Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has revealed that he is aware of the locations of bandit groups terrorizing the state but is unable to act due to the lack of control over security agencies.
READ ALSO: Two bandit leaders killed in Zamfara security operations
This was contained in a viral video where Lawal expressed frustration, saying security chiefs in Zamfara take directives only from Abuja, which prevents timely responses to attacks.
The governor explained that even with accurate intelligence, he cannot order security forces to intervene. He cited a recent raid in Shinkafi Local Government Area, where bandits struck while security operatives waited for federal clearance. Lawal also noted that his administration has provided substantial support to security agencies, including distributing 150 patrol vehicles and recruiting thousands of Community Protection Guards and hunters from Borno and Yobe states.
Zamfara has recently experienced a surge in violence, with over 150 people kidnapped and at least 10 security personnel and three civilians killed. Residents in Gusau have staged protests, accusing authorities of failing to protect them as repeated raids have claimed over 100 lives in the past months.
President Bola Tinubu has suggested creating state police to address Nigeria’s worsening security crisis. Such a move would give state governments more authority to act against banditry and better protect lives, properties, and livelihoods.
