Gov Lawal Shuns Peace Deals With Bandits, Commends Security Forces Over Onslaught

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s opposition to negotiating with bandits, insisting that peace agreements with criminal groups remain unacceptable despite renewed discussions about local truce arrangements in parts of the state.

The governor stated this during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by LEADERSHIP in Gusau, where he maintained that his government would continue to rely on military operations and other security measures to address the persistent insecurity in Zamfara.

Lawal said individuals or groups seeking to broker peace deals with bandits were acting independently and without the approval or backing of the state government.

According to him, his administration has consistently rejected negotiations with armed groups responsible for killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling and attacks on communities across the state.

“Seeking a truce with bandits is not my opinion and never will be,” the governor said, reiterating his commitment to a hardline approach against criminal elements.

He stressed that reports of recent truce arrangements in some parts of Zamfara did not originate from his administration, adding that the state government had not authorised any form of dialogue with bandit groups.

Lawal expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to overcome the security challenges facing the state, arguing that no criminal organisation possesses the strength to challenge the authority and capacity of the Nigerian state.