After yet another wave of deadly bandit attacks in Kebbi State, Governor Nasiru Idris says his government is ready to crack down hard on those aiding the violence.
The governor, on Tuesday, June 24, visited the communities of Tadurga in Zuru and Kyebu in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Areas, where 30 people were recently killed in separate attacks.
During the visit, he announced plans to review the state’s laws to introduce life imprisonment or even the death penalty for anyone found aiding bandits as informants.
“Informants are deadly to society,” Idris said, making it clear that his administration would treat the issue with utmost seriousness.
Standing among grieving families and destroyed homes, he told residents, “We are here to see things for ourselves, commiserate with you, and reassure you of the urgent steps we have taken to improve security.”
The governor revealed that a new military base would soon be set up in the Zuru Emirate. He also confirmed that Armoured Personnel Carriers and other equipment had already been deployed from Abuja to boost operations.
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Idris expressed sadness over the lives lost, praying, “May Allah grant the deceased Aljannah Firdausi and quick recovery to those who were injured.”
To support security forces, the government has purchased 80 Hilux patrol vehicles and 1,500 motorcycles for local vigilantes. Allowances for security personnel in volatile areas have also been increased.
Idris urged residents to avoid politicising security matters and warned against spreading false information online, saying it could disrupt ongoing peace efforts.
Traditional rulers welcomed the governor’s response. The Chief of Danko, Ibrahim Al’aji, and the Chief of Dabai, Suleiman Sami, thanked him for visiting so quickly after the attacks and called for tighter patrols along border routes used by armed gangs.
Also speaking, the Emir of Zuru, Rtd. Major General Sani Sami, praised the government’s steps to restore peace and reassured the people that the community would continue working with security agencies to end the violence.