By our Reporter
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared that he has the capacity to end banditry in the state within two months if granted direct control over security agencies.
Speaking in a viral video, Lawal revealed that he knows the exact locations of bandit leaders and their hideouts but is unable to act because security operatives in Zamfara only take directives from Abuja.
“I swear by Almighty Allah, wherever a bandit leader is in Zamfara State, I know. If he moves, I know. With my phone, I can show you their locations today. But we cannot act beyond our powers,” he said.
The governor grew emotional as he recounted how residents continue to suffer attacks while security forces delay, insisting on clearance from the federal authorities. He cited an incident in Shinkafi Local Government Area where security agents failed to respond promptly during an attack because they were awaiting approval from Abuja.
“If today I have the power to give orders to the security agencies, I can assure you banditry in Zamfara will end within two months. Many times I shed tears for my people, because I see the problem but cannot order the security men to act,” he lamented.
Lawal stressed that despite his limited authority, his administration has been providing significant support to the fight against insecurity. He disclosed that 150 patrol vehicles were distributed to the Police, Army, DSS, and Civil Defence. Additionally, thousands of Community Protection Guards, along with 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe States, have been recruited to reinforce security operations.
He further accused political actors of frustrating efforts to end insecurity in Zamfara. “The politicisation of insecurity is not hurting me as a person; it is destroying Zamfara. Some people do not want us to succeed. But I will not stop trying,” he stated.
