Nigerian gov seals deal with Chinese security organisation to tackle bandits

One of the governors in the northern part of the Authority, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has sealed a strategic collaboration with a Chinese global security firm as part of his administration’s renewed push to curb banditry and other violent crimes plaguing the state and the wider Northwest.

According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the agreement, described by government officials as a “strategic collaboration on intelligence and technology”, comes amid repeated assaults by armed bandits and the dreaded Lakurawa group across several local government areas of Kebbi.

On Wednesday, Governor Idris received a delegation from G-Safety, a Beijing-based international security consortium, at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, where discussions centred on intelligence sharing, surveillance technology, and operational support for local security agencies.

Speaking at the meeting, Idris said the partnership would strengthen the capacity of local security operatives through access to modern tools and intelligence systems for more effective response to persistent threats.

“We invited them to advise and work with us so that our security agencies can understand, respond effectively, and live up to expectations in addressing security challenges in some parts of the state,” Idris said.

“We want to hear what they have to offer, agree on workable terms, and, if convinced, collaborate to achieve lasting peace,” he added.

A security consultant with G-Safety, Ahmed Saleh Junior, told reporters that the firm operates in more than 36 countries, offering “comprehensive intelligence and surveillance solutions to governments and institutions.”

Saleh said the company’s involvement in Kebbi would complement ongoing military and federal government operations in the Northwest, where the Lakurawa gang and other criminal groups continue to terrorise communities.

“Our role is to support these efforts by providing advanced intelligence and technological systems that will help people sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.

He further revealed that G-Safety intends to deploy a “state-of-the-art digital intelligence collection and collation system” to enhance coordination between federal and state security agencies.

According to him, the proposed platform will generate real-time data and actionable intelligence to aid rapid response and inter-agency collaboration.

Security analysts say the move reflects Kebbi’s increasing turn to foreign technical expertise as insecurity persists across parts of Northern Nigeria despite significant federal troop presence.