BREAKING NEWS: Kebbi State Govt Proposes Death Penalty for Bandit Informants

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Kebbi State Government has announced plans to enact stringent laws prescribing the death penalty or life imprisonment for individuals caught aiding bandits as informants. The proposal, revealed by Governor Nasir Idris, follows a series of deadly attacks in Zuru Emirate, including a recent assault in Tadurga village that claimed 30 lives and left communities reeling.

Speaking at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris condemned the role of informants in facilitating bandit operations, describing their actions as “treasonous” and a betrayal of the state’s security.

“Those who provide information to bandits are as guilty as the attackers themselves,” Idris declared. “We are amending our laws to ensure they face the ultimate punishment—death or life behind bars.”

We are amending our laws to ensure they face the ultimate punishment—death or life behind bars

The announcement comes amid growing outrage over the persistent insecurity in Kebbi, particularly in Zuru and Danko Wasagu Local Government Areas, where bandits have killed dozens, abducted scores, and rustled livestock in coordinated attacks.

The government’s response includes plans to establish a Nigerian Army operational base in Zuru to bolster security, alongside the proposed legal reforms.

Local leaders, including the Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II (rtd), have expressed support for the governor’s decisive stance. During a recent visit to the Government House, the Emir urged swift action to protect vulnerable communities, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to root out informants.

However, the proposal has sparked mixed reactions. While some residents and civic groups, like the Zuru and Tadurga Concerned Patriots, applaud the tough measures, others worry about potential misuse of the law. “We need justice, but the process must be transparent to avoid targeting innocent people,” said Aisha Suleiman, a local activist.

We will sacrifice everything to ensure the safety of our people

The Kebbi State Government has vowed to fast-track the legislative process, with plans to present the bill to the State House of Assembly within weeks. If passed, Kebbi would join other Nigerian states exploring harsher penalties to combat banditry, signaling a new phase in the fight against insecurity in the northwest.

As the state mourns its losses, Governor Idris reiterated his commitment to ending the violence, stating, “We will sacrifice everything to ensure the safety of our people.” The nation watches closely as Kebbi takes a hardline stance against those fueling the region’s deadliest crisis.