Governor Dauda Lawal says he can end Zamfara’s banditry in two months if Abuja grants him authority over security agencies.
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has declared he can end banditry in the state within two months if granted direct control of security agencies. Speaking in a viral video on Wednesday, the governor broke down in tears as he recounted recent attacks, blaming Abuja for centralising authority over military operations.
“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 lamented. He described a recent Shinkafi massacre where troops allegedly refused to act without federal orders.
Despite these hurdles, Lawal said his administration had distributed 150 patrol vehicles, recruited hunters, and supported security forces with logistics. He also stressed investment in schools, water, and rural development to address root causes of violence.
His remarks renewed calls for state police as Zamfara reels from relentless banditry.