From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with the Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum, convened a high-level Security Summit at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Birnin Kebbi, to address security challenges confronting the state, particularly the menace of banditry.
In his keynote address, the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris, commended the Elders Forum for their foresight in organising the summit, describing it as a vital step towards strengthening peace and stability across the state.
The governor reiterated that security is a collective responsibility, calling on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, women’s organisations, and other critical stakeholders to join hands with the government and security agencies in promoting peace and unity.
“The Kebbi State Government has made and will continue to make heavy investments to contain the security challenges confronting our state, particularly the activities of the Lakurawa bandits. We are committed to protecting the lives and property of our citizens and will sustain the tempo of our operations,” he said.
He disclosed that his administration has put in place deliberate strategies, including: the establishment of a functional State Security Committee chaired by the Governor, comprising government officials, security agencies, and community leaders; enhanced intelligence gathering and investment in modern technology and training for security agencies; and the establishment of additional Forward Operational Bases (FOBs) and deployments to vulnerable areas.
Idris noted that these measures have yielded positive results, reducing cases of kidnapping for ransom and other criminal activities in affected areas of Kebbi South and stemming infiltration in Kebbi North.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Magoro, represented by Justice Suleiman Muhammad Ambursa, the Vice Chairman of the forum, commended Governor Nasir Idris for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to peace and security, describing the summit as a testament to the Governor’s inclusive style of governance.
Magoro emphasised that security is not the responsibility of the government alone but a shared duty of all citizens. He urged residents to shun acts capable of undermining peace, such as banditry, political thuggery, and the misuse of social media.
The summit featured presentations by security chiefs and stakeholders, who delivered papers on strategies for improving security, intelligence sharing, and community engagement.
It was well attended by government officials, prominent elders of the state, traditional and religious leaders, youth and women’s organisations, politicians, NGOs, and other critical stakeholders, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively to restore lasting peace in the state.
In his closing remarks, Governor Idris declared zero tolerance for insecurity and warned perpetrators of crime to desist or face the full weight of the law.
“We will not allow criminals to hold Kebbi State hostage. My administration will continue to strengthen security measures, provide resources, and sustain joint operations with security agencies until peace returns to every community,” he said.
The governor further announced that recommendations from the summit will be harmonised into a comprehensive security action plan, with clear timelines and responsibilities for implementation.
