The House of Representatives on Wednesday strongly condemned the recent killings of security personnel in Kebbi State and ordered an immediate joint clearance operation to flush out bandits operating in the area. This followed renewed attacks on security outposts in Bagudo and Suru local government areas, where officers from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigeria Police Force were killed in separate incidents.
The motion, raised as a matter of urgent public importance by Hon. Bello Ka’oje, drew the attention of lawmakers to what he described as the rapid deterioration of security in Kebbi, a state previously known for relative peace in the Northwest. He said the pattern of attacks showed a coordinated effort by bandit groups to entrench themselves in strategic parts of the state and create new operational bases.
The most recent incident occurred on November 27, 2025, when suspected members of the Lakurawa bandit group attacked an NIS outpost in Bakin Ruwa, killing three immigration officers. The attack shocked residents and sparked condemnation from security analysts who warned that bandits were becoming increasingly bold in targeting federal security facilities.
Ka’oje told lawmakers that Bagudo and Suru areas have now become hotspots because of their location and terrain. Bagudo shares a border with the Republic of Benin and hosts several federal security installations, including NIS and Customs checkpoints at Bakin Ruwa and Maje, along with multiple police posts.
“These locations have become targets for bandits who are attempting to establish bases and control local routes,” he said.
The lawmaker also recalled similar incidents that point to an emerging pattern of coordinated violence. On November 10, bandits attacked the Nigeria Customs Service outpost in Maje, killing one Customs officer. Before that, on October 19, gunmen attacked a police outpost in the same area, leading to the death of a police officer.
Ka’oje said intelligence reports show that the Lakurawa bandit group is trying to take over the Soda Forest in Bagudo LGA as a long-term hideout. The group is also believed to be using hills in Suru LGA as holding grounds for kidnapped victims during ransom negotiations.
“These developments suggest an effort to entrench a bandit presence across Kebbi North,” he said. “Given the state’s closeness to the Benin Republic, this poses a deeper regional security risk.”
The recent attacks in Kebbi fit into a broader pattern of insecurity in the Northwest, where several armed groups have continued to terrorise communities despite repeated military operations. Over the past five years, bandit groups have gained access to sophisticated weapons, motorcycles, and communication tools, allowing them to launch coordinated attacks on villages, roads, farms, and now security checkpoints.
Kebbi, once considered one of the more stable states in the region, has begun to experience the same violent attacks seen in neighbouring Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states. Analysts say the shift in bandit operations toward Kebbi may be due to increased military pressure in other states, pushing criminals into areas with lighter security presence.
The border with Benin also presents a challenge, as criminals can escape through bush paths, smuggle weapons across the boundary, or establish temporary shelters outside Nigeria’s direct security reach.
Following the debate, the House of Representatives directed the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to launch a joint clearance operation across Soda Forest, Suru Hills, and other identified hideouts in Kebbi State. Lawmakers said a coordinated operation would disrupt the movement of armed groups and send a strong message that attacks on security personnel will not be tolerated.
The House insisted that security agencies must act immediately to prevent the bandits from establishing firm control over forests and border communities.
“We cannot allow criminals to create operational bases inside Nigeria,” lawmakers said during the session.
Beyond military operations, lawmakers also urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to enhance intelligence sharing and improve cross-border surveillance along the Nigeria–Benin corridor, especially in and around Bagudo.
They stressed that the threat was not limited to local operations, but had implications for regional stability, considering that bandits often move across borders to evade arrest or to regroup.
The House argued that effective surveillance and intelligence gathering were essential to identifying weapons routes, tracking bandit leaders, and stopping cross-border kidnappings.
During the plenary session, the House observed a solemn minute of silence in honour of the immigration, customs, and police personnel killed in the recent attacks. Lawmakers said the deaths were a painful reminder of the risks security officers take daily to protect the country.
Ka’oje urged the federal government to ensure that families of the slain officers receive adequate compensation and support. He said many families are left without financial assistance after losing their breadwinners in the line of duty.
To ensure that the resolutions are implemented, the House mandated its Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, and Legislative Compliance to work closely with relevant security agencies and monitor progress. The committees are expected to report back with updates on the clearance operation and other security measures in the region.
The debate highlights growing anxiety across the country about rising insecurity. While the government has launched several operations to combat insurgents and bandits, many communities still experience frequent attacks. Security analysts say the attacks on federal security posts indicate a dangerous trend that could weaken morale and embolden criminals if not addressed quickly.
For residents of Bagudo and Suru, the situation has created fear, with many rural dwellers afraid to go to farms or travel on major roads. Local leaders have appealed for more troops and better surveillance equipment.