Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s opposition to negotiating with bandits, insisting that seeking peace deals with criminal groups remains unacceptable in the state.
The governor made the remarks during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
Lawal stated that it is an offence in Zamfara State to broker peace agreements with bandits as his administration is vehemently against it, stressing that the state government has consistently maintained a hard-line stance against negotiations with armed groups terrorising communities across the state.
The governor’s comments followed reports that some individuals recently entered into a truce arrangement with bandits operating in parts of the state. According to him, those involved acted independently and did not represent the position of the Zamfara State government.
He emphasised that his administration remains committed to a strategy centred on military operations and law enforcement actions rather than dialogue with criminal elements. Lawal argued that previous attempts at negotiating with bandits had failed to produce lasting peace and often emboldened criminal groups.
“Seeking a truce with bandits is not my opinion and never will be,” the governor said, reiterating that his government would not compromise with individuals responsible for killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes across Zamfara communities.
Lawal expressed confidence in the capacity of government security agencies to defeat banditry, maintaining that no criminal group possesses the strength to overwhelm the Nigerian state. He noted that the battle against insecurity may take time, but victory remains achievable through sustained operations.
The governor further stated that government institutions, backed by the armed forces and other security agencies, are significantly stronger than any notorious bandit leader operating in the region. He said the challenge lies in persistence and coordination rather than a lack of capacity.
According to him, the security strategy being implemented by his administration is already yielding results, with several previously volatile areas experiencing relative peace and improved security conditions.
He credited the progress to ongoing military offensives and enhanced collaboration among security agencies.
Lawal also urged residents to remain patient and continue supporting lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace across Zamfara State. He assured citizens that the government would not relent in its determination to dismantle criminal networks and secure affected communities.
The governor’s latest remarks reinforce a position he has repeatedly maintained since assuming office: that lasting peace in Zamfara can only be achieved through decisive action against banditry rather than negotiated settlements. He expressed optimism that the state would overcome the security challenges confronting it.
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
Lagos moves to phase danfo into franchise bus system
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas The Lagos State Government, the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transition danfo operators into a regulated public transport system under the state’s Bus Industry Transition Programme (BITP). The development was disclosed in a…
-
‘I’m embarrassed by timing of EFCC action on Osun govt account – Tinubu
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas President Bola Tinubu has said he finds the timing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s action on Osun state bank account embarrassing. According to President Tinubu, he was yet to be fully apprised of the facts that informed EFCC’s action, but “I feel compelled to intervene”. In a statement on…
-
State Police: We’ve studied India, America, Pakistan’s models – IGP Disu
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Disu, has disclosed that the committee that developed the framework for the proposed state police system studied India, the United States of America and Pakistan’s models before submitting its recommendations. Also, IGP Disu urged police personnel to take an active role in shaping the national conversation…
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
Lagos moves to phase danfo into franchise bus system
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas The Lagos State Government, the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transition danfo operators into a regulated public transport system under the state’s Bus Industry Transition Programme (BITP). The development was disclosed in a…
-
‘I’m embarrassed by timing of EFCC action on Osun govt account – Tinubu
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas President Bola Tinubu has said he finds the timing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s action on Osun state bank account embarrassing. According to President Tinubu, he was yet to be fully apprised of the facts that informed EFCC’s action, but “I feel compelled to intervene”. In a statement on…
-
State Police: We’ve studied India, America, Pakistan’s models – IGP Disu
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Disu, has disclosed that the committee that developed the framework for the proposed state police system studied India, the United States of America and Pakistan’s models before submitting its recommendations. Also, IGP Disu urged police personnel to take an active role in shaping the national conversation…
