Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared that he could end banditry in the state within two months if he were given direct control over security agencies
In a video that went viral on Wednesday, the governor broke down while recounting recent attacks, insisting that the main obstacle to tackling the crisis is that security operatives in Zamfara continue to take orders from Abuja rather than the state government.
“I can tell you the whereabouts of every bandit kingpin in Zamfara, even with my phone. I can point to you where they are right now. But I do not control security agencies, and that is the problem,” Lawal said.
He cited a recent attack in Shinkafi Local Government where dozens of people were killed, noting that security forces on the ground refused to intervene because they were waiting for authorisation from Abuja. “People were under attack, and I kept calling the security agencies. They told me they were waiting for orders from Abuja. How do I save my people in such a situation?” he lamented.
Despite these limitations, Lawal said his administration continues to support security operatives with logistics and funding, including distributing 150 patrol vehicles to the police, military, Department of State Services, and civil defence, as well as recruiting thousands of Community Protection Guards and over 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe States.
He also emphasised addressing the root causes of rural violence, adding, “We are working to provide water, schools and other amenities because we know that when people live well, peace is easier to achieve.”
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