Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, has ruled out the possibility of negotiating with armed groups terrorising communities across the state, insisting that security operations remain the only viable option for ending banditry.
The Governor stated this while responding to renewed calls from some stakeholders advocating dialogue with bandits as a strategy for restoring peace in the troubled state.
Lawal maintained that engaging criminal elements in negotiations would amount to rewarding violence and undermining the authority of government. According to him, the state cannot afford to create an impression that terrorists wield more power than constituted authorities. “I do not accept that terrorists are stronger than the government. Therefore, as Governor of Zamfara State, I will not negotiate with terrorists”, he stated.
The Governor questioned the effectiveness of previous peace arrangements entered into with armed groups in some parts of the country, arguing that such agreements had failed to produce lasting security or halt attacks on communities. He stressed that granting legitimacy to criminal groups through negotiations could weaken ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace and stability.
Despite persistent security challenges in parts of the state, Lawal said the government remains firmly in control, and is working closely with security forces to intensify operations against bandits across affected areas.
The Governor also reacted to recent protests by residents along the Shinkafi–Ƙauran-Namoda axis, where citizens demonstrated against increasing attacks and kidnappings. While acknowledging the concerns of the protesters, he said residents had every right to express their frustrations and assured them that additional measures were being implemented in order to safeguard lives and property.
Lawal urged citizens to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies as the government pursues efforts aimed at ending insecurity and restoring normalcy throughout the state.
