Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State says political interference and a lack of control over security forces are preventing him from ending the banditry crisis that has devastated the state for more than a decade.
Speaking in Gusau during a media briefing, Lawal revealed that despite deploying modern surveillance technology to track bandits, his government is powerless because security agencies do not take orders from him.
“Sometimes, I can see the bandits moving around from my phone because of the technology we are using,” he said. “I know where they are, where they go, and where they come from.”
“But I cannot stop them because I have no power to command the security personnel. If I had that authority, I swear, within two weeks we would end this problem.”
Vigilantes stopped from fighting bandits
The governor explained that his administration hired more than 2,000 hunters and vigilantes from Yobe and Maiduguri, paying them monthly and providing vehicles and weapons.
But he lamented that these recruits were at times stopped from engaging the bandits. He cited a case in Shinkafi where an order was issued to halt their operations.
“This is our biggest challenge. We have men on the ground, well-motivated and ready to confront the bandits, but sometimes they are told not to act. What then do we do?” Lawal asked.
Heavy spending on security support
Despite the obstacles, Lawal said his government has invested heavily in conventional security agencies. He disclosed that 150 new vehicles were recently purchased and handed to them.
He stressed that providing such resources was a tough decision, knowing that accountability could attract criticism, but insisted leadership is a trust from God.
Zamfara has become the epicenter of banditry in the northwest, where armed groups continue to kill, abduct, and displace villagers in broad daylight.
“Sometimes I cry” — governor confesses
The governor, visibly emotional, said the worsening violence often leaves him in tears. “There are moments I cry. I see where bandits should be stopped, but nothing happens because instructions have to come from Abuja.”
He added, “I have handed everything to God, but I will never stop doing what I can to restore peace to our people.”
Lawal also questioned the motives of the attackers, asking why they target poor villagers. “What has the common man done to them?” he asked.
Lawal accused political actors of exploiting insecurity for selfish interests. “Security has been politicized,” he declared.
“Anyone enjoying this situation, or trying to use it for politics, may God disgrace them and expose their secrets. If they seek power, may God deny it to them. And if they already hold power, may God take it away, because the injustice has become too much,” he said.
He reassured Zamfara residents that his government will not relent until peace and stability are restored, promising:
“I will never stop doing what I can to end this problem.”
