Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
GUSAU, Nigeria – Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has declared that no terrorist is stronger than the government, insisting that his administration will never negotiate with bandits and that the notorious kingpin Bello Turji will eventually be captured, while also defending residents' right to protest over worsening insecurity. The governor made the remarks during an interview with BBC Hausa on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in which he addressed the growing security challenges, community displacement, and the effectiveness of ongoing military operations across the state.
In a firm rejection of dialogue with criminal groups, Lawal dismissed calls for negotiations, arguing that such an approach would undermine state authority and send the wrong signal to terrorists. “Even in states where negotiations have taken place, have attacks completely stopped? Some may say there has been improvement, but how can a government sit down with criminals and negotiate? That would imply that terrorists are stronger than the state. I do not accept that terrorists are stronger than government. Therefore, as Governor of Zamfara State, I maintain that I will not negotiate with terrorists,” Lawal declared. The governor’s stance comes amid growing pressure from some community leaders and local stakeholders who have advocated for dialogue as a means to reduce the frequency of attacks in the region, but Lawal has remained resolute in his opposition to any form of negotiation with armed groups.
Reacting to recent protests by residents along the Shinkafi–Kaura Namoda Road over rising insecurity and repeated attacks on communities, Lawal said citizens have every right to express their frustration. “Yes, such protests occurred. People have the right to express their opinions. As governor, I cannot stop citizens from protesting. Government exists to serve the people,” he said. “If people are unhappy, we must listen to them. If their concerns can be addressed, we will address them. If something is beyond our capacity, we will explain that as well. That is democracy.” Despite public concerns, the governor rejected suggestions that bandits had overwhelmed state authorities, insisting that security forces remained in control and that displaced residents had been able to return to their communities following the deployment of security personnel.
Addressing the continued evasion of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, who remains one of the most feared figures linked to violent attacks across the North-West, Lawal expressed confidence that the wanted kingpin would eventually be arrested. “No terrorist is stronger than the government. It is only a matter of time. By Allah's grace, we will get him,” he said. When pressed on a timeline, Lawal said security operations cannot be tied to specific dates. “I cannot give a timeline. This is warfare, not a simple matter where you can predict an exact date. But based on the measures we have put in place, I am confident he will eventually be apprehended.” The governor’s comments echo similar remarks he made earlier in January 2025, when he described Turji’s days as “numbered” and expressed confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces’ ability to eliminate the bandit leader.
Lawal also defended several security initiatives introduced by his administration, confirming the creation of the Askarawa security corps and acknowledging the deployment of Civilian Joint Task Force operatives from Borno State to support ongoing operations. He noted that security agencies, including the military and police, remain actively involved in coordinated efforts to flush out criminal elements from their hideouts. “I can assure you that many operations are ongoing. We have recorded significant successes. Just two weeks ago, there were communities that had been displaced, but we deployed security personnel, and people have since returned to their normal lives. We have done this in many places and continue to do so,” he said.
The governor’s latest interview comes amid reports that community elders in some parts of Zamfara have attempted to negotiate with bandits without government approval. The Chairman of Maradun Local Government, Bello Dosara, had earlier confirmed that a group of residents from Magamin Diddi village had engaged with bandit kingpin Jammo without the government’s knowledge, a move Lawal has publicly distanced himself from. Dosara stated: “We are against reconciliation with the bandits, and Governor Dauda Lawal never supported that, but unknown to us the people chose to go on with it.” The governor’s unwavering position on non-negotiation with terrorists has drawn both praise and criticism, with some security analysts arguing that a comprehensive approach combining military pressure and targeted dialogue may be necessary to address the root causes of banditry in the North-West.
As insecurity continues to plague Zamfara State, Lawal’s message to residents and security forces alike is clear: the government will not surrender to terrorists, and the capture of Bello Turji is only a matter of time. Whether that confidence will translate into tangible results remains to be seen, but for the people of Zamfara, the promise of relief from years of violence cannot come soon enough.
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