By Vincent Egunyanga, Abuja
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has accused the Federal Government of crippling the fight against insecurity by keeping operational control of security agencies in Abuja rather than allowing state authorities to act decisively.
In a viral video, the Governor said he could end banditry, Boko Haram activities, and other violent crimes in Zamfara within two months if he had direct command over security forces deployed in the state.
“I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandit leader is located within Zamfara State, I know it. If he moves out, I also know. With my mobile phone, I can show you their exact locations today. But because I don’t have the power to give direct orders to security agencies, nothing can be done immediately,” Lawal said.
The Governor revealed that Zamfara has invested heavily in surveillance and intelligence technologies, installing dozens of tracking facilities across the state to monitor criminal hideouts.
However, he lamented, the information is often wasted because soldiers and police insist on clearance from Abuja before taking action.
He recalled a painful episode in Shinkafi Local Government Area, where villagers were attacked while nearby troops stood down, waiting for approval from their superiors.
“That day, I shed tears for my people. I saw the problem clearly, but I was powerless,” he said.
Despite these limitations, Lawal said his administration has not abandoned its duty.
In the past two months alone, he said, Zamfara distributed 150 patrol vehicles to security agencies and recruited thousands into the Community Protection Guards (CPG).
He also engaged over 2,000 local hunters from Borno and Yobe States to reinforce the fight.
“As chief security officer of Zamfara, I cannot fold my arms when lives are at risk,” he stressed.
Lawal also promised to address the socio-economic grievances driving the conflict.
“If the bandits lack water, I will provide it. If they lack schools, I will build them. If they lack healthcare, I will give it. Whatever they need to live in peace, I am ready to provide,” he said.
The Governor condemned attempts to politicise insecurity, warning that such actions only endanger Zamfara’s survival.
He criticised the federal government’s selective deployment of resources, contrasting the heavy security presence during a recent bye-election in six wards with the lack of comparable commitment in rural communities under constant siege.
“This fight is not about Dauda Lawal; it is about Zamfara. Politicising banditry is destroying the state,” he said.
Lawal urged residents to remain patient, assuring them that his administration would continue pushing for peace despite structural obstacles.
“I will not relent. Although numerous obstacles exist, we remain determined. Ultimately, God will rescue us,” he declared.
