The Sokoto State Government has formally declared a total war against terrorists and bandit networks operating across the state, following a violent assault on communities within the Kebbe Local Government Area.
​The declaration followed an emergency directive issued by Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto in response to a deadly invasion of the Girkau Ward in Kebbe LGA.
Armed assailants stormed the communities of Girkau, Dukura, and Jabga on Thursday evening, September 3, 2026, leaving at least five residents dead, three severely injured, and multiple civilians, including young boys and girls, abducted before rustling large herds of livestock.
​Confirming the casualties, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Sokoto State Command, ASP Ahmed Rufai, stated during a press briefing in Sokoto that police forces and tactical units had been deployed to track the perpetrators and restore calm to the area.
​On Saturday, September 5, 2026, a high-level state government delegation led by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Prof. Jabir Sani Maihulla, arrived in Kebbe to deliver emergency aid, inspect the affected areas, and meet with victim families and community leaders.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Aliyu at the venue, Prof. Maihulla announced a ₦9 million relief fund provided by the state government.
Under this scheme, ₦8 million was disbursed directly to the families of eight deceased victims (₦1 million each), alongside five bags of essential food items per household, with the remaining funds allocated to treat the injured survivors.
​Reaffirming the administration’s posture against criminal elements, Prof. Maihulla emphasized that the state would no longer tolerate cross-border incursions or local banditry:
​”Governor Ahmad Aliyu has directed a full-scale operational push in coordination with federal security agencies. We are declaring total war on these terrorists, and no hideout will serve as a safe haven in Sokoto State.”
​The state command and joint military task forces have since intensified intelligence-led operations along the forest corridors bordering Kebbe LGA to secure the release of abducted residents and neutralize lingering threats in the region.
