FG pledges to tackle Zamfara insecurity as Lawal joins APC

The Federal Government has renewed its resolve to confront the worsening security situation in Zamfara State following Governor Dauda Lawal’s official defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the assurance on Tuesday in Gusau during a ceremony welcoming the governor into the ruling party.

He pledged that the government would deploy more security personnel and equipment to tackle banditry, which has plagued the state for years.

Shettima congratulated Lawal on his defection and assured him of the Federal Government’s full support to sustain and expand developmental initiatives in Zamfara.

He also urged residents to back the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Lawal in the 2027 general elections.

“The Federal Government will do everything humanly possible to eliminate the marauding bandits terrorising the people of this state,” Shettima said.

“We will give every necessary assistance to Governor Dauda Lawal to continue the good work he has started.”

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, announced that he would no longer contest the Zamfara governorship race in 2027, pledging his total support for Lawal’s second-term bid.

“I have withdrawn my intention to contest and will wholeheartedly support my brother, Governor Dauda Lawal, to be re-elected in 2027,” he said.

Governor Lawal, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to APC stakeholders for facilitating his smooth transition into the party.

He vowed to continue the developmental projects he began under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), promising an inclusive administration focused on the progress of Zamfara.

“I am highly elated to be a member of the APC, and I will continue to work harder for the rapid progress of our dear state,” he said.

“I assure all party members—both those who joined me from the PDP and those already in the APC—that everyone will be treated equally for the betterment of Zamfara.”

Zamfara remains one of Nigeria’s hardest-hit states by banditry, with communities experiencing frequent attacks, kidnappings, and mass displacement.

Multiple security operations have been launched over the years to curb the activities of armed groups operating across the state and neighbouring regions.