Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has declared that banditry in the state could be eliminated within two months if state governors were granted direct control over security agencies.
Speaking in a viral video, the governor lamented that despite his administration’s extensive support to security forces, he lacked the constitutional authority to command them.
“I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandits’ leader is located within Zamfara State, I know it, and if he goes out, I know. With my mobile phone, I can show you where these bandits are today. But we cannot do anything beyond our powers. If today, I had the power to give orders to the security agencies, I can assure you, we would end banditry in Zamfara within two months,” Lawal stated.
“Security Chiefs Take Orders from Abuja”
The governor noted that security operatives in Zamfara take instructions from Abuja, often delaying critical interventions. He cited a recent case in Shinkafi Local Government, where bandits attacked communities but security forces allegedly failed to respond promptly because clearance had not come from the capital.
Despite this, Lawal said his administration had gone beyond its mandate by providing logistics and manpower support to aid federal agencies. These include 150 patrol vehicles distributed to the police, army, DSS, and civil defence, as well as the recruitment of thousands of Community Protection Guards and the hiring of over 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe states.
“As the chief security officer of the state, I will not relent. If the bandits are fighting because they lack basic needs, I will provide water, schools, or whatever they need, just to restore peace,” he added.
Governor Warns Against Politicising Insecurity
Governor Lawal accused certain actors of politicising banditry, insisting such actions undermine peace efforts. He argued that the heavy deployment of security during recent by-elections proved that resources exist but are often redirected to political contests instead of protecting citizens.
“I want to remind those undermining our efforts in the fight against banditry that their actions are destroying the state, not Dauda Lawal as governor,” he warned.
Escalating Violence in Zamfara
The governor’s comments follow a spate of violent attacks across Zamfara. In recent weeks, bandits abducted over 150 residents in separate raids, ambushed security operatives in Bukuyum, killing at least 10, and carried out fresh assaults in Kaura Namoda and Zurmi.
The wave of violence has devastated rural communities, leading to mass displacements, loss of livelihoods, and widespread protests. Farming activities have been crippled, raising fears of worsening food insecurity.
Women Lead Protests
In one recent protest, hundreds of elderly women and nursing mothers from Jimrawa village in Kaura Namoda stormed Gusau, the state capital, demanding urgent action from authorities. The demonstration, held at the Government House, echoed similar protests staged two weeks earlier by residents of Gusau LGA.
