Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has dismissed claims of established bandit camps within the state, instead attributing the security challenges to infiltrators from neighbouring states and countries. Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi after a high-level security meeting, the governor detailed the state’s strategy to tackle the menace as 2025 unfolds.
Kebbi’s Geographic Complexity
Situated in northwest Nigeria, Kebbi State shares borders with Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger states, alongside two international frontiers with Niger and Benin Republics. This strategic location has heightened its vulnerability to transborder crimes and bandit infiltration. Experts suggest the state’s porous borders exacerbate the challenge of tracking and neutralising criminal activities.
“We don’t have bandit camps in Kebbi,” Governor Idris asserted, emphasizing that the bulk of incidents in the state stem from cross-border incursions. He noted, “Most of the criminals terrorising us operate from neighbouring states and find their way into our communities to carry out attacks.”
Vigilance and Local Efforts
Over the past year, Kebbi has taken substantial steps to curb insecurity, largely by bolstering collaboration between formal security agencies and local vigilantes. According to Idris, the closed-door security meeting held at the Government House was part of a broader initiative to evaluate past efforts and devise fresh strategies.
“Our focus in 2025 is clear: to intensify our fight against banditry by equipping and empowering those on the frontline,” the governor said. Among the key measures announced is the procurement of 1,000 motorcycles for vigilante groups. These motorcycles are expected to significantly improve their mobility, allowing faster responses to reported attacks in the state’s often inaccessible rural areas.
Vigilantes: A Double-Edged Sword
Local vigilantes, often operating under varying levels of state control, have emerged as a critical layer in Nigeria’s multifaceted approach to tackling insecurity. While they provide localized intelligence and quick interventions, there have been concerns about accountability and potential abuses of power. However, Governor Idris appears resolute about their utility.
“Without the vigilantes, the burden on our security forces would be insurmountable. It’s our duty to support them with the resources they need to succeed,” Idris remarked, hinting at a long-term commitment to this model.
A Broader Nigerian Challenge
Kebbi’s struggle with banditry reflects a widespread issue in northwest and central Nigeria, where armed groups wreak havoc through kidnappings, attacks on communities, and disruptions of livelihoods. Particularly concerning for Kebbi are its proximity to Zamfara and Niger, known hubs for bandit activities.
Despite numerous military campaigns and peace initiatives, including the deployment of joint task forces and airstrikes on identified camps in neighbouring states, the bandits remain highly mobile. Their ability to adapt by shifting operations across state and international borders undermines the efforts of security forces.
Community Safety a Top Priority
Governor Idris expressed optimism about ongoing efforts to protect the state’s residents, including bolstering grassroots collaboration and leveraging technology for enhanced surveillance. While he stopped short of providing specifics on potential cross-border security collaborations with Niger or Benin, observers believe such measures could become critical to a lasting solution.
For Kebbi residents, the stakes are personal. Farmers face frequent threats, leading to abandoned farmlands and declining food production. Schools and health centres in remote villages remain at risk of attacks, compounding the area’s development challenges.
Sustaining the Momentum
Governor Idris ended his briefing with an appeal for patience and cooperation from Kebbi’s citizens. “Security is everyone’s business. As we push forward with these measures, I urge communities to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities immediately.”
The procurement of motorcycles, along with other undisclosed plans discussed during the security meeting, could serve as a stepping stone in Kebbi’s journey towards reclaiming peace. However, analysts caution that the state cannot afford to rely on localized solutions alone. Without robust regional and national collaboration, Kebbi’s border advantage might remain its greatest security liability.
The new year brings fresh hope, but it also sets the stage for greater demands on all stakeholders involved in keeping Kebbi State safe. Whether the proposed measures will yield significant results remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Kebbi’s fight against banditry is far from over.
