Security agents take orders from Abuja’: Dauda Lawal reveals why ending banditry remains difficult in Zamfara

Zamfara governor, Dauda Lawal, has said banditry in the state would be a thing of the past if he had some control over security agencies.

The governor, in a video that has gone viral, explained that he knows the exact places where the bandits hide. But he cannot act because security officers in Zamfara take orders only from Abuja.

Governor Lawal said; “I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandit leader is in 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.”

The governor became emotional as he narrated how residents suffer repeated attacks while security operatives delay because they are waiting for clearance from the federal government.

He recalled one incident in Shinkafi Local Government Area where bandits attacked, and security forces refused to move without instructions from Abuja.
“If today I have the power to give orders to the security agencies, I can assure you, we will end banditry in Zamfara within two months.

“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,” he lamented.

Lawal explained that despite not having direct control, his government has been supporting security efforts.

He said 150 patrol vehicles were shared among the Police, Army, DSS, and Civil Defence.

He also noted that thousands of Community Protection Guards and 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe states were recruited to join the fight.

“The politicisation of insecurity is not hurting me as a person; it is destroying Zamfara. Some people do not want us to succeed. But I will not stop trying,” the governor added.

Zamfara is one of the northern states most affected by the activities of bandits and gunmen. Recently, there has been an uptick in gunmen attacks on Zamfara communities.

On August 23, gunmen killed two residents and abducted at least 100, in Gamdum Mallam and Ruwan Rana villages of Bukkuyum LGA.

In early August, gunmen raided several communities in Kauran Namoda LGA, killing 24 people, injuring 16, and abducting 144.

In 2024, the governor said he could end banditry in Zamfara in two weeks.