Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has issued an uncompromising declaration that his administration will never negotiate with bandits, insisting that security forces will sustain military operations until criminal groups either surrender unconditionally or face the full weight of the law. The governor's position was conveyed by his Chief of Staff, Mukhtar Musa, during the inauguration of the secretariat of the Association of Zamfara State Indigenes Residing in Kaduna on Sunday, 5 July 2026. "The governor will never negotiate with bandits. Those willing to surrender should do so or face the law," Musa said, delivering the governor's message to a gathering that included government officials, traditional rulers, politicians, community leaders, and members of the association from Kaduna, Abuja, and other parts of the country.
The declaration reinforces Lawal's long-standing hardline stance against negotiating with armed groups terrorising communities across the state. In June 2026, the governor had previously stated that seeking peace deals with criminal groups remains unacceptable in Zamfara, adding that it is an offence in the state to broker peace agreements with bandits. "Seeking a truce with bandits is not my opinion and never will be," Lawal had declared, reiterating his commitment to a hardline approach against criminal elements. Addressing growing public concern over worsening insecurity in the state, the governor has consistently pushed back against calls for dialogue with bandits, including reported attempts by some community elders to initiate negotiations.
At the event in Kaduna, Musa emphasised that the Lawal administration remains committed to ending insecurity through sustained collaboration with security agencies across the state. He said the government would continue providing logistics, equipment, ammunition, and other operational support to security forces fighting criminal elements. Musa added that the administration would sustain ongoing offensives against criminal elements until lasting peace is restored across the state. He also stressed the importance of intelligence gathering, urging residents to support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities. "Intelligence from residents remains critical to winning the fight against insecurity," he stated, calling on citizens to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies for immediate action.
The Chief of Staff assured residents that the governor remained committed to restoring peace and delivering meaningful development projects across Zamfara. He described the gathering as important, reflecting unity among Zamfara indigenes living outside their home state, and commended the organisers for successfully establishing the association's state secretariat in Kaduna. Musa announced that the Zamfara Government would donate N5 million to support the association's activities.
The Chairman of the Association of Zamfara State Indigenes Residing in Kaduna, Garba Balarabe, described the inauguration of the secretariat as a historic milestone for Zamfara indigenes residing in Kaduna. He said the secretariat would serve as a centre for unity, coordination, and welfare of members. Balarabe added that the association distributed 280 bags of 10kg rice, vegetable oil, and spaghetti to less privileged members and appealed to the Zamfara Government to support the association in acquiring a permanent office in Kaduna. The Chairman of the occasion, Zamfara Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr Abdulrahman Tumbido, praised the association's humanitarian initiative, noting that many Zamfara indigenes had relocated to Kaduna due to insecurity in their home state. He, however, expressed confidence that peace and security would soon return to Zamfara.
The governor's uncompromising stance comes as Zamfara State remains one of the epicentres of banditry in Nigeria's North-West region, with armed groups operating from forest enclaves and launching attacks across several states. The military, through Operation Fansan Yamma and other coordinated offensives, has sustained operations against terrorist and bandit groups in the region. In recent weeks, troops have recorded significant successes, including neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, destroying bandit camps, and recovering weapons and ammunition. Despite these efforts, the security situation remains fragile, with communities continuing to face threats from armed groups.
Governor Lawal's administration has made security a top priority since he assumed office. According to a statement from the governor's spokesperson, Lawal has previously visited communities attacked by bandits to demonstrate his administration's commitment to their security. "Since the start of my administration, I have made it clear that I won't negotiate with the bandits who are killing our people, and that remains the case. My administration will never negotiate with them because they have never shown any sincerity," the governor had said during a condolence visit to affected communities. As the military offensive continues and the government maintains its refusal to negotiate, the people of Zamfara watch and wait, hoping that the combination of sustained military pressure and community cooperation will finally bring an end to the banditry that has claimed too many lives and disrupted too many livelihoods across the state.
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