State Government Denies Kebbi Is Under Siege, Refutes Insecurity Claims

The Kebbi State Government has denied reports that the state is under siege, arguing that the current security issues do not indicate a breakdown of law and order throughout the region.

In a statement released on Sunday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki, the government called the claims made in the article titled “Kebbi Under Siege: A Governor Without a Plan” exaggerated and out of step with the reality on the ground.

The statement noted that schools, markets and government offices remain operational across the state, and that farming continues in many communities.

It also rejected allegations that Governor Nasir Idris lacks a security strategy, asserting that maintaining security is a top priority for the administration.

The government highlighted that it has supplied more than 100 operational vehicles to security agencies and distributed over 3,000 motorcycles to vigilante groups and community‑based security outfits to enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities.

Additionally, the statement mentioned that over 3,000 local vigilantes have been recruited, trained and integrated into the state’s security framework to strengthen intelligence gathering and cooperation with conventional security agencies.

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

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

While acknowledging the existence of security challenges, the government maintained that Kebbi is not under siege and urged the public to ignore narratives that could create panic and undermine ongoing efforts to improve security.

It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting security agencies and implementing measures aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.