Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has alleged political interference and lack of cooperation from security agencies as part of frustrating challenges to end the decade-long banditry crisis that has ravaged the state.
Speaking during a media briefing in Gusau on Monday, the governor lamented that despite deploying modern surveillance technology capable of tracking the movement of bandits, his government is helpless because he lacks direct control over security operatives.
“Sometimes, I can see the bandits moving around from my phone because of the technology we are using,” Governor Lawal 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.”
Lawal disclosed that his administration has also employed more than 2,000 hunters and vigilantes from Yobe and Maiduguri, paying them monthly salaries and equipping them with vehicles and weapons.
He however, he expressed frustration that, at one point, these recruits were stopped from engaging bandits in Shinkafi after a directive was issued to halt their operations.
The governor noted that, “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?”
Despite the setbacks, the governor said his administration has spent heavily to support conventional security agencies, including the purchase of 150 new vehicles recently distributed to them.
He stressed that he took the difficult decision to provide such resources, even though accountability could expose his government to criticism, because he believes leadership is a trust from God.
Zamfara State has in recent years become the epicenter of banditry in northwestern Nigeria. Armed groups kill, abduct, and displace villagers, often operating in broad daylight.
The violence has left many women widowed and children orphaned, while farmers are prevented from cultivating their lands. Kidnapping for ransom has become a routine source of funding for the armed gangs, deepening poverty and instability across the state.
The governor, visibly emotional, admitted that the situation sometimes moves him to tears, confessing, “There are moments I cry. I see where bandits should be stopped, but nothing happens because instructions have to come from Abuja.
“I have handed everything to God, but I will never stop doing what I can to restore peace to our people,” the governor added.
He questioned the motives of the bandits, asking why they attack poor villagers who can barely afford food. “What has the common man done to them?” Lawal asked.
He further stated that, “If they want schools, I will build schools. If they want hospitals, I will provide hospitals. If they want water, I will ensure they get water. All these so that we can have peace.”
Governor Lawal accused political actors of exploiting insecurity for their selfish interests, warning that such actions harm the entire state. “Security has been politicized,” he said.
He was quoted as saying, “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 added.
He reassured Zamfara residents of his commitment to ending banditry, insisting that his government would not relent until peace and stability are restored.