The Zamfara State Government has restated its firm position against negotiating with armed bandits operating in the state, insisting that its strategy for restoring peace will continue to rely on sustained security operations rather than dialogue or concessions.
Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated the government’s position during recent engagements with communities affected by violent attacks across parts of the state. He emphasized that his administration remains fully committed to ending insecurity through coordinated military action, intelligence-led operations, and strengthened collaboration with federal security agencies.
According to the governor, the decision not to engage in negotiations with armed groups is rooted in the belief that such arrangements have repeatedly failed to deliver lasting peace in Zamfara and other parts of north-western Nigeria. He noted that despite past attempts at dialogue and peace agreements in previous administrations, incidents of kidnapping, cattle rustling, and rural attacks have continued, often resurfacing shortly after such deals were made.
“The state government will not and cannot negotiate with terrorists or criminal elements,” he was quoted as saying in reference to the government’s security policy direction. “Our priority is to protect lives and property, and this will be achieved through decisive action and sustained pressure on these criminal networks.”
Zamfara State has remained one of the epicentres of insecurity in Nigeria’s north-west region for several years. Rural communities in areas such as Maru, Anka, Bukkuyum, Shinkafi, and Tsafe have experienced repeated attacks, leading to mass displacement of residents, destruction of livelihoods, and disruptions to farming activities. The crisis has also contributed significantly to food insecurity in the region, as many farmers have been unable to safely access their farmlands.
The governor’s renewed declaration comes at a time when security agencies have intensified operations in parts of the state, including aerial surveillance, ground troop deployments, and coordinated raids on identified hideouts of armed groups.
Authorities say these efforts are aimed at dismantling criminal strongholds and restoring confidence among displaced communities.
State officials have also highlighted ongoing investments in security support systems, including logistics assistance, community-based intelligence gathering, and enhanced communication channels between local leaders and security operatives. The government says these measures are intended to improve rapid response to distress situations and reduce the frequency of attacks in vulnerable areas.
Governor Lawal further urged residents of the state to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist in identifying criminal hideouts and preventing planned attacks.
He assured communities that the government is working to ensure that displaced persons can safely return to their homes once security conditions improve.
He also acknowledged the psychological and economic toll of the insecurity on residents, particularly farmers, traders, and rural households who have borne the brunt of repeated violence. According to him, restoring normalcy in affected communities remains a central priority of his administration.
Zamfara State has long been at the center of Nigeria’s broader security challenge in the north-west, where armed groups have exploited difficult terrain and limited state presence in rural areas to carry out kidnappings and attacks. Successive governments have adopted different strategies, ranging from peace accords to military offensives, with varying degrees of success.
However, the current administration insists that a non-negotiation policy, combined with sustained security pressure, offers the most viable path toward lasting stability in the state. Officials maintain that the focus remains on restoring law and order, rebuilding trust in affected communities, and ensuring that displaced families can return to their livelihoods without fear.
As operations continue, the state government has reiterated its appeal for patience and resilience from residents, assuring them that efforts are ongoing to bring an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued Zamfara for years. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
