Governor Dauda Lawal speaks on ending banditry in Zamfara
Zamfara residents protest against bandit attacks
Security operatives in Zamfara receive patrol vehicles
Communities in Zamfara affected by bandit violence
Photo credit @abbasanifantami
Source Facebook
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has said banditry could be brought to an end in just two months if he had full authority over security agencies operating in the state. In a video that gained wide attention, the governor explained that while his administration continues to support security operatives with resources, he has no direct control over them since they receive directives from Abuja.
Lawal revealed that he is aware of the locations of major bandit leaders within Zamfara, but the lack of power to issue direct orders prevents him from taking decisive action. He noted that security agencies often delay responses during attacks because clearance from the capital must be obtained first. He cited an incident in Shinkafi Local Government where operatives allegedly failed to act promptly despite the threat of violence.
The governor emphasized that his government has provided extensive backing to security forces, including the distribution of 150 patrol vehicles to the army, police, DSS, and civil defence. In addition, thousands of Community Protection Guards and over 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe States have been recruited to strengthen the fight. Despite these measures, Lawal said the inability to directly command the forces has limited progress in defeating the criminals.
He also stressed that if the root causes of insecurity were tied to a lack of basic social services, his government was ready to provide water, schools, and other community needs to restore peace. However, he warned against politicising insecurity, accusing certain individuals of using the crisis to undermine his administration. According to him, such actions only harm the people of Zamfara rather than the governor himself.
Lawal further pointed out that security agencies are often deployed heavily for political purposes, such as elections, yet rural communities under frequent bandit raids do not receive the same level of attention. He urged for a re-prioritisation of resources to protect lives and livelihoods instead of political interests.
The governor’s comments come at a time when Zamfara has witnessed repeated waves of violence. In recent weeks, more than 150 villagers have been abducted, security operatives ambushed, and communities in Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, and Bukuyum attacked. Residents have staged protests in Gusau demanding urgent action, with women and mothers leading demonstrations to highlight the suffering of rural families. Farming has been disrupted, properties destroyed, and lives lost as bandits continue their raids.
Observers believe Lawal’s statement reflects growing frustration among state leaders who are officially recognised as chief security officers but lack real control over federal security agencies. His insistence that peace could be restored in two months if he had such powers underscores the need for deeper reforms in Nigeria’s security structure.
Summary: Governor Dauda Lawal declared he could eliminate banditry in Zamfara within two months if granted full authority over security forces. He argued that his administration has already invested in vehicles, community guards, and hunters, but security operatives take instructions from Abuja. With attacks escalating and protests mounting, the governor warned against politicising insecurity and called for urgent changes to protect citizens.
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