The Kebbi State Government is contemplating stringent measures, including the death penalty, for individuals found guilty of collaborating with bandits by providing them with information.
This proposed measure comes amid persistent security challenges in the state, where bandit attacks have continued to threaten lives and disrupt livelihoods.
Governor Nasir Idris disclosed the government’s deliberations during a security meeting with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders.
He expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of local informants aiding bandits in carrying out attacks, kidnappings, and other criminal activities. The governor emphasised that such betrayals worsen insecurity and undermine efforts to restore peace in the state.
Security reports indicate that informants often supply bandits with intelligence on security operations, movement of goods, and vulnerable targets, making counter-terrorism operations more difficult. If approved, the death penalty would serve as a deterrent to others who might consider aiding criminal elements.
However, the proposal has sparked mixed reactions among residents. While some support the strict measure as necessary to curb banditry, others caution that proper judicial processes must be followed to avoid wrongful convictions. Legal experts have also weighed in, stating that any such law must align with constitutional provisions and ensure fair trials.
Kebbi State, like other parts of Nigeria’s northwest, has faced escalating bandit violence, leading to loss of lives, displacement, and economic setbacks. The state government has vowed to intensify security operations while calling for community cooperation in identifying and reporting criminal elements. The proposed death penalty against bandit informants underscores the administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity decisively.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
