Lawal’s Zamfara government rejects peace talks with bandits, insisting on military action

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State reiterated that his administration will not engage in peace talks, or negotiations with bandits, and that military action against the criminals is the best option.

The governor, who stated this during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna, stressed that peace agreements with criminal groups remain unacceptable.

He emphasized that his government will continue to rely on military operations and other security measures to tackle persistent insecurity in Zamfara.

Lawal said individuals or groups seeking to broker a peace deal with the bandits were acting independently and without approval or support from the state government.

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

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

He stressed that reports of recent ceasefire arrangements in some areas of Zamfara did not originate from his administration, adding that the state government does not allow any form of dialogue with bandit groups.

Lawal expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to address the security challenges facing the country, arguing that no criminal organization has the power to challenge the authority and capacity of the Nigerian state.

“The government is stronger than any bandit group,” he said.

The governor noted that continued military operations, intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies will ultimately weaken and dismantle criminal networks operating in Zamfara and neighboring states.

He argued that previous efforts by the government and stakeholders to negotiate with the bandits had failed to produce lasting peace, and warned that such arrangements often emboldened criminal groups and encouraged further attacks.

Lawal said the security strategy currently implemented by his government is starting to produce positive results, with several communities previously considered flashpoints of conflict now relatively peaceful due to intensive security operations.

He appealed to residents to remain patient and continue to support the security forces by providing credible information that can assist ongoing operations.

The governor assured citizens that his administration would not relent in efforts to restore peace and security across the state, and asserted that decisive action against banditry remained the only sustainable path to lasting stability.

He reiterated that Zamfara would not compromise with criminal gangs and vowed to continue supporting security agencies working to eliminate the threat posed by bandits in the state.