The House of Representatives on Wednesday raised the alarm over the worsening security situation in Kebbi State following multiple deadly attacks by bandits on security outposts in Bagudo and Suru local government areas.
The concern was triggered by a fresh assault on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) outpost in Bakin Ruwa on November 27, 2025, where three Immigration personnel were killed by suspected Lakurawa bandits.
Moving a motion of urgent public importance, Hon. Bello A. Ka’oje recounted how Kebbi, once regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the Northwest, has come under repeated attacks in recent months.
He noted that Bagudo LGA, which shares an international boundary with the Republic of Benin, hosts several federal security posts, including NIS and NCS checkpoints at Bakin Ruwa and Maje, respectively, as well as multiple police formations.
These facilities, he said, have now become frequent targets for criminals seeking to carve out operational bases in the area.
Ka’oje informed the House that the latest killings mirror earlier attacks, including the November 10 assault on the Nigeria Customs Service outpost in Maje, where one Customs officer was killed, and the attack on a police outpost in the same community on October 19, 2025, which led to the death of a police officer.
According to him, intelligence suggests that the Lakurawa bandits are attempting to turn the Soda Forest in Bagudo LGA into a hideout, while also using the hills in Suru LGA as a camp where kidnapped victims are held before ransom negotiations.
He warned that the situation has become alarming and now demands urgent and decisive action to prevent Kebbi from sliding further into insecurity.
Ka’oje stressed that the pattern of attacks reflects a broader attempt by the bandits to entrench themselves across Kebbi North, posing significant threats to national security and cross-border safety given the state’s proximity to the Benin Republic.
The House subsequently observed a minute silence in honour of the slain Immigration, Customs and Police officers and called for an immediate joint clearance operation involving the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to flush out the criminals from Soda Forest, Suru Hills and other potential hideouts across Kebbi State.
Lawmakers also urged the DSS and the National Intelligence Agency to strengthen intelligence sharing and cross-border surveillance along the Nigeria–Benin corridor, particularly within the Bagudo axis.
While commending the Federal Government, Kebbi State authorities, political leaders, security agencies, vigilantes, traditional rulers, and community leaders for the rescue of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, the House appealed for adequate compensation for the families of all security personnel killed in the line of duty.
It also directed its relevant committees on defence, security, and legislative compliance to ensure that the resolutions of the House are promptly implemented.