Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has declared his readiness to commit significant government resources to tackle rising insecurity in the state. Speaking in Birnin Kebbi after receiving a delegation from Zuru Emirate, Governor Idris said he would spend “any amount” necessary to protect lives and restore peace in communities affected by banditry.
The governor’s comment follows a deadly weekend attack by armed bandits in Tadurga town, Zuru Local Government Area. He emphasized that ensuring the safety of lives and property remains his administration’s top priority, even if it requires depleting the state treasury.
“I will do whatever is humanly possible to protect the lives of our people, even if it means emptying the state treasury,” Governor Idris stated.
The Emir of Zuru, Major-General Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II (rtd), led the delegation from the four local governments of the emirate to present an urgent appeal for intervention. The Emir revealed that many lives were lost and properties destroyed in the Tadurga attack. He also warned that without swift action, the region could face a humanitarian crisis as displaced persons continue to flee their communities.
Governor Idris announced that he has made arrangements to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to present critical security recommendations. He said the planned discussion will focus on the urgent need for increased manpower, advanced weapons, and more specialized military units to address insecurity, especially in remote areas with difficult terrain.
He noted that Kebbi shares borders with the Republics of Niger and Benin, as well as Nigerian states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger—regions known for persistent banditry challenges.
The governor highlighted his previous interventions, including the distribution of over 50 Hilux patrol vehicles and 2,000 motorcycles to security agencies like the Army, DSS, Police, Civil Defence, and local vigilantes. These efforts, backed by the Defence Headquarters, helped to contain threats such as the Lakurawa bandit group.
The Emir of Zuru commended the governor’s developmental projects across the emirate but stressed that worsening insecurity could overshadow these gains if urgent steps are not taken.
