GUSAU — Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has declared that Nigeria cannot successfully eradicate banditry unless the security crisis in Zamfara is thoroughly addressed and brought under control.
Governor Lawal made this assertion on Monday during a media parley with journalists at the Government office in Gusau, the state capital.
while Assessing his administration’s security scorecard, Governor Lawal noted that significant progress has been made in curbing banditry since he assumed office, though he admitted that much work remains to be done to bring the tides to the barest minimum.
Reiterating his administration’s firm stance, the governor maintained a strict policy of zero tolerance toward banditry and a refusal to pay ransoms or negotiate from a position of weakness.
“I cannot pay a bandit state money, as this will further empower them to continue,” Lawal stated.
Addressing the issue of repentant insurgents, the governor outlined a rigorous roadmap, insisting that any bandit seeking reintegration must first surrender their arms unconditionally.
“I cannot deal with someone who is not seriously ready to let go of whatever arms,” he said.
According to him, the rehabilitation process involves comprehensive counseling, guidance, verification, empowerment and reintegration protocols before society can accept them back.
“By the time we finish, we also inform the society and the people, and we can guarantee that this is truly repentant… and we find something for him to do in terms of skill development,” the governor explained.
Lawal warned that the state’s hardline military approach remains active for those who refuse to embrace peace. “Otherwise, we’ll go after you, and that is exactly what we’re doing,” he cautioned.
