In a bold and impassioned statement, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared his unwavering confidence in the ability to eradicate banditry within two months—provided he is granted full operational control over security agencies in the state.
Speaking in a widely circulated video, Governor Lawal lamented the constitutional limitations that prevent state governors from directly commanding federal security forces. “I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandits’ leader is located within Zamfara State, I know it. With my mobile phone, I can show you where these bandits are today,” he said. “But we cannot do anything beyond our powers. If today I had the power to give orders to the security agencies, I can assure you, we would end banditry in Zamfara within two months.”
The governor cited a recent incident in Shinkafi Local Government Area, where bandits launched an attack but security operatives failed to respond due to lack of clearance from Abuja. “Most of the time, I shed tears for my people because I can see the problem, but I cannot act,” he added.
Governor Lawal also emphasized a humanitarian approach to peacebuilding, pledging to provide basic amenities such as water and education to communities affected by banditry. “If the bandits are fighting because they lack basic needs, I will provide whatever they need—just to restore peace,” he said.
He warned against politicizing the crisis, stating that such actions undermine collective efforts to restore security. “Those who are trying to sabotage our efforts are not hurting me—they are hurting Zamfara,” he concluded.