Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has called on the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to establish a base in the state to strengthen the fight against rising security threats.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, Idris said the move was necessary due to frequent incursions by Lakurawa bandits from neighbouring Niger and Benin Republics, as well as attacks from bandits operating out of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger States.
“Kebbi’s strategic location, sharing borders with two countries, makes it vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities. We have an international airport that can support an Air Force base to enhance security operations,” the governor said.
He noted that his administration had procured 85 Toyota Hilux vehicles for security agencies to boost mobility and morale, and another 20 for patrols along the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway project. He stressed that securing Kebbi would also improve safety in neighbouring states and border regions.
In his remarks, Air Marshal Abubakar said Kebbi’s security was crucial to national stability given its location. He explained that his visit aimed to assess operational readiness and gather firsthand insights into ongoing security efforts.
Abubakar commended security agencies for their role in maintaining relative peace in the state and the Northwest, while calling for stronger collaboration between NAF and the Kebbi State Government to tackle emerging threats.
