The Kebbi State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Rabi’u Abdullahi Sokoto, and the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, have debunked reports alleging the existence of a secret airstrip in the state purportedly used for drug trafficking.
At a joint press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, the officials described the circulating reports as false, baseless, and the product of artificial intelligence (AI) fabrication.
Mr. Sokoto explained that thorough investigations were conducted following the claims, particularly targeting the alleged airstrip in Argungu Forest, which was said to facilitate cocaine smuggling between Nigeria and Bogotá, Colombia. He confirmed that no such facility exists, adding that there is no record of any individual named Ibrahim Musa, the alleged retired Assistant Comptroller of Customs accused of constructing the airstrip.
He further dismissed the claim that the supposed secret airport could accommodate 12 aircraft simultaneously, describing it as misleading and deliberately intended to cause public panic. Sokoto urged citizens to verify information before sharing, warning that such fabrications are attempts to discredit security agencies and sow distrust among the public.
In his remarks, Commissioner Yakubu Ahmed described the viral reports as childish, illogical, and politically motivated, accusing desperate actors of seeking to tarnish the reputation of Governor Nasir Idris and the people of Kebbi State. He condemned the spread of such irresponsible and criminal misinformation, urging residents to remain vigilant and reject fake news.
Similarly, the Kebbi State Police Command denounced the allegations as a smear campaign aimed at undermining security efforts and eroding public confidence in the state’s law enforcement institutions.
