By Huldah Shado
Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, says he could end banditry in the state within two months if granted direct control over security agencies.
In a viral video, Lawal claimed he has accurate intelligence on the locations and movements of bandit leaders but cannot act because security operatives take orders only from Abuja.
“I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandit leader is in Zamfara, I know it. If I had the power to command security agencies, banditry would end in two months,” he said emotionally.
He recalled an attack in Shinkafi where forces delayed action due to lack of clearance from federal authorities. Despite these limits, he noted that his government has provided 150 patrol vehicles, engaged community guards, and deployed hunters from Borno and Yobe to support operations.
Lawal warned that politicisation of insecurity is undermining efforts to restore peace.
Zamfara remains one of the worst-hit states in northern Nigeria, plagued by killings, kidnappings, and mass displacement.
