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 destabilise Kebbi state through the importation of political thugs.

Malami petitioned the national security adviser (NSA), the inspector-general of police (IGP), the director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the comptroller-generals of immigration and civil defence corps.

In a petition dated September 10, the former AGF alleged that some politicians are working with foreign mercenaries from the Niger Republic 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 by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi.

The incident occurred shortly after he returned to the state on a condolence visit to some families in the Kebbi state capital.

About 10 vehicles in the convoy were damaged, while some of his supporters were said to have been injured during the attack.

The former AGF said the thugs operated “without fear of law enforcement”.

He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of complicity in the attack and asked security agencies to prevent the influx of mercenaries and arms into the state.

Malami, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the APC, alleged that loyalists of Nasir Idris, governor of Kebbi, were behind the attack.

KEBBI APC LAWMAKERS RESPOND

Reacting to the allegations on Saturday, the APC national assembly caucus in Kebbi dismissed the petition.

The caucus said Malami’s petition was “politically motivated and 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 family been involved in clandestine activities or linked with terrorist groups, as mischievously claimed by Malami,” the statement reads.

“Kebbi remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today, owing to deliberate investments in security, collaboration with agencies, and the support of our patriotic citizens.

“Governor Nasir Idris has demonstrated exceptional capacity and performance in the security sector, ensuring peace and stability far above expectations since assuming office.

“Malami’s petition is a smear campaign, laced with dangerous rhetoric, intended to incite fear and distract from his declining political relevance.

“We call on security agencies to focus on genuine threats to national security and not be drawn into partisan theatrics.

“We urge the security agencies to invite Malami to substantiate his allegations and prevent baseless narratives from undermining their efforts.”

Malami served as the AGF and minister of justice from 2015 to 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Reporting by Ayodele Oluwafemi and Abdulsalam Abdullah