Kebbi denies hiring Chinese security firm to fight banditry

The Kebbi State Government has denied media reports alleging that it hired a Chinese security company, G-Safety, to assist in combating banditry and other criminal activities in the state.

Recall that there are reports on social media and some news outlets accusing the state government of hiring foreign mercenaries to fight suspected Lakurawa bandits in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, described the report as false, misleading, and unfounded, urging members of the public to disregard it in its entirety.

According to the statement, the administration of Governor Nasir Idris has not signed any agreement or entered into any contract with any foreign security firm.

“The attention of the Kebbi State Government has been drawn to a recent media report claiming that the State Government has hired a Chinese security firm, G-Safety, to combat banditry and related crimes in the state.

“The Government wishes to categorically state that no such agreement or contract has been signed with any foreign security company” the statement added.

The CPS emphasised that the Idris administration remains firmly committed to enhancing security in collaboration with existing Nigerian security agencies, including the Armed Forces, Police, and other paramilitary organisations.

He reiterated that the government’s priority is to ensure lasting peace, protection of lives and property, and the general safety of residents across the state.

Idris further advised the public and media organisations to verify information from official government sources before dissemination, warning against the spread of unsubstantiated claims capable of misleading citizens.

PUNCH Online reports that Idris, since assuming office, has made security one of his administration’s top priorities, supporting military operations and community-based initiatives aimed at restoring peace to troubled areas of the state.

Source: Punch