The Kebbi government has rejected accusations of neglecting the community due to bandit attacks

The Kebbi State Government has denied accusations that it has abandoned communities affected by banditry and terrorism, insisting that Governor Nasir Idris’ administration 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 indicating that vulnerable communities were under the rule of armed groups as inaccurate and politically driven.

According to the statement, opposition elements deliberately misrepresent the security situation to create the impression that the government has failed in its responsibility to protect citizens.

“The attention of the Kebbi State Government has been drawn to the misleading narrative spread by some members of the opposition, alleging that certain communities have been abandoned by bandits and terrorists,” the statement read.

The government explained that security operations often involve secret strategies that cannot be disclosed to the public, and emphasized that the absence of public announcements should not be interpreted as government inaction.

“Security issues are extremely sensitive, and not all strategies, intelligence gathering efforts, or operational actions undertaken by governments can or should be discussed publicly.

“The fact that certain actions were not announced publicly does not mean there was no action,” the statement added.

Defending the way Governor Idris handled the security situation, the government stated that he remains directly involved in coordinating efforts with security agencies and other key stakeholders to restore peace across the state.

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“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, remains committed to the safety and welfare of the people, working tirelessly every day to address security challenges across the state.

“The Governor is not standing still. He is actively leading the country’s efforts against insecurity, working closely with relevant security agencies and other important stakeholders to protect lives and property,” the statement said.

He added that the government’s security initiatives are designed to create a safer environment where residents can carry out daily activities without fear while allowing farmers to return to their fields and resume agricultural production.

The government also warned political actors against using the country’s security challenges as a tool to carry out 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 a topic of political discussion must take greater responsibility in their public comments.

“Addressing insecurity requires cooperation, intelligence, strategic planning and, at times, secrecy—not unnecessary public disclosure of every government action,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its commitment to enhancing security, the Kebbi State Government said it will continue to support security institutions and work with relevant stakeholders to achieve lasting peace, stability and sustainable development across the state.

The statement comes amid growing public concern over repeated attacks by armed groups in several areas of Kebbi State in recent months. Opposition figures accused the government of not doing enough to protect the public, especially those in border areas where banditry incidents are common.

Kebbi is one of several states in North West Nigeria that continually faces security threats from bandits and other criminal groups. In response, state authorities continue to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and local communities in an effort to restore normalcy and improve population safety.