Kebbi Govt Denies State Under Siege, Defends Idris’ Security Strategy

The Kebbi State Government has dismissed claims that the state is under siege, insisting that the prevailing security challenges do not amount to a breakdown of law and order across the state.

The government stated this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Yahaya Sarki, while reacting to an article titled, “Kebbi Under Siege: A Governor Without a Plan.”

According to the statement, the claim was exaggerated and did not reflect the realities on the ground, noting that schools, markets and government institutions are operating normally across the state, while farming activities continue in many communities.

The government also rejected allegations that Governor Nasir Idris lacks a security strategy, maintaining that security remains one of the administration’s top priorities.

It said the state government had provided more than 100 operational vehicles to security agencies and distributed over 3,000 motorcycles to vigilante groups and community-based security outfits to strengthen surveillance and rapid response operations.

According to the statement, the administration has also recruited, trained and integrated more than 3,000 local vigilantes into the state’s security architecture to enhance intelligence gathering and collaboration with conventional security agencies.

The government further disclosed that Local Government Security Committees had been reactivated to improve intelligence sharing, conflict resolution and coordinated responses to emerging security threats at the grassroots level.

It also highlighted the state’s role in the efforts that led to the release of abducted schoolgirls from Maga in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, describing the development as evidence of the administration’s commitment to addressing security incidents.

While acknowledging the existence of security challenges in parts of the state, the government maintained that Kebbi was not under siege and urged the public to disregard narratives capable of creating panic and undermining ongoing efforts to improve security.

The statement reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting security agencies and implementing measures aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.