The Sokoto State Police Command has raised its security alert level in Kebbe Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a planned attack by bandits who allegedly imposed a N40 million compulsory levy on residents of Kebbe town and neighbouring communities.
The development has heightened tension in the area, with the bandits reportedly threatening to unleash violence if residents fail to meet their financial demand.
Local sources said the criminals had allegedly fixed Friday for the planned attack, coinciding with the scheduled commissioning of the newly upgraded Juma’at Mosque in Kebbe town by the Sokoto State Government.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the alleged threat had been reported to relevant authorities, including officials of Kebbe Local Government, who were said to have alerted the state government about the levy and the looming security situation.
The sources further alleged that the bandits had commenced mobilisation for the operation and were contacting other criminal groups to provide reinforcements for the planned assault.
The development has raised concerns over the safety of residents and dignitaries expected to attend the mosque commissioning.
Amid the growing apprehension, some residents and community stakeholders have called for the postponement of the ceremony to prevent exposing the town to a potentially dangerous situation. However, the authorities have yet to announce any official decision on the scheduled event.
Confirming the security alert, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command was aware of the reported threat and had heightened security measures across the affected area.
“Yes, the command is aware of the imminent threat. The command is on red alert and we will never rest on our oars to fully protect the lives and properties of all the law-abiding residents of Sokoto State,” Rufai told our correspondent in Sokoto on Thursday during a telephone interview.
The latest threat comes barely two weeks after a deadly bandit attack on Kebbe and adjoining communities reportedly claimed lives, destroyed property and resulted in the abduction of scores of residents.
The renewed threat has further worsened the humanitarian situation in the affected communities, with frightened residents reportedly fleeing their homes in search of safer locations.
Some displaced residents have reportedly moved to Jega and other communities in neighbouring Kebbi State.
The development underscores the growing security challenges confronting communities along the Sokoto-Kebbi axis, where criminal groups have continued to exploit vulnerable rural settlements, impose illegal levies and threaten residents with violence.
Security authorities are now under increasing pressure to prevent another attack on Kebbe, protect residents and dignitaries, and halt the extortion, forced displacement and fear reportedly being imposed on communities by criminal elements.
