Police Heighten Security in Kebbe Amid Bandit Threat

The Police Command has raised its security alert level in Kebbe Local Government Area after receiving intelligence reports indicating that bandits imposed a compulsory ₦40 million levy on residents of Kebbe town and surrounding communities. The bandits threatened to attack if their demand was not met, with sources stating that they had set Friday as the date for the assault.

This timing coincides with the planned commissioning of a newly upgraded Juma'at Mosque by the Sokoto State Government, raising concerns about the safety of residents and dignitaries attending the ceremony. The threat was reportedly communicated through Abara Jaji, a resident intercepted by the bandits.

Local government officials notified the state government, and there are fears of a coordinated attack as bandits reach out to other criminal groups. In response, some community stakeholders have called for the mosque commissioning to be postponed.

The threat follows a recent deadly raid on Kebbe, leading to displacement among residents and increased pressure on security forces to prevent further attacks.