The Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sami Gomo III, has renewed calls on the Federal Government to establish additional military formations in Zuru Emirate, warning that persistent bandit attacks are crippling agriculture, mining and rural commerce in one of Kebbi State’s most resource-rich corridors.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), in Abuja on Saturday, the Emir said the situation had reached a point where “additional military formations and modern firepower” were required to stem attacks that have displaced farming communities, disrupted logistics and deterred private investment.
“The security situation demands urgent action. Our emirate has vast agricultural and solid mineral potential, but banditry has denied our people the benefits of these God-given resources,” he said.
He applauded Governor Nasir Idris for “showing seriousness” in addressing insecurity, insisting that federal reinforcement remained critical.
“We seek the Federal Government’s sustained support for Governor Idris as he confronts these challenges,” the monarch added.
Responding, Musa described the Emir’s intervention as a mark of responsive leadership and pledged to examine the request.
“Your concerns are valid and will receive due attention. Governor Idris has remained consistent in engaging security institutions, and collaboration is key,” the minister said.
Zuru Emirate lies within southern Kebbi’s agricultural belt and mineral corridor—areas increasingly targeted by criminal groups operating across the wider North-West.
PUNCH Online reports that over the past year, rural communities in Zuru, Sakaba and Danko/Wasagu local government areas have recorded repeated incursions, forcing hundreds of families off farmlands at the peak of planting and harvest seasons. Agriculture—especially grains, livestock and groundnuts—remains the backbone of local livelihoods.
Related insecurity has also spilled into parts of Sokoto State, where security agencies have mounted operations in Rabah, Isa, Sabon Birni and Goronyo local government areas to contain cross-border attacks and protect trade routes linking the Sokoto–Zamfara–Kebbi axis.
Analysts say the corridor has become a test case of how far state-level initiatives can go without matching federal firepower, intelligence and logistics support.
Beyond security, the Emir’s Abuja mission also doubled as an investment and cultural pitch ahead of the 2026 Uhola Annual International Cultural Festival, expected to serve as his coronation ceremony following the passing of Major-General Muhammadu Sani Sami Gomo II.
Zuru Emirate hopes the festival will reposition the region as a frontier for agribusiness, tourism and cultural diplomacy, provided security gains are sustained.
The Emir’s delegation included former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Ishaya Bamaiyi (retd.), Major-General Muhammadu Magoro (retd.) and Hon. Kabiru Ibrahim Tukura, a member of the House of Representatives.
