Banditry will end in two months if states control security agencies — Gov Lawal

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has declared that banditry would be wiped out within two months if state governors had direct control over security agencies.

In a viral video on Wednesday, Lawal lamented that despite being the state’s chief security officer, security operatives in Zamfara take orders only from Abuja, limiting his ability to act.

“I swear to Almighty Allah, I know the locations of bandit leaders in Zamfara.

“With my phone, I can show you their hideouts today.

“But we cannot act because we don’t have the power,” he said.

“If I had control, banditry would end in two months.”

The governor recounted instances where security forces failed to respond to alerts, including an attack in Shinkafi Local Government, because they awaited clearance from the capital.

Lawal noted that his administration has continued to support security agencies with logistics, while also recruiting thousands of Community Protection Guards and 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe states to strengthen the fight.

He added that the state government is prepared to provide schools, water, and other amenities to tackle grievances driving insecurity.

While urging residents to remain patient, Lawal pledged to keep pushing for peace.

“Most of the time, I shed tears for my people because I can see a problem but cannot order security operatives to act in time.

“We have entrusted everything to God, and surely He will rescue us,” he said.