The Federal Government has deployed armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to Kebbi State to help tackle rising insecurity and banditry in the region.

Governor Nasir Idris made the announcement during an inspection of the military vehicles at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi. He explained that Kebbi has suffered repeated attacks from bandits who often cross over from neighbouring Zamfara and Niger States to raid communities before retreating to their hideouts.

“This is a much-needed step in protecting our people,” the governor said. “I thank President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and all other security leaders for their swift and timely intervention.”

Governor Idris added that the state government will continue to support the families of security personnel who have lost their lives in the fight against banditry.

Also present at the event was Lieutenant Colonel M. S. Saleh, Commander of the 223 Light Tank Battalion in Zuru, who handed over the armoured vehicles to the governor. He expressed gratitude to both the federal and state governments for their support.

Lieutenant Colonel Saleh urged local residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help locate and disrupt terrorist hideouts.

The move is seen as a strong show of force aimed at improving security in Kebbi and surrounding areas, where many rural communities have been affected by bandit attacks.