politicians to avoid exploiting security challenges for partisan purposes.
“Those who seek to reduce the complex security situation in the state to political talking points should exercise greater responsibility in their public commentary.
“Addressing insecurity requires cooperation, intelligence, strategic planning and, at times, confidentiality—not the unnecessary public disclosure of every government action,” the statement said.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting security agencies and pursuing lasting peace, stability and development across Kebbi State.
The statement comes amid renewed public concern over insecurity in parts of the state following a series of attacks by armed groups in recent months.
Some opposition figures have accused the state government of failing to adequately protect vulnerable communities, particularly in border areas prone to banditry.
Kebbi, like several states in Nigeria’s North-West, continues to grapple with attacks by bandits and other criminal groups, prompting increased collaboration between state authorities, security agencies and local communities to improve security and restore normalcy.
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