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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to immediately reinforce security operations in Kebe and Tambuwal Local Government Areas of Sokoto State following a series of deadly bandit attacks that have claimed lives, displaced residents, and crippled socioeconomic activities in the area.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on urgent national importance sponsored by Hon. Abdushama Dasuki, member representing Kebe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, during plenary on Tuesday.
Presenting the motion, Dasuki expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of banditry and violent attacks across communities in his constituency, which he said have left residents living in “insecurity and despair.”
He recalled that on August 12, 2025, armed bandits invaded Toku Ward in Kebe Local Government, killing five residents, abducting 28 others, and rustling 37 cows. Similarly, on August 15, another attack in Sengi Ward forced residents to flee to nearby towns such as Kuchi, Koku, and Kebe for safety. Three days later, on August 18, Ongushi Ward was attacked, resulting in the death of two residents, the abduction of seven others, and the loss of livestock.
Dasuki further noted that in Tambuwal Local Government, bandits attacked Jabu Kagara Ward on August 20, displacing residents of four villages who sought refuge in Jabu Town. He added that on August 23, three young businessmen were abducted at Tambuwal Chief’s Ward, while earlier incidents included the abduction of three daughters of a resident on July 16, and the kidnapping of the PDP Youth Leader, Abdullahi Hizaki, on August 25, who remains missing despite ransom payments.
He lamented that the unrelenting attacks have left families shattered, communities deserted, children out of school, and farmers abandoning their farmlands due to fear of violence, resulting in deepening poverty and economic paralysis across the constituency.
The lawmaker also expressed concern that the ongoing diplomatic tension between Nigeria and Niger Republic has heightened insecurity across the North-West and North-East regions, exposing border communities like Kebe and Tambuwal to cross-border banditry, arms smuggling, and insurgent movements through the Sahel corridor.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, police, and local vigilante groups, Dasuki maintained that the persistence of these attacks showed that current security responses were inadequate, calling for a more coordinated, intelligence-driven, and sustainable strategy to secure rural and border communities.
He cited Nigeria’s recent statement at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, where the Vice President, on behalf of the President, reiterated the global truth that “none of us is safe until all of us are safe,” noting that the same principle applies to domestic security.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, and other relevant security agencies to immediately reinforce their operations in the Kuchi axis of Kebe/Tambuwal to secure lives, property, and farmlands.
It also commended the courage and sacrifice of security personnel defending communities in the face of grave danger and expressed condolences to families of victims, observing a minute’s silence in honour of the departed.
The House further called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue abducted persons, investigate the recurring attacks, apprehend perpetrators, and ensure swift justice.
It also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other humanitarian organisations to provide urgent relief materials and support to displaced persons who have fled to neighbouring towns and villages.
Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, and Police Affairs to interface with security agencies to ensure prompt and effective implementation of the resolution and report back within two weeks.
It also directed the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations to engage relevant stakeholders to normalise Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries, especially Niger Republic, to enhance cross-border intelligence sharing and regional cooperation to curb arms flow, insurgency, and transnational banditry.