Following last Sunday’s deadly attack by the Lakurawa terrorist sect, which claimed at least 13 lives in Birnin Dede, Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, the state government has called for the immediate deployment of troops to the area.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, Ahmed Idris, confirmed this development in an exclusive interview.

He stated that Idris recently convened a high-level security meeting with top security officers in the state to address the rising insecurity in the region.

“The state government is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of our people. Governor Idris has directed security agencies to take all necessary measures to restore peace and stability in Arewa Local Government.

“The deployment of troops is part of a broader strategy to curb insecurity and reassure residents of our commitment to their safety,” he said.

He further emphasised that the government was working tirelessly to ensure every citizen could live without fear.

Meanwhile, residents of Arewa Local Government have expressed mixed feelings over the security situation.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the harrowing experience of the Lakurawa attack, which has left the community deeply anxious.

“Since the attack, we have been living in fear. Many people are afraid to go about their daily activities, and some have even fled to neighboring communities for safety,” he lamented.

He urged the government to expedite the deployment of security forces to prevent further attacks.

“We need security personnel as soon as possible. The people of Arewa cannot afford another attack. We urge the government to act swiftly to protect us,” he added.

The planned deployment of troops is expected to bring relief to residents and reinforce the government’s determination to combat insecurity in the state.

In response to the attack, the Kebbi State Police Command announced the immediate deployment of a tactical team to the community.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesman, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, the force acted swiftly upon receiving the distress report.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, promptly mobilized to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

“During his visit, he engaged with security personnel, including the Police, Army, Civil Defense, and local vigilante groups, already deployed to combat criminal activities in the area.

“Expressing strong condemnation of the attack, CP Bello M. Sani immediately reviewed the security architecture of the region.

“He reinforced security efforts by deploying additional tactical teams and issuing a firm directive for them to decisively neutralize the suspected bandits operating in the area.”**

The statement also revealed that security forces are currently on the trail of the attackers and urged the public to report any suspicious activity to aid ongoing investigations.

Military rescue kidnap victims

Meamwhile, operatives of the Special Military Task Force in Plateau State have rescued seven kidnapped victims in the Riyom Local Government Area following a successful raid on a kidnappers’ hideout.

The spokesman for the task force, Maj. Samson Zhakom, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday.

According to Zhakom, the operation was carried out under Operation Safe Haven as part of the ongoing Operation Lafiya Jama’a at Attakar high grounds in Ganawuri district of Riyom LGA.

The operation, based on intelligence reports, revealed that kidnappers were holding some victims abducted along the Jos-Ganawuri Road on March 7, 2025.

“Troops engaged the kidnappers in combat, and their superior firepower forced the criminals to flee into the high grounds,” Zhakom said.

During the operation, troops successfully rescued seven victims, all from Bauchi State.

They were identified as Sale Umar, Muhammadu Inusa, Abdullahi Abdulrasaq, Abdulsalam Muhammad, Muhammad Hamisu, Ibrahim Maradu, and Saidu Sani. Additionally, troops recovered a bag containing a blanket and clothing materials abandoned by the fleeing kidnappers.

The rescued victims were debriefed to provide useful intelligence that will aid further military operations to track down and neutralise the kidnapping syndicate. Afterward, they were reunited with their families.

“Troops of Operation Safe Haven will continue the manhunt for criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area to ensure their immediate arrest and possible prosecution,” the statement added.

… Says she was suspended for accusing Akpabio
… Inter-Parliamentary Union to look into her allegation

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has reported Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

She spoke at the IPU meeting held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her.

The allegation was preceded by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s outburst against Akpabio over the seating arrangement at the senate chamber.

She was suspended on March 6 over the seat reallocation altercation for six months.

At the IPU meeting, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she is seeking justice and intervention from international democratic institutions over what she terms an “unlawful suspension” from the Nigerian senate.

“I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I will like to apologise to Hon. Kafilat Ogbara. I am not here to bring shame to our country, I am here to seek help for the women of Nigeria,” she told assembly.

“Five days ago, on the 6th of March 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the president of the Nigerian senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“I thought by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit ourselves to the committee of ethics, privileges and public petitions for a fair and transparent investigation.

“But unfortunately, I was silenced, and I was suspended for six months among many other stringent conditions, such as taking away my security, taking away all the official vehicles and other items that were handed over to me as a senator.

“My salary would be cut off. I must not appear anywhere near the national assembly. And for six months, I am not to present myself as a senator locally in Nigeria and internationally. I am here illegally, and I have no other place to go but to come here”.

She said her suspension is not just about her, but about the exclusion of women in political leadership in Nigeria.

“This is a clear case of political victimization, punishment for speaking out against impunity, corruption and gender-based violence,” she added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of five nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, President Tinubu stated that the nominations were in line with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the president to appoint electoral commissioners subject to Senate approval.

The five nominees are: Umar Yusuf Garba – Kano; Saad Umar – Bauchi; Chukwuemeka C. Ibeziako – Anambra; Mohammad I. Ngoshe – Borno and Dr. Owede Kosioma Eli – Bayelsa.

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“In compliance with the provision of Section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the following five (5) nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” the letter signed by the President read.

“While hoping that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominees in the usual expeditious manner, please accept Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

In another correspondence, President Tinubu sought confirmation for the nomination of Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi as the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The nomination aligns with Section 3(1)(b) of the NCoS Act, 2019, which stipulates the appointment process for the agency’s leadership.

Tinubu urged the Senate to approve the nomination expeditiously, highlighting the critical role of the Correctional Service in Nigeria’s justice system.

The request has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Interior to report back in one week.