Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has once again firmly restated his administration's refusal to negotiate with bandits terrorising the state, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach focused on security enhancement and direct confrontation. The governor made this declaration during condolence visits to communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area that suffered recent bandit attacks.
On Thursday, August 14, 2025, Governor Lawal visited Kagara, Dan Isa, and Kasuwar Daji, where he offered condolences to victims' families and assessed the impact of the attacks firsthand. The visits, part of an ongoing outreach, demonstrated the government's solidarity with affected residents and its commitment to protecting lives and property.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor highlighted security as his administration's top priority. "Security is my government’s top priority, and we are dedicating all our efforts to making sure we are doing it right – protecting the lives and properties of our people," Lawal said.
He recounted the multi-day condolence tour: “Yesterday, I began a condolence visit to some communities that were recently targeted by bandits. Since we could not finish it yesterday, we are resuming the visit today. We visited three communities, where I met with the people and offered them words of encouragement from the government.”
Reiterating his longstanding position, Lawal stated: “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.”
This stance contrasts with approaches in neighboring states and previous administrations, where peace accords or dialogues were attempted. Lawal argued that engaging bandits lacks legitimacy, as they have consistently failed to honor commitments. His policy prioritizes military operations, community protection guards, and logistical support for security forces.
Beyond security, the governor addressed infrastructural deficits exacerbating vulnerability in rural areas. “I have noticed that the roads leading to most of these communities are in very poor condition. My government will repair these roads for the benefit of the communities,” he promised, pledging rehabilitation to improve access and economic activity.
The visits come amid persistent banditry in Zamfara, one of Nigeria's northwest states hardest hit by armed criminal groups involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and village raids. Recent attacks in Kaura Namoda LGA underscored the urgency, prompting the governor's direct engagement to boost morale and gather on-ground intelligence.
Political analysts note that Lawal's hardline approach, in place since his inauguration in May 2023, has yielded mixed results: some areas report reduced incidents due to intensified military presence, while others face sporadic escalations. The administration has invested in vehicles for security agencies and recruited local vigilantes to complement federal forces.
Critics, including opposition figures, have accused the governor of politicizing security or insufficient coordination with federal authorities. However, Lawal maintains that his strategy is producing gradual gains, with several notorious bandit leaders neutralized in joint operations.
Community leaders welcomed the visits, viewing them as evidence of governmental concern. The Emir of Kaura Namoda has previously commended similar outreach efforts for restoring hope among residents.
As banditry remains a regional challenge affecting Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kaduna, Lawal's refusal to negotiate aligns with calls from security experts advocating kinetic operations over dialogue. Federal support, including troop deployments under Operation Hadarin Daji, continues to bolster state efforts.
Governor Lawal's actions reinforce his campaign promises on security, positioning Zamfara's response as confrontational rather than conciliatory. With elections approaching in 2027, sustaining peace will be pivotal for his administration's legacy.
This development highlights the complex dynamics of Nigeria's northwest insecurity, where governors navigate limited control over security architecture while addressing root causes like poverty, poor infrastructure, and illegal mining allegedly fueling banditry.
