Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed that his administration will not negotiate with bandits, insisting that military operations and other security measures remain the only viable path to restoring peace across the state.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna, Lawal said his government would not support any form of peace deal with armed groups responsible for killings, kidnappings and attacks on communities.
The governor stressed that individuals engaging in discussions or entering agreements with bandits do so in their personal capacities and do not represent the Zamfara State Government.
According to him, his administration has consistently maintained a firm stance against negotiations with criminal elements, arguing that previous peace deals failed to produce lasting results and, in some cases, emboldened the perpetrators.
“I do not support negotiating with bandits, and it will never be part of my strategy,” Lawal said.
He also dismissed reports suggesting that recent truce arrangements in parts of the state had received official backing, clarifying that his government neither authorised nor participated in such agreements.
Expressing confidence in the capabilities of the nation’s security agencies, the governor said no criminal group possesses the strength to overpower the state, noting that ongoing military offensives and inter-agency collaboration are yielding positive outcomes.
Lawal pointed to improvements in security in some previously affected communities, attributing the progress to sustained operations against criminal networks.
He urged residents to continue supporting security personnel and remain patient as efforts to combat banditry intensify across the state.
The governor maintained that lasting peace and stability in Zamfara can only be achieved through decisive security action rather than negotiated settlements with armed groups.
