Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reiterated his administration’s firm stance against negotiating with bandits and terrorist groups, insisting that peace deals are not part of the state’s security strategy.
The governor made this position known during an interview with BBC Hausa Service, where he emphasized that his government is prioritising sustained military operations and coordinated security efforts over dialogue with armed groups operating in the state.
Lawal stated that the authority of the state government and Nigeria’s security institutions is sufficient to confront and defeat criminal networks responsible for long-standing insecurity in Zamfara.
According to him, “the government is stronger than any terrorist or bandit group,” adding that any attempts to engage in peace negotiations with armed groups do not represent the official position of his administration.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions in some communities where informal truces and local arrangements with bandit groups have been reported.
The governor distanced his administration from such engagements, stressing that they were neither approved nor supported by the state government.
Zamfara State has remained one of the epicentres of banditry in northwestern Nigeria, with rural communities frequently experiencing kidnappings, armed attacks, cattle rustling, and displacement over the past decade. These activities have severely disrupted farming and economic life across affected areas.
Over the years, various approaches have been adopted to address the crisis, including military operations, amnesty programmes, and negotiated peace agreements. However, many of these efforts have struggled to produce lasting stability, with violence often resurfacing after temporary reductions in attacks.
Governor Lawal argued that past peace deals have not only failed to resolve the underlying security challenges but have, in some cases, strengthened criminal groups by giving them space to reorganise.
He maintained that his administration’s approach is based on strengthening security operations, improving intelligence coordination, and ensuring sustained pressure on armed groups until they are dismantled.
The governor also highlighted ongoing collaboration between the Zamfara State Government and federal security agencies, including the military, police, and intelligence services. He said this cooperation has contributed to gradual improvements in some previously volatile areas.
According to him, certain communities that were once highly affected by bandit attacks have recently experienced a reduction in incidents due to intensified security presence and targeted operations.
Despite these developments, Lawal acknowledged that insecurity has not yet been fully eliminated, noting that continued effort is required to restore lasting peace across the state.
He urged residents to support security agencies by sharing credible information that could assist ongoing operations, stressing that community involvement is critical in addressing the security challenges.
Traditional rulers and community leaders were also encouraged to avoid engaging in unofficial negotiations with armed groups, as such actions could undermine official security efforts.
The governor’s remarks reflect the broader national debate on how best to address banditry in Nigeria’s northwest, where insecurity has persisted despite multiple intervention strategies.
While some stakeholders advocate for dialogue as a way to achieve short-term relief for affected communities, others argue that negotiations often fail due to the fragmented structure of bandit groups and the difficulty of enforcing agreements.
For the Zamfara State Government, however, the position remains unchanged: negotiations with armed groups are not an option.
Lawal reaffirmed that the focus of his administration will remain on strengthening security institutions, restoring public confidence, and ensuring that displaced communities can safely return to their homes and livelihoods.
He concluded by stressing that lasting peace in Zamfara can only be achieved through sustained security operations and the complete restoration of government authority across all affected areas. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
