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.
