Nigeria’s federal government has placed the country’s security agencies on the highest alert following recent attacks and abductions in Kebbi and Kwara states. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the red alert on Wednesday while briefing the media, conveying President Bola Tinubu’s sympathies to affected families and communities.
The development came as Tinubu postponed his scheduled trips to the G20 Summit in Johannesburg and the AU-EU Summit in Luanda to focus on the worsening security situation. The president awaited detailed briefings on the abduction of students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, and the attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, Kwara State.
Following the request of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Tinubu ordered the deployment of more security personnel to Eruku and the wider Ekiti Local Government Area. He also directed security agencies to pursue the bandits responsible for the attacks.
Idris said the president had mandated security forces to rescue the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls swiftly and eliminate terrorists, bandits, and criminal networks nationwide. He described the killing of Brigadier-General Musa Uba and the attacks in Kebbi and Kwara as painful reminders of the threats facing the nation, stressing that the government remained resolute in defeating terrorism and restoring safety.
Vice President Kashim Shettima was in Birnin Kebbi on the president’s behalf to meet with state authorities, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and families of the abducted students. Shettima assured the families that Tinubu was deeply troubled by the incidents and determined to ensure the safe return of the schoolgirls. He said the abduction was an assault on the nation’s collective conscience and vowed that every instrument of the state would be deployed to secure their release.
Shettima also paid tribute to Brigadier-General Uba, who was killed by terrorists in Borno State, promising federal support for the families of the fallen officer, the vice principal of the school, and others killed in recent attacks.
Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Idris expressed gratitude to Tinubu for the sustained communication and support since the incidents occurred. He voiced confidence that the students would be rescued soon and assured the federal government of the state’s continued cooperation.
Also present at the Kebbi meeting were top government officials, legislators, security chiefs, and community leaders.
Kebbi Government Rejects Claims of Attack on Christian Enclave
The Kebbi State Government refuted claims by U.S. Representative Riley Moore that the abduction of the 25 schoolgirls occurred in a Christian community. Chief Press Secretary Ahmed Idris clarified that Maga is a predominantly Muslim community and that all abducted students were Muslims. The government described Moore’s remarks as misleading and cautioned against statements capable of inflaming religious tensions.
To further dispel misinformation, the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Chairman, Hussaini Aliyu, released the names and class details of the abducted students, reiterating that they were all Muslims.
Kwankwaso Demands Decisive Action
Former Minister of Defence and NNPP leader, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, condemned the rising insecurity, citing the Kebbi abductions, the killing of Brigadier-General Uba, and mass kidnappings in Zamfara. He said the developments reflected serious setbacks in the fight against insecurity and called for urgent, decisive action through reinvigorated armed forces and strengthened police capability.
Bandits Kill Former Councillor in Sokoto
Bandits attacked Kabunga village in Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Tuesday night, killing at least two people, including former councillor Alhaji Yahaya Bawa Rumus, and abducting several residents. Witnesses said the attackers stormed the community around midnight, moving from house to house. As of Wednesday, there was no official security statement, and no reinforcements arrived during the attack.
Trial of Alleged Ansaru Terrorists Stalled
The trial of alleged Ansaru leaders Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba was stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja after their lawyer requested more time to prepare their defence. The DSS opposed the transfer of the defendants to a correctional facility, arguing that proper protocol for access had not been followed. Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter to January 15 and ordered the defence to follow DSS procedures for client access.
Usman and Abba face terrorism charges. While Usman pleaded guilty to one count, Abba maintained his plea of not guilty to all 32 counts.
