The Kebbi State Caucus of the National Assembly (NASS) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), accusing him of instigating violence and attempting to destabilize the state’s peace.
Malami, on September 10, 2025 petitioned the National Security Adviser (NSA), Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Comptroller-Generals of Immigration and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), over alleged importation of political thugs, foreign mercenaries, and clandestine arms trafficking.
According to him, the threats are not speculative but based on credible intelligence and personal encounters. Malami cited a September 1, 2025, incident where he and other indigenes of the state were attacked by armed thugs “operating without fear of law enforcement.”
The petition further accused Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, and his associates of facilitating the operations and allegedly maintaining covert links with the terrorist network, Lakurawa, while describing the development as “a national security emergency” with implications beyond local politics, and warning that it posed a direct threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and internal stability.
He called for coordinate inter-agency action across security services, secure border communities to curb the influx of mercenaries and arms, and launch a high-level investigation into the alleged collusion between state officials and terrorist elements.
Kebbi Senators forum react
But at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), flanked by other senators and House of Representatives members from the state, dismissed Malami’s September 10, 2025, petition as “false, unfounded, and politically motivated.”
In the petition, Malami alleged that Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), and other political actors imported thugs, engaged in clandestine arms deals, and brought in foreign mercenaries.
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Aliero rejected the claims as a “smear campaign laced with dangerous rhetoric,” warning that such allegations from a former chief law officer could inflame tension and threaten public peace.
“Ironically, it was Malami himself who stormed Birnin Kebbi during a condolence visit with thugs hired from Sokoto, Koko, and Rara. These hoodlums attacked the APC State Secretariat, chanting ‘One term’ against the Governor. The violent clash that followed was unprecedented in Kebbi politics,” Aliero said.
He maintained that neither Governor Idris nor the ruling APC has ever been linked to terrorism, arms running, or political thuggery, stressing that Kebbi “remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today” due to the governor’s investments in security and collaboration with security agencies.
The Caucus urged security agencies to invite Malami to substantiate his allegations, instead of distracting from genuine threats to national security.
Senator Garuba Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South) also accused Malami of deliberately provoking unrest with a “campaign-style convoy” despite INEC’s warning that political campaigns have not commenced.
“We challenge him to produce evidence of arms importation. APC in Kebbi is a peaceful party. We do not support terrorism or violence in any form. Malami’s antics are meant to provoke and distract,” Maidoki said.
The lawmakers reaffirmed their total support for Governor Idris and commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in curbing banditry, especially in restoring villages in Kebbi South previously abandoned due to insecurity.
“Before this administration, over 100 villages in my constituency were deserted. Today, people have returned to their homes. We acknowledge the progress, even as we push for more. We will not allow anyone to associate us with banditry or terrorism,” Maidoki added.
The Kebbi NASS Caucus vowed to resist any attempt by Malami or others to plunge the state into chaos, pledging their commitment to peace, democracy, and good governance.
