Governor Dauda Lawal has strongly reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering stance against negotiating with bandits in Zamfara State.
Responding to recent misinterpretations of his interview with BBC Hausa, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, clarified that Governor Lawal has never wavered on his commitment to an aggressive security strategy.
“The banditry issue has been a significant concern for people across Zamfara State, Northwest, and the entire country for decades,” the statement read. “Governor Lawal made security his top priority during his campaign and has since fulfilled that promise with a relentless offensive against criminals terrorizing the state.”
The governor’s interview with BBC Hausa was reportedly misrepresented by some media platforms, leading to public confusion. However, Idris emphasized that Lawal’s position has always been clear and consistent.
“It should be made clear and on record that Governor Dauda Lawal’s position remains undisputed: no responsible government will negotiate with killers from a position of weakness. Negotiations should only occur from a position of strength,” he stated.
Governor Lawal has previously reiterated that his administration’s approach is yielding results, with many volatile areas of Zamfara experiencing a return to peace.
“The strategy we are implementing to combat banditry is producing remarkable results, as many volatile areas of the state are experiencing a return to peace. All that resonates from Zamfara is the success narrative of leaders and hundreds of bandits eliminated daily,” the statement added.
For Governor Lawal, the only path to peace is through forceful action, not compromise. “If there is any opportunity for negotiation, the bandits must surrender their weapons and repent without any conditions or terms attached,” he declared.
With his administration standing firm on this security strategy, Zamfara continues to witness a determined fight against banditry, restoring safety and stability to the region.
