Governor Nasir Idris, on Sunday, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for deploying six armoured personnel carriers to Kebbi to beef up security in the state.

Mr Idris gave the commendation while inspecting the armoured tanks at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

Kebbi South had suffered a series of attacks by bandits who normally cross over from Zamfara and Niger to strike and return to their bases.

“I want to appreciate President Bola Tinubu, the chief of defence staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, the chief of army staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and other heads of security services for being alive to their responsibilities in tackling security challenges nationwide. We are grateful for the deployment of hard military equipment to repel any attack by the bandits in our mostly vulnerable local government areas.

“My administration will continue to do everything possible to support the security agencies to achieve successes on the battlefield. Our people and myself are happy about the gallant performance of the military in the fight against bandits and banditry,” said the governor.

According to him, communities are making phone calls and coming to thank the government for the efforts of security operatives in eliminating the menace of banditry in their respective areas.

The governor appealed to the residents to extend their  maximum cooperation to security agencies by supplying credible intelligence reports that would facilitate the eradication of banditry and restore normalcy.

“The state government wishes to extend its gratitude and appreciation to our gallant officers. Even though we lost some men in combat, we pray for the repose of their souls. Kebbi will sustain the assistance to the families of our fallen heroes to enable them to continue with their daily life,” the governor assured.

The commanding officer, 223 Light Tank Battalion, Zuru, Lt.-Col. M. S. Saleh showcased the military equipment to the governor and thanked the state government for enhancing the capacity and capability of security agencies in Kebbi.

He also thanked the military high command for its support and encouragement to troops involved in combat duties.

“Collectively, we are working tirelessly around the clock to do our best in surmounting security challenges. The military solicits the cooperation of the people by giving relevant information on the movement and activities of bandits and other criminals,” Mr Saleh appealed. 

(NAN)