Reps Urge FG to Tackle Rising Banditry in Sokoto, Demand Stronger Military Action

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to launch intensified security operations to curb the worsening wave of banditry and violent attacks in Kebbe and Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State.

The call followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki, who represents Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Marine and Blue Economy/Shipping Services.

Presenting the motion during plenary, Dasuki raised alarm over the rising cases of killings, kidnappings, and mass displacement of residents, noting that the continuous attacks have devastated local economies and deepened hardship in affected communities.

He cited several incidents between July and August 2025, including:

• The invasion of Fakku Ward, where five persons were killed and 28 abducted;
• The attack on Sangi Ward, which forced residents to flee to Kuchi, Koko, and Kebbe; and
• The assault on Ungushi Ward, where two residents were killed and seven kidnapped.

In Tambuwal Local Government Area, Dasuki recounted that bandits raided Jabo/Kagara Ward on August 20, displacing four villages, while three young businessmen were abducted in Tambuwal/Shinfiri Ward. He also mentioned the kidnapping of the PDP Youth Leader, Abdullahi Zaki, and three daughters of a resident in separate incidents.

“These unrelenting attacks have left families shattered, communities deserted, and children unable to attend school. Farmers have abandoned their farmlands due to fear of further violence,” he lamented.

The lawmaker added that deteriorating diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Niger Republic had further worsened insecurity in border communities like Kebbe and Tambuwal, exposing them to cross-border arms smuggling and infiltration by Sahel-based insurgents.

Dasuki called on the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies to strengthen deployments and intensify joint operations across the affected zones to restore safety and protect farmlands.

The House also urged the Federal Government to prioritize the rescue of abducted persons, launch a thorough investigation into the recurring attacks, and prosecute the perpetrators. It further directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relief agencies to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to displaced victims.

Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, and Police Affairs to collaborate with relevant agencies and ensure swift implementation of the resolutions, with a report expected within two weeks.

Lawmakers also called on the Committees on Parliament and Foreign Affairs to work toward normalizing relations with neighboring Sahel nations, particularly Niger Republic, to enhance regional security cooperation and intelligence sharing.

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