The House of Representatives has called on security agencies to immediately deploy personnel to Kebbe and Tambuwal Federal Constituency in Sokoto State following escalating bandit attacks that have killed residents and displaced entire communities.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance presented on Tuesday by Abdussamad Dasuki, the Peoples Democratic Party member representing the constituency.
Recent weeks have witnessed a surge in armed attacks across communities in Kebbe and Tambuwal, with bandits killing residents, kidnapping victims, and forcing hundreds to flee their homes. The violence has crippled farming activities and driven displaced persons into camps across Sokoto and neighbouring states.
Moving the motion, Dasuki detailed a series of devastating attacks that have ravaged his constituency since August.
“Bandits invaded Fakku Ward in Kebbe Local Government Area on 12th August 2025, killing five residents, abducting 28 others, and rustling 37 cows,” he told the House.
Three days later, on 15th August, Sangi Ward came under attack, forcing residents to abandon their homes and seek refuge in nearby towns including Kuchi, Koko, and Kebbe.
The lawmaker continued: “On 18th August 2025, Ungushi Ward was attacked, resulting in the death of two residents, the abduction of seven others and the loss of livestock.”
Tambuwal Local Government Area has not been spared. On 20th August, bandits struck Jabo/Kagara Ward, displacing residents from four villages who fled to Jabo town for safety.
“On 23rd August 2025, three young businessmen were abducted in Tambuwal/Shinfiri Ward at the Local Government Headquarters,” Dasuki said.
Tambuwal town itself has suffered repeated incidents. Three daughters of a resident were kidnapped on 16th July 2025, whilst the PDP Youth Leader, Abdullahi Zaki, was abducted on 25th August and remains missing despite ransom payments.
Dasuki painted a grim picture of life in the affected areas, noting that the relentless attacks have torn families apart, emptied communities, and kept children out of school.
“Farmers have abandoned their farmlands due to fear of further violence,” he said. “The resulting economic paralysis has deepened poverty and eroded social cohesion in Kebbe and Tambuwal communities.”
The lawmaker warned that diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and Niger Republic have worsened the security situation, making border areas like Kebbe and Tambuwal more vulnerable to cross-border insecurity.
“The House is aware of the prevailing tension in Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with the Niger Republic, which has heightened security pressures across the North-West and North-East regions,” he said.
“The situation has made surrounding areas such as Kebbe and Tambuwal more exposed to the ripple effects of cross-border insecurity, including the movement of arms, insurgents, and criminal elements operating within the Sahel corridor.”
Whilst commending security forces for their efforts to restore peace, Dasuki called for a sustained, intelligence-driven approach to eliminate the criminal elements.
He referenced Nigeria’s recent statement at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, where the country reaffirmed that “none of us is safe unless all of us are safe.”
Warning of the consequences of inaction, the lawmaker said: “If the attacks persist without immediate and decisive intervention, Kebbe and Tambuwal may experience further humanitarian crises, mass displacement, and deepened distrust between citizens and the state.
“The inability to secure Nigeria’s vulnerable border communities could undermine national efforts to stabilise the North-West and the wider Sahel region.”
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigerian Police Force, and other relevant security agencies to immediately reinforce deployment and enhance joint operations in the Kuchi area of Kebbe and Tambuwal Local Government Areas to secure lives, property, and farmlands.
The House also called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue all abducted persons, investigate the recurring attacks, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure swift justice.
The National Emergency Management Agency and other humanitarian organisations have been mandated to provide urgent relief materials and support to displaced persons who have fled to neighbouring towns and villages.
The House Committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, and Police Affairs have been directed to engage with relevant security agencies to ensure prompt implementation of the resolution and report back within two weeks.
Additionally, the Committees on ECOWAS Parliament and Foreign Affairs have been tasked with helping to normalise relations with neighbouring Sahel states, especially Niger Republic, to enable cross-border intelligence sharing and regional cooperation to curb arms flow, insurgency, and transnational banditry in border communities.
