Malami, Kebbi APC lawmakers trade accusations on ‘importation of thugs’ into Kebbi

Abubakar Malami, the former attorney-general of federation(AGF), has petitioned security agencies over an alleged plot to destabiliseKebbi state through the importation of political thugs. Malami petitioned the national security adviser (NSA), theinspector-general of police (IGP), the director-general of the Department ofState Services (DSS), and the comptroller-generals of immigration and civildefence corps. In a petition dated September 10, the former AGF allegedthat some politicians are working with foreign mercenaries from the NigerRepublic to destabilise Kebbi. He alleged that thugs are being armed to “attack citizens,silence opposition voices, and undermine peace in the state”. On September 1, Malami’s convoy came under attack bysuspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi. The incident occurred shortly after he returned to the stateon a condolence visit to some families in the Kebbi state capital. About 10 vehicles in the convoy were damaged, while some ofhis supporters were said to have been injured during the attack. The former AGF said the thugs operated “without fear of lawenforcement”. He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of complicityin the attack and asked security agencies to prevent the influx of mercenariesand arms into the state. Malami, who recently defected to the African DemocraticCongress (ADC) from the APC, alleged that loyalists of Nasir Idris, governor ofKebbi, were behind the attack. KEBBI APC LAWMAKERSRESPOND Reacting to the allegations on Saturday, the APC nationalassembly caucus in Kebbi dismissed the petition. The caucus said Malami’s petition was “politically motivatedand aimed at destabilising the state”. The lawmakers described Malami as the leader of an“imaginary opposition” in Kebbi and accused him of hiring thugs from Sokoto,Koko, and Rara during the condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi. “At no time has the Kebbi state government or the APC familybeen involved in clandestine activities or linked with terrorist groups, asmischievously claimed by Malami,” the statement reads. “Kebbi remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeriatoday, owing to deliberate investments in security, collaboration withagencies, and the support of our patriotic citizens. “Governor Nasir Idris has demonstrated exceptional capacityand performance in the security sector, ensuring peace and stability far aboveexpectations since assuming office. “Malami’s petition is a smear campaign, laced with dangerousrhetoric, intended to incite fear and distract from his declining politicalrelevance. “We call on security agencies to focus on genuine threats tonational security and not be drawn into partisan theatrics. “We urge the security agencies to invite Malami tosubstantiate his allegations and prevent baseless narratives from underminingtheir efforts.” Malami served as the AGF and minister of justice from 2015to 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

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