By: John Bassey, Kebbi.

Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has declared that no part of Kebbi land is under siege by bandit groups.

The Governor made this known on Monday in Birnin Kebbi while declaring open the Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners’ Forum 2025 Media and Security Summit held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Birnin Kebbi.

The summit had as its theme “Existential Threats and National Security.”

Dr. Idris said that although his administration inherited some security challenges, considerable progress has been made in addressing them.

He explained that the state government had taken several strategic steps to safeguard lives and property, including providing logistics support to security agencies to enhance their operations.

According to him, “Bandits in Kebbi operate on a transit basis; they strike and flee into neighbouring states. We are doing our utmost to tackle the issue of the Lakurawa bandits with renewed vigour and commitment.
These marauding bandits are never allowed to operate with impunity.”

Governor Idris described the summit as timely, noting that it seeks innovative solutions to Nigeria’s pressing security challenges. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising national security.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, described Governor Idris as “a warrior, patriot, and people-oriented leader.” He praised the choice of keynote speaker, retired General Abdulrahman Dambazau, former Chief of Army Staff, and commended Kebbi State for becoming a trailblazer in peace and unity among leaders.

The Sultan noted that Birnin Kebbi has become a “Conference City” due to the prevailing peace and stability in the state, urging leaders at all levels to treat security with utmost seriousness.

In his keynote address, Gen. Dambazau (rtd), who was the Former Chief of Army Staff and also the Former Minister of Interior, said he attended the summit as part of his commitment to give back to society.

He warned that the North faces grave existential threats that could destabilise the region and the country if not urgently addressed.

“When the North shakes, Nigeria trembles,” he said, urging leaders to move beyond rhetoric and confront the realities threatening the region’s survival.

He identified the major drivers of insecurity as poverty, illiteracy, poor healthcare, extremism, and the erosion of moral and family values.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, commended Governor Idris for his relentless efforts to strengthen peace and security and for his continuous engagement with the people.

He described Radio and Television as vital tools of mass communication and thanked the Kebbi State Government for its partnership with the forum.

In their goodwill messages, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and former Kebbi Governor, Alhaji Sa’idu Nasamu Dakingari, lauded Governor Idris for his unwavering commitment to securing the state.

Gov Sule particularly stressed the need to identify and address the root causes of insecurity.

During the summit, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, presented a continental prestigious award to His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, who was conferred with the African Governor of the Year 2025 at the grand 10th Anniversary of the London Political Summit and Awards held in London.

The summit attracted top government officials, security chiefs, media professionals, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders.