Zamfara gov: Why I refused to pay N300m ransom for my kidnapped brothers

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated his opposition to ransom payments, revealing that he refused to pay N300 million demanded by kidnappers for the release of his brothers in 2019.

The governor disclosed this on Thursday while speaking at the ARISE News and THISDAY Townhall Conference in Abuja, where he argued that paying ransom only strengthens criminal networks and encourages more kidnappings.

Lawal said his brothers were held captive for three months after they were abducted, but he stood by his decision not to negotiate with the kidnappers despite mounting pressure.

He revealed that the the abductors eventually released the victims without receiving any payment.

“My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and these criminals were demanding about N300 million. I told them I was not going to pay a dime. If they wanted, they could kill them,” the governor said.

Lawal maintained that yielding to ransom demands only incentivises criminal groups to continue targeting innocent citizens.

“Once we continue paying ransom, we are encouraging them to keep kidnapping people. If nobody pays, they will eventually realise there is nothing to gain,” Lawal said.

The governor stressed that his administration would never negotiate with armed groups or pay ransom under any circumstances.

“I will not negotiate, and I will not pay ransom to any criminal, no matter what happens,” he declared.

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Lawal also renewed his call for the creation of state police, insisting that governors should have direct operational control over security agencies if they are expected to guarantee the safety of residents.

He lamented that despite being regarded as the chief security officer of the state, he lacks the authority to issue operational directives to security agencies.

Lawal argued that the current policing structure limits the ability of state governments to effectively respond to security threats.

Lawal also pointed to what he described as chronic underfunding, inadequate training and poor welfare within the Nigeria Police Force, saying these challenges have weakened the country’s security architecture.

The governor maintained that sustained investment in security personnel, equipment and technology, rather than negotiating with criminals, remains the most effective approach to tackling banditry and kidnapping across Nigeria.