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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Air Force, Army, Police, and other security agencies to carry out coordinated clearance operations in Soda Forest, the Suru hills, and across Kebbi State to dismantle bandit strongholds and restore peace.
The appeal followed a motion of urgent public importance on Wednesday, prompted by the escalating insecurity in the state, particularly after three Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officers were killed in an attack on the Bakin Ruwa outpost in Bagudo LGA. Lawmakers stressed the need for immediate and coordinated intervention to safeguard lives and property.
Sponsored by Hon. Bello A. Ka’oje, the motion highlighted that Bagudo LGA, which shares a border with the Republic of Benin, hosts strategic security installations, including the NIS outpost at Bakin Ruwa, the Nigeria Customs Service facility at Maje, and several police posts.
The House recalled that on 27th November 2025, Lakurawa bandits launched a deadly attack on the Bakin Ruwa NIS outpost, killing three officers. This incident followed earlier attacks, including the killing of a customs officer at Maje Customs outpost on 10th November and the death of a police officer at Maje police outpost on 19th October.
Lawmakers expressed alarm that bandits are using Soda Forest and the Suru hills as hideouts to detain victims and plan attacks. They warned that without swift intervention, bandit activities in Kebbi could intensify significantly.
In a mark of respect, the House observed a minute of silence for the officers who lost their lives and called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to enhance intelligence sharing and strengthen cross-border surveillance along the Nigeria–Benin corridor, particularly in Bagudo LGA.
The House also commended the Federal and Kebbi State governments, security agencies, local vigilante groups, traditional rulers, and community leaders for rescuing twenty-four schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School Maga in Danko-Wasagu LGA. Lawmakers urged that the families of the slain officers receive adequate compensation and directed relevant House committees to ensure that all resolutions are implemented.
Expressing deep concern over the worsening security situation in a state once regarded as peaceful, the House emphasized the need for urgent and decisive action to prevent further loss of lives and property.