Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Decries Federal Control Over Security Amid Banditry Crisis
In a
striking and emotionally charged revelation, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal
has voiced deep frustration over his inability to combat rampant banditry due
to the centralized control of security agencies by the federal government in
Abuja.
Speaking in a viral video that has stirred national debate, Lawal declared that he knows the precise locations of bandit leaders operating within Zamfara, even claiming he can track their movements using his mobile phone. However, he lamented that despite this intelligence, he is powerless to act because security operatives in the state take orders solely from Abuja.
“I swear
to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandit leader is located within Zamfara State, I
know it. If he goes out, I know. With my phone, I can show you where they are
today. But we cannot do anything beyond our powers,” Lawal said, visibly
emotional. He recounted a harrowing incident in Shinkafi Local Government Area
where bandits launched an attack, yet security forces refused to respond
without clearance from the federal capital. The governor insisted that if granted
authority over the security apparatus, he could end banditry in Zamfara within
two months.
Despite
lacking direct command, Lawal emphasized his administration’s proactive support
for security efforts. He disclosed that 150 patrol vehicles had been distributed
among the Police, Army, DSS, and Civil Defence. Additionally, thousands of
Community Protection Guards and 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe states were
recruited to bolster the fight against insurgents. Still, he expressed sorrow
over the politicization of insecurity, stating, “Most of the time I shed tears
for my people, because I see the problem but I cannot order the security men to
act in time.”
Zamfara
has long been a hotspot for banditry in northern Nigeria, with frequent
kidnappings, killings, and mass displacements. Recent attacks have seen over
150 people abducted across several local government areas, and protests have
erupted in the state capital, Gusau, where residents accuse leaders of failing
to protect them.
Governor
Lawal’s impassioned plea comes amid broader national discussions on
restructuring Nigeria’s security framework. President Bola Tinubu recently
announced that his administration is considering the creation of state police,
alongside deploying forest guards and drones to troubled regions. This move
could potentially decentralize security control and empower governors like
Lawal to respond swiftly to local threats.
Lawal’s
statements have reignited calls for constitutional reforms that would grant
state governments more autonomy in managing internal security. As Zamfara
continues to grapple with violence, the governor’s revelations underscore the
urgent need for a more responsive and localized approach to tackling insecurity
in Nigeria.
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Zamfara Governor’s Banditry Remarks Spark Outrage and Calls for Federal
Intervention
The
controversy surrounding Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal’s viral statement, that
he knows the whereabouts of bandits but cannot act because security agencies
take orders from Abuja, has intensified, drawing sharp criticism and renewed
calls for federal action.
In the
days following his emotional declaration, a prominent civil society group, the
Zamfara Good Governance Network (ZGGN), issued a scathing response. The group
accused Governor Lawal of politicizing insecurity and undermining the efforts
of Nigeria’s armed forces. They described his claim, that he could end banditry
in two months if given control over security agencies, as “reckless and
shameful,” especially given that he has been in office for nearly three years.
ZGGN
President Murtala Abdullahi argued that Lawal’s remarks insult the sacrifices
of military personnel and questioned why the governor, who claims to possess
real-time intelligence on bandit movements, has not shared this data with
federal authorities like the National Security Adviser or the DSS. The group
further criticized Lawal for enjoying heavy personal security while ordinary
citizens remain vulnerable to attacks.
Meanwhile,
the federal government has yet to issue a formal response to Lawal’s plea for
decentralized security control. However, President Bola Tinubu has previously
hinted at plans to establish state police and deploy forest guards and drones
to combat insecurity in troubled regions like Zamfara.
The
situation remains dire in Zamfara. Recent attacks in August left dozens dead
and hundreds abducted across Bukkuyum and Kauran Namoda LGAs. Despite Lawal’s
investments in security, such as 150 patrol vehicles and the recruitment of
thousands of hunters and community guards—his lack of operational control
continues to hinder swift responses to threats.
As
pressure mounts, the debate over restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture
gains urgency. Whether Lawal’s bold claims will catalyze reform or deepen political
tensions remains to be seen.
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