The Kebbi State Government has denied allegations that it has abandoned communities affected by banditry and terrorism, insisting that the administration of Governor Nasir Idris remains fully engaged in efforts to combat insecurity across the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, the government described reports suggesting that vulnerable communities had been left at the mercy of armed groups as inaccurate and politically driven.
According to the statement, opposition elements were deliberately misrepresenting the security situation to create the impression that the government had failed in its responsibility to protect residents.
“The attention of the Kebbi State Government has been drawn to a misleading narrative being circulated by some members of the opposition, alleging that certain communities have been abandoned to bandits and terrorists,” the statement read.
The government explained that security operations often involve confidential strategies that cannot be disclosed to the public, stressing that the absence of public announcements should not be interpreted as government inaction.
“Security matters are highly sensitive, and not every strategy, intelligence-gathering effort, or operational action undertaken by government can or should be discussed publicly.
“The fact that certain actions are not publicly announced does not mean that nothing is being done,” the statement added.
Defending Governor Idris’ handling of the security situation, the government maintained that he remains directly involved in coordinating efforts with security agencies and other key stakeholders to restore peace across the state.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, remains deeply committed to the safety and well-being of the people, working tirelessly every day to address security challenges across the state.
“The governor is not standing on the sidelines. He is actively leading the state’s efforts against insecurity, working closely with the relevant security agencies and other critical stakeholders to safeguard lives and property,” the statement said.
It added that the administration’s security initiatives are designed to create a safer environment where residents can go about their daily activities without fear while enabling farmers to return to their fields and resume agricultural production.
The government also cautioned political actors against using the state’s security challenges as a tool for partisan attacks, arguing that such actions undermine collective efforts to address the problem.
“Those who seek to reduce the complex security situation in the state to political talking points should exercise greater responsibility in their public commentary.
“Addressing insecurity requires cooperation, intelligence, strategic planning and, at times, confidentiality—not the unnecessary public disclosure of every government action,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to improving security, the Kebbi State Government said it would continue to support security agencies and work with relevant stakeholders to achieve lasting peace, stability and sustainable development across the state.
The statement comes against the backdrop of growing public concern over repeated attacks by armed groups in parts of Kebbi State in recent months. Opposition figures have accused the government of not doing enough to protect communities, particularly those located in border areas that have experienced recurring incidents of banditry.
Kebbi is among several states in Nigeria’s North-West facing persistent security threats from bandits and other criminal groups. In response, state authorities have continued to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and local communities in a bid to restore normalcy and improve the safety of residents.
(Ripples)