Kebbi

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Abubakar Malami SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has officially submitted his governorship nomination and expression of interest forms at the National Secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja.

The former minister, who confirmed the submission through his office, described the move as the formal launch of what citizens in Kebbi State are calling “Operation Rescue” — an effort to pull the state out of deepening insecurity, economic paralysis, collapsing public schools, crumbling healthcare facilities, and rising despair.

According to a statement issued by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami SAN, the former AGF submitted the forms in full compliance with ADC’s party guidelines. The announcement has since triggered an overwhelming wave of excitement across Kebbi, where residents have grown weary of leadership failure, the statement said.

Malami, who served eight years at the federal level, positioned himself not as an ordinary politician but as a tested national leader ready to deploy strategic competence to restore security, revive agriculture, rebuild infrastructure, and return hope to the people of Kebbi.

The ADC platform, he affirmed, represents a rising political force rooted in accountability, inclusion, and development. His candidacy, the statement added, offers a formidable alternative to a status quo that has left over sixty-seven percent of school-age children out of school, farmers displaced by banditry, and maternal deaths needlessly soaring.

The former minister has since commenced intensive consultations across all local government areas to perfect the rescue agenda.

“The people of Kebbi are no longer waiting for relief that never comes; the rescue has officially begun,” the statement read. “Every citizen who desires an end to leadership failure is hereby called to join this movement to reclaim Kebbi State from the brink of total collapse.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of worshippers following an attack on a mosque in Didinkowa village, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Gunmen, believed to be members of the Lakurawa group, reportedly stormed the mosque on the evening of Wednesday, February 25, during a ‘tafsir’ session held after the Ramadan fast. The assault left at least five people dead and 19 others injured, some of them critically.

A witness recounted the scene after the attackers fled, saying, “there was pool of blood in the mosque after the attackers left.”

Reacting to the development, Amnesty International Nigeria expressed concern over the worsening security situation. The organisation said residents are now living in fear as attacks continue to threaten their safety.

The group criticised the Nigerian authorities for failing to address the persistent violence. It stated, “Consistently, the Nigerian authorities have failed to end these killings and protect people’s lives, property, liberty and physical integrity.”

Amnesty International Nigeria also referenced earlier assurances by Bola Ahmed Tinubu on ending insecurity, noting, “President Bola Tinubu claims he has repeatedly tasked security agencies to end the killing so that Nigerians can go to bed with their eyes closed, but clearly nothing has changed.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A serene evening of religious devotion turned into a scene of horror in the Daɗin Kowa area of Maiyama Local Government Area on, when suspected bandits stormed a mosque and opened fire on worshippers attending a nightly Qur’anic Tafsir session.

According to eyewitnesses, the assailants, believed to be members of the Lakurawa gang, invaded the community just as the Islamic lecture was concluding. The gunmen, who arrived on motorcycles, reportedly surrounded the mosque and unleashed a hail of bullets on the congregation, sending worshippers fleeing in panic.

The attack left four people dead at the scene. Several others sustained varying degrees of injury and have been rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. The names of the deceased have not yet been officially released as relatives work to identify their loved ones.

The incident has plunged the community into deep mourning. Residents described the attack as a senseless act of violence against innocent people engaged in peaceful worship during the holy month of Ramadan.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. Meanwhile, local religious and community leaders have called for calm and urged the government to step up security measures to prevent further atrocities.

In the wake of the tragedy, prayers have poured in for the victims.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has announced plans to bring back soft loan schemes for teachers in the state. The initiative will target primary and secondary school teachers, with support for housing, vehicles, and motorcycles.

The governor made this known on Tuesday during the commissioning of 12,779 pieces of furniture for schools across the state. The items are meant for both teachers and students.

At the ceremony held in Birnin Kebbi, Idris said his administration remains committed to improving the welfare of teachers.

He said, “The government of Kebbi will continue to look into the plights of our teachers.

“In-Sha-Allah, by this year, 2026, we will come up with a package that teachers of primary and post-primary schools will benefit from.

“We shall soon come up with a soft loan package for teachers, this will cover: car loan, motorcycle loan and house loan, among others.

“This is with a view to giving our teachers a sense of belonging.”

The governor also stated that teachers would no longer be treated as second-class citizens. He noted that the provision of furniture forms part of efforts to improve conditions in schools across the state.

Idris said his government is determined to provide a suitable environment for teaching and learning. He added that the furniture distribution complements ongoing construction and renovation projects in schools.

“I want to assure the good people of Kebbi that this is just the beginning; we will continue to provide this kind of furniture for both teachers and students,” he stated.

He further directed that the furniture should be shared equally between the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Universal Basic Education Board.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halima Bande, commended the governor for his commitment to education and other sectors of the economy.

While expressing appreciation, she said, “We are happy for the projects you have been executing not only for education but across all sectors of the economy.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, successfully foiled a deadly ambush by suspected Lakurawa Terrorist Group (LTG) near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State. The attack targeted the GOC’s convoy as it traveled to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.

This is contained in a press release signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army / Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on 23 February 2026.

According to the press release, the convoy “came under sudden and heavy fire from armed terrorists” while moving through the forested terrain. Displaying “exceptional leadership and tactical prowess,” Major General Koughna and his troops responded with overwhelming firepower, killing five terrorists and repelling the ambush.

“This operation not only secured the convoy but also disrupted the terrorists’ plans, delivering a strong deterrent message to insurgent groups that have been terrorizing local communities in the general area,” the statement said.

After neutralizing the attackers, troops conducted a thorough sweep of the area and recovered a significant cache of weapons and intelligence materials. Items recovered include “one OJC Gun, one PKT Gun, two AK-47 Rifles and four AK-47 Magazines,” as well as “one Bandolier of PKT Ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm Ammunition, a camel bag containing ₦840,000, two mobile phones and five motorcycles.”

Troops remain deployed in the area, maintaining vigilance to prevent further attacks. The operation highlights the Nigerian Army’s commitment to “protect civilians and eliminate terrorist threats in the North West region,” the statement added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Security operatives in Kebbi State successfully repelled a late-night attack by suspected bandits along the Maje border road, averting what authorities described as a coordinated attempt to breach security under the cover of darkness.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 pm on February 20, 2026. Armed men, reportedly linked to the Lakurawa criminal network, advanced toward police positions while moving a herd of cattle, a tactic believed to conceal their movement.

Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force Counter Terrorism Unit, who were on high alert, confronted the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat.

Kebbi State Police Commissioner, Umar Mohammed Hadeija, confirmed that the prompt response of officers prevented any casualties and further destruction.

“Our operatives were vigilant and professionally responded to the attack. The bandits were repelled and forced to flee. Although some temporary security structures were damaged, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded,” he said in a statement released on Saturday.



The commissioner added that additional security personnel had been deployed along the border corridor and assured residents that the situation remained “calm and fully under control.”

He also issued a warning to herders and livestock owners against moving cattle at night or under circumstances that could provide cover for criminals.

“We urge herders and livestock owners to desist from night grazing or movement of cattle in a manner that creates suspicion or provides cover for criminals. Security agencies will take firm and lawful action against any unlawful activity linked to such practices,” he stated.



Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, reaffirmed the command’s dedication to combating criminal activities in border communities.

“The Kebbi State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state. We will not relent in our efforts to dismantle criminal groups threatening the peace of our communities,” he said.



Residents have been encouraged to continue with lawful activities without fear, as security agencies maintain patrols and surveillance along vulnerable routes.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the successful holding of the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival signals the return of stability to Kebbi State and the nation at large, as over 50,000 fishermen from Nigeria and neighbouring countries participated in the four-day cultural extravaganza.

Speaking at the grand finale in Argungu on Saturday, the President witnessed a local fisherman, Abubakar Usman from Maiyama Local Government Area, emerge as the overall winner after landing a 59kg catch. Usman went home with N1 million and two brand new cars.

The festival, which returned after a six-year hiatus, featured cultural displays, water competitions, traditional boxing, and dancing, drawing participants and spectators from across the region.

“This festival has endured for 83 years and stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people,” Tinubu told the gathering. “The organisation, security arrangement, and internal outlook of the event demonstrate what is possible when leadership is purposeful and inclusive.”

The President used the occasion to reassure Nigerians that the fight against banditry and insurgency is being won, attributing the peaceful conduct of the festival to sustained investments in security and community engagement.

“I am pleased to note that significant progress has been made in combating insecurity across Kebbi and other parts of our nation,” he said. “The relative peace we are witnessing today in this region is not accidental. It is the result of sustained investment in security, intelligence gathering, and community engagement.”

Tinubu pledged stronger federal support for agriculture, tourism, and rural development, noting that events like Argungu can only thrive in a conducive security atmosphere. He commended Governor Nasir Idris for what he described as purposeful leadership in organising the historic event.

Before attending the festival, the President commissioned several infrastructure projects in Birnin Kebbi, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Secretariat Complex, a new modern motor park, a three-lane dual carriageway, and the Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences.

Governor Idris, in his remarks, outlined his administration’s achievements across infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture, including the recruitment of over 1,800 health workers, construction of thousands of classrooms, and free distribution of fertilisers and improved seedlings to farmers.

The Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, described the President’s presence at the festival as “a profound identification with the core values of courage, reconciliation, peace, and friendship” that the 61-year-old festival represents.

In the keenly contested fishing competition, Abdullahi Garba from Argungu secured second place with a 40kg fish, winning N750,000, a brand new car, and a Hajj seat. The third position was jointly claimed by two contestants from Jigawa and Kogi states with a 33kg catch each, earning them N1 million and a motorcycle apiece.

All four winning fish were presented to President Tinubu as souvenirs at the conclusion of the event.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Kebbi State Police Command have arrested a 25-year-old woman allegedly kidnapping a four-years-old friend’s son, Abdulmumini Surajo, demanding a ransom of 5 million Naira from his family.

A security analyst, Zagazola Makama, has post on his X account that the boy was avowed missing 26th November, 2025.

Zagazola stated that hours after the missing of the boy, his father received a call from an unfamiliar number with a female’s voice demanding a ransom of ₦5 million.

According to the analyst, the number was traced by police detectives and found that the user’s name is Muhammad which hunted and arrested.

He wrote, “The victim, Abdulmumini Surajo, went missing on November 26, 2025. Later that day, the father received a call from an unknown female voice demanding a ransom of five million naira (N5,000,000). Police detectives traced the call and identified the caller as Maryam Muhammad, 25, a married woman from the same area.”

Makama added that after the woman was arrested, she was also reportedly confessed to the abduction.

The child was rescued unharmed by the police operatives by 6:08 pm in Mahuta of Fakai Local Government are of the state where the suspect allegedly kept him.

Confirming the incident when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafi’u Abubakar, on Monday, has said, “The suspect had a misunderstanding with the mother of the boy and decided to retaliate by kidnapping him. She is currently in our custody, and an investigation is ongoing.”

This development is coming amid the wave of security tensions in the state where female students were abducted after bandits stormed and raided a girl’s secondary school in the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Chairman of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Hussaini Aliyu, has refuted a statement attributed to U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore, who alleged that the abduction of the Maga school girls occurred in a Christian community.

Aliyu stated that every one of the abducted students is Muslim.

He described the lawmaker’s remark as misleading and harmful, warning that such comments could stir needless religious tension at a period when authorities are concentrating on securing the girls’ release.

He explained that the Maga community falls under the Zuru Emirate, a district known for its long record of religious harmony. According to him, the area has never witnessed faith-related crises.

He urged the U.S. congressman to avoid issuing unverified claims that cast Nigeria in a negative light or threaten national cohesion.

The names of the abducted students released by the chairman are listed below:

Senior Secondary School 2A

1. Fatima Sani Zimri

2. Hafsat Ibrahim

3. Nana Firdausi Jibril

4. Masauda Yakubu Romo

Senior Secondary School 2B

5. Hauwa Saleh

6. Hauwa’u Umar Imam

Senior Secondary School 3A & 3B

7. Salima Garba Umar

8. Salima Sani Zimri

9. Amina G. Umar

10. Rashida Muhammad Dingu

11. Saliha Umar

12. Aisha Usman

13. Jamila Iliyasu

14. Maryam Illiyasu

15. Najaatu Abdullahi

16. Zainab Kolo

Junior Secondary School 3A

17. Surraya Tukur

18. Hafsat Umar Yalmo

19. Maryam Usman

20. Amina Illiyasu

21. Ikilima Suleman

Junior Secondary School

22. Khadija Nazifi

23. Hauwa’u Iliyasu

24. Hauwa’u Lawali

25. Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim

By Sabiu Abdullahi

There was a lot of panic in communities of the Zuru Emirate of Kebbi State after armed bandits attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.

The assault claimed the life of the Vice Principal and resulted in the abduction of an unspecified number of students.The Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was said to have confronted the attackers in an attempt to protect the students.

Residents described his death as a heavy blow to the school and the entire community.

A local resident, Murjanatu Hassan Gishiri, confirmed the attack and said the gunmen moved into the school without any obstruction.

She said the community was plunged into fear as the bandits unleashed violence on the premises.

“It is a heartbreaking tragedy that has thrown the entire region into deep fear and mourning,” she lamented.

The number of students taken away has not been officially disclosed.

Families have expressed deep concern as they await updates from authorities.

Security agencies have yet to release an official statement on the incident.

Meanwhile, residents are urging the federal and state governments to intervene quickly to rescue the abducted students and strengthen security in schools across the region.