A group of suspected bandits operating in parts of Kebbi South has issued a N100 million threat to the Utouno community in Ngaski Local Government Area, warning that they will launch an attack if their demand is not met, residents and local officials report.

The threat was communicated to community leaders in a letter reportedly delivered to Utouno, which demanded payment of N100 million and advised villagers against ignoring the warning. In the letter the assailants said they would not hesitate to strike and claimed that neither local authorities nor security forces could stop them if the demand was rejected, sources said.

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, said the letter has heightened fear across the village and neighbouring settlements as residents grapple with the looming threat. Many families have expressed alarm and are taking steps to protect their homes and loved ones amid the growing tension.

The development comes amid ongoing insecurity in northwestern Nigeria where rural communities have suffered bandit raids kidnappings extortion and cattle rustling in recent months. Last week suspected armed groups killed dozens of villagers in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi and triggered increased security deployments in affected districts.

Reacting to the threat, the Kebbi State Government acknowledged the situation and said steps are being taken to prevent any attack. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris confirmed that additional security personnel have been deployed to Utouno and nearby areas to bolster protection and reassure residents. The governor also directed the Commissioner of Police to send more officers and resources to the troubled communities.

Local leaders have urged calm and cooperation with security forces while urging federal and state authorities to continue strengthening patrols and surveillance in vulnerable areas. Residents remain on high alert and are monitoring the situation closely as security reinforcements settle into the community.