The Kebbi State Government has enlisted the services of local hunters for surveillance and protection to prevent vandalism of transformers and power installations in Birni Kebbi.
Alhaji Kabiru Sani-Giant, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs and Power, revealed this initiative in Birni-Kebbi on Monday.
This action was prompted by concerns about potential activities of vandals, which resulted in a total blackout in the state capital.
Sani-Giant emphasized that the primary goal of forming the surveillance team was to enhance the security of electrical installations, particularly armored cables, targeted by vandals in various parts of the country.
He pointed out that the government would bear the financial burden of replacing vandalized electrical infrastructure, diverting funds from other development projects.
He stated, “If a transformer is vandalized, it is the government that will bear the burden. This is a minus on the part of the government because the money that would have been used for other developmental projects will be committed to replacing the vandalized electrical installations. That’s why we decided to look for trustworthy people like you to do this kind of job.”
Sani-Giant expressed confidence in the hunters’ ability to deter vandals during the power outage, noting that their presence would discourage such criminal activities. He urged them to be vigilant in performing their duties.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs and Internal Security, Alhaji Sama’ila Yakubu-Augie, stressed that safeguarding power installations is a collective responsibility for the welfare and safety of all citizens.
Commander of Kebbi State Hunters, Amb. Musa Hussaini-Rambo, thanked Governor Nasir Idris for entrusting them with this task and pledged their dedication to protecting the installations.
He requested support and cooperation from the public to enable them to carry out their duties effectively.
