We no longer negotiate with bandits – Zamfara governor

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State says security in the state has improved, but some areas still need urgent attention.  He spoke during an interview on Channels Television Wednesday where he also spoke on the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor said one of his first steps after assuming office was to […]

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State says security in the state has improved, but some areas still need urgent attention. 

He spoke during an interview on Channels Television Wednesday where he also spoke on the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor said one of his first steps after assuming office was to set up the Community Protection Guard, a local security group trained and vetted to help fight banditry.

“They are the first line of defense and work with the police, army, and civil defense,” he said.

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He added that the state does not negotiate with criminals, but those who surrender unconditionally are accepted.

He said his administration recently donated 140 brand new vehicles to security agencies to strengthen their work.

“In the past, we used to hear of 200 or 300 people killed in one day,” he said. “Now, attacks still happen, but they’ve reduced drastically.”

When asked if some communities still pay bandits to avoid attacks, the governor admitted there may be isolated cases in remote areas but said the situation has improved.

Lawal said the fight against insecurity in the North must be collective.

He revealed that northern governors met in Kaduna on Sunday and would meet again in Abuja in two weeks to agree on a joint plan.

“If Zamfara is doing something and Katsina or Sokoto is not, the criminals will just move,” he said.

On concerns about the Community Protection Guard, Lawal confirmed that some members have been dismissed or taken to court for misconduct. “They come from the communities, so they know the terrain. But we do not tolerate abuse of power,” he said.

He also addressed the crisis in the PDP, saying the party is facing serious challenges but will come out stronger. He said he is part of the PDP Governors’ Forum, which met in Abuja on Sunday to discuss solutions.

“Quote me—14th May 2025—this crisis will end,” he said.

Responding to comments by former Governor Nyesom Wike, who said today’s governors lack courage, Lawal said he agrees to some extent.

However, he said the party is trying to resolve issues through dialogue and may consider legal steps if necessary.

He also spoke on the state’s mineral resources, saying Zamfara has large deposits of gold, copper, and lithium but currently earns nothing from them.

He said the state is now engaging private investors and working with the federal government to develop the sector.

“We want to stop depending only on federal allocation,” he said.

On the upcoming Tax Reform Bill, Lawal said Zamfara was part of the drafting process and is preparing to take advantage of it once signed into law.

“We understand the implications, and we are ready to benefit from the increased revenue it promises. We are positioning ourselves ahead of time,” he added.