Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara State, has openly admitted that he is fully aware of the exact whereabouts of the bandit leaders wreaking havoc across the state. However, he expressed frustration over his inability to take decisive action due to the lack of control over security forces.
In a widely circulated video that has sparked intense public discussion, Governor Lawal revealed that although he tracks the movements of these criminal elements, the ongoing battle against insecurity is severely hampered because security officials in Zamfara operate under directives issued solely from Abuja.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, I can pinpoint the location of any bandit leader within Zamfara at any given time. If they move, I am aware of it,” he stated. “With just my phone, I could show you their exact positions today. Yet, our hands are tied beyond what our authority permits.”
Displaying deep emotion, the governor added, “If I had the authority to command the security agencies directly, I guarantee that banditry in Zamfara would be eradicated within two months. Often, I find myself in tears for my people because I see the threat clearly but cannot compel timely action from security operatives.”
He recounted an incident when bandits attacked Shinkafi Local Government Area, but security personnel failed to respond promptly because they awaited orders from Abuja.
“There was an occasion when bandits struck Shinkafi, and although the security forces were alerted, they declined to intervene as they had not received authorization from the federal command,” Lawal explained.
The governor emphasized that despite lacking direct command over security agencies, his administration has made significant efforts to bolster security. Recently, Zamfara State provided 150 patrol vehicles to the police, army, DSS, and civil defence corps. Additionally, thousands of Community Protection Guards have been recruited, and 2,000 hunters from neighboring Borno and Yobe states were engaged to strengthen the security framework.
“All these initiatives are undertaken even though I do not control the security apparatus because safeguarding the lives and properties of Zamfara’s citizens is my foremost duty,” he affirmed.
Governor Lawal’s statements come amid a surge in violent attacks and kidnappings across Zamfara. In the last month alone, over 150 individuals were abducted during multiple assaults in Zurmi, Kaura Namoda, and Bukuyum Local Government Areas. Furthermore, an ambush in Adabka resulted in the deaths of at least 10 security personnel and three civilians.
Public outrage has also manifested in Gusau, where residents have protested, accusing the government of neglecting their safety amid repeated bandit incursions that have claimed more than 100 lives in recent months.
In response to the escalating security challenges, President Bola Tinubu has suggested the establishment of state police forces as a strategic measure to address Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
“I am thoroughly reviewing all security dimensions; the creation of state police is under serious consideration. We are approaching this comprehensively. Our goal is to overcome insecurity. We must safeguard our children, communities, livelihoods, places of worship, and recreational areas. We will not be cowed,” President Tinubu declared during a meeting with Katsina State elders at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.
He also announced plans to deploy forest guards and acquire drones to enhance surveillance and operational capabilities in volatile regions.
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