Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has dismissed a petition by former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, describing it as a smear campaign aimed at discrediting his administration. The governor made the remarks while receiving a delegation of civil society organizations at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.

Malami’s petition, addressed to top security officials, alleged that the Kebbi State government was importing mercenaries and political thugs to destabilize the state. However, Governor Idris condemned the petition as “frivolous” and “false,” stating that security agencies are already investigating the claims. He emphasized that his administration has invested heavily in security to restore normalcy in affected areas and has been at the forefront of the fight against crime in the North.

The governor also addressed the recent arrest of a social media influencer who criticized the state of the healthcare system in Kebbi, accusing the opposition of sponsoring negative reports to discourage investors. He noted that his efforts to attract investors to the state have been successful, despite the opposition’s attempts to portray Kebbi in a negative light.

Malami’s petition, dated September 10, 2025, claimed that certain political actors were collaborating with foreign mercenaries from the Niger Republic and arming them through illegal channels. The former Attorney General described the situation as a “national security emergency” that poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and internal security. The Kebbi State Assembly has since dismissed Malami’s petition, and security agencies are investigating the allegations.

Governor Idris remains unperturbed by the opposition’s tactics, stating that he will stay focused on executing projects beneficial to the communities in Kebbi State. The situation highlights the ongoing political tensions in the state, with the governor and the opposition engaging in a war of words over the allegations. As the investigation into the petition continues, the people of Kebbi State await the outcome and the potential implications for the state’s security and political landscape.