Gov Idris planning to destabilise Kebbi state with mercenaries, illegal arms — Ex Minister of Justice, Malami

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has petitioned top security chiefs over alleged plots to destabilise Kebbi State through political thugs, foreign mercenaries, and illegal arms.

Malami, who leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State, raised the alarm in a petition dated September 10, 2025. He addressed the petition to the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and the Comptroller-Generals of Immigration and Civil Defence Corps.

The ADC leader alleged that political actors were colluding with mercenaries from Niger Republic, arming them through illegal channels. According to him, these groups were being deployed to attack citizens, silence opposition, and destabilise communities in Kebbi.

Malami insisted the threats were real and credible. He cited an incident on September 1, 2025, when he and other indigenes allegedly faced attacks from armed thugs “operating without fear of law enforcement.”

In his petition, Malami accused Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris and his associates of aiding the operations. He further alleged covert links with the terrorist network Lakurawa, warning that such collaboration poses serious risks to Nigeria’s sovereignty and internal stability.

Describing the situation as a national security emergency, Malami urged immediate inter-agency intervention. He called on federal authorities to secure border communities, block the influx of mercenaries and arms, and investigate the alleged collaboration between state officials and terrorist groups.

Malami stressed that proactive measures remain crucial to safeguarding peace in Kebbi and preventing further escalation of violence across Nigeria.