I Can End Banditry In Two Months With Control Of Security – Zamfara Governor

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared that banditry would become history in his state within two months if he had direct control over security agencies. His remarks came as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hinted at the possible creation of state police to address worsening insecurity across the country.

The governor made his remarks in a viral video clip where he lamented his limited powers over security outfits, stressing that although he has access to real-time intelligence on the activities of bandit kingpins, he cannot order security forces to act without directives from Abuja.

FCCPC Introduces DEON Regulations To Curb Abuses In Nigeria’s Digital Lending Sector

Lawal’s Frustration over Security Constraints

Governor Lawal revealed that Zamfara has invested heavily in surveillance and intelligence technology. He said the state has installed tracking facilities across its territory to monitor bandit leaders’ movements.

“I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandit leader is located within Zamfara State, I know it and if he goes out, I know,” the governor said. “With my mobile phone, I can show you where these bandits are today. But we cannot do anything beyond our powers.”

He recounted how bandits invaded the Shinkafi Local Government Area while he watched helplessly because security agencies in the state refused to act without clearance from their Abuja headquarters.

“If today I have the power to give orders to the security agencies, I can assure you, we will end banditry in Zamfara State within two months,” he stressed.

The governor said his inability to deploy forces at will has left him in tears for the suffering people of Zamfara.

Measures Already Taken by the State

Despite these limitations, Governor Lawal said his administration has continued to support security agencies with logistics, vehicles, and funding. He revealed that about two months ago, the state government distributed 150 patrol vehicles to the police, army, DSS, and civil defence.

In addition, Zamfara has recruited thousands of Community Protection Guards (CPG) and hired over 2,000 local hunters from Borno and Yobe States to strengthen the fight against banditry.

The governor emphasised that he is committed to protecting lives and property, even though he lacks direct control over security forces. He also expressed willingness to provide basic amenities such as water and schools to communities if that would help address grievances fuelling the crisis.

Politicisation of Banditry

Governor Lawal also accused some political actors of undermining his efforts. Without naming names, he said banditry in Zamfara has been politicised.

“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 said.

Lawal’s supporters have often clashed with those of the Minister of State for Defence and former governor of Zamfara, Bello Matawalle, over who is responsible for the lingering insecurity. Lawal, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defeated Matawalle of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 governorship election.

Wave of Recent Attacks

The governor’s frustration comes amid a spate of deadly attacks across Zamfara. On August 5, at least 26 people were abducted in Zurmi Local Government Area. Barely a day earlier, armed gangs raided 16 villages in Kaura Namoda, killing five and abducting scores.

Between August 2 and 6, bandits reportedly kidnapped about 150 people in coordinated raids across Sabon Garin Damri, Dakko Butsa, Tungar Abdu Dogo, and other villages. Residents said the bandits often strike at night or during rainfall, making it difficult for security personnel to respond.

On August 13, gunmen ambushed security operatives in Adabka, Bukuyum LGA, killing at least 10 personnel and three civilians. Earlier in July, over 50 people, mostly women and children, were abducted from Kaura Namoda town and Banga village. Despite a ransom of N50 million, most of the victims remain in captivity.

In another incident on July 21, eight members of the Community Protection Guards were killed while protecting farmers in Talata Mafara.

The insecurity has sparked protests, with residents of Gusau and surrounding villages marching to the Government House in late July to demand urgent action. Farmers said the violence has disrupted agricultural activities, threatening food production.

Tinubu Hints at State Police

Amid the worsening situation, President Tinubu has acknowledged the need for deeper security reforms. Meeting with Katsina elders at the Presidential Villa, he said his administration is considering the creation of state police.

“The security challenges that we are facing are surmountable,” Tinubu said. “I am reviewing all the aspects of security; I have to create a state police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, people, livelihoods, places of worship, and recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us.”

He also announced the acquisition of drones and the strengthening of forest guards, particularly in the North-West.

Wider Debate on State Police

The proposal for state police has long divided opinion. While many governors support it, fearing that insecurity cannot be tackled without local control, critics worry about possible abuse by political leaders. The National Economic Council (NEC) has repeatedly deferred discussions on the matter, despite a majority of states already submitting their support for the idea.

National Perspective on Terrorism

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru and National Counter-Terrorism Coordinator Adamu Laka both stressed the need for regional cooperation, capacity building, and non-kinetic measures to tackle terrorism. They noted that addressing root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and poor governance is essential to achieving lasting peace in Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.

Governor Dauda Lawal’s declaration that banditry in Zamfara could end in two months if he had full control over security forces highlights the growing frustration among state leaders. While the federal government continues to debate state police, Zamfara remains under siege, with thousands of residents facing abductions, killings, and displacement.

The president’s renewed commitment to reforms, coupled with calls for a decentralised policing system, may yet reshape Nigeria’s security architecture. But for communities in Zamfara, the demand is immediate: decisive action to end the cycle of violence and restore peace.