- Governor Dauda Lawal stated that President Tinubu isn’t receiving accurate briefings on Zamfara’s banditry crisis, which is influenced by political factors
- Lawal emphasized that a committed government could eradicate banditry in two weeks but lacks the necessary political will and control over security forces
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State believes President Bola Tinubu is not receiving accurate briefings on the banditry crisis. Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Lawal suggested that political factors are influencing the security challenges in Zamfara.
Lawal asserted that a committed government could eradicate banditry in two weeks. He stated, “Sometimes, when you’re really helpless, the security agents are not there. Even when present, they have restricted instructions. In two weeks, we can solve the problem, but the political will is lacking. We know the bandits and their locations; it’s just that there’s no political will.”
Regarding whether Tinubu is adequately briefed, Lawal responded, “Based on our conversations, no. I had to explain the entire situation and what needs to be done. Zamfara is the hub of banditry in northern Nigeria. Resolving Zamfara’s issue would solve 90 percent of the region’s banditry. With commitment and seriousness, this can be handled in two weeks. But the political will is missing.”
Lawal highlighted his lack of control over the military, police, and civil defense personnel, which hampers his administration’s efforts to combat banditry. He remarked, “Often, when you seek assistance, they are unavailable. Setting up a dedicated security outfit is essential due to the political undertones in these security issues. We face significant challenges, and sometimes, even when help is present, the personnel have restricted instructions on what to do.”
The governor’s comments underscore the complexity of the security situation in Zamfara and the need for decisive political action to address the banditry crisis effectively.