Dauda Lawal, the Governor of Zamfara State, has publicly asserted that he is aware of the specific locations of bandit leaders who have been terrorizing the region, yet he feels powerless to take action due to his lack of authority over the security agencies.
In a viral video that has ignited significant public reaction, Lawal expressed his frustration, stating that his awareness of the bandits’ movements is rendered ineffective by the fact that security officials in Zamfara receive their orders exclusively from the federal government in Abuja.
“I swear to Almighty Allah, I know where every bandit leader is located within Zamfara State, and I can track their movements with my mobile phone,” he declared. “However, our hands are tied, and we cannot act beyond our mandate.”
An emotional Lawal lamented, “If I had the authority to issue commands to security agencies, I could promise that we would eradicate banditry in Zamfara State within two months. It pains me to see the suffering of my people when I am aware of the issues but cannot prompt a timely response from security forces.”
He recounted an incident where bandits attacked the Shinkafi Local Government Area, and security forces failed to respond despite being alerted because they had not received clearance from Abuja. “There was a time when bandits invaded Shinkafi, and although security operatives were notified, they refused to act as they awaited orders from Abuja,” he explained.
Lawal emphasized that his administration has taken significant steps to support security operations, despite lacking direct control. Recently, Zamfara State distributed 150 patrol vehicles to various security agencies, including the police, army, DSS, and civil defense. Additionally, thousands of Community Protection Guards have been recruited, along with 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe to bolster the fight against insecurity.
“I am undertaking all these initiatives even though I do not have command over the security agencies because it is my duty to safeguard the lives and properties of the people of Zamfara,” he stated.
Governor Lawal’s comments come amid a resurgence of attacks and kidnappings in Zamfara State. In the past month alone, more than 150 individuals have been abducted across Zurmi, Kaura Namoda, and Bukuyum Local Government Areas, while at least 10 security personnel and three civilians were killed in an ambush in Adabka.
Residents in Gusau have also taken to the streets in protest, accusing authorities of failing to protect them from repeated bandit assaults that have resulted in over 100 fatalities in recent months.
In response to the escalating security crisis, President Bola Tinubu has indicated plans to establish state police as a potential solution. “I am reviewing all aspects of security; we must create a state police. We are taking a comprehensive approach to this issue. We will prevail over insecurity and protect our children, citizens, livelihoods, places of worship, and recreational areas. We cannot be intimidated,” Tinubu stated during a meeting with Katsina State elders at the Presidential Villa. He also announced the deployment of forest guards and the acquisition of drones to enhance operations in affected regions.
