Government stronger than bandits, peace deals not an option — Gov Lawal

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s rejection of negotiations with bandits, insisting that peace deals with criminal groups are not an option in the state.

The governor made the position known in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna, where he stressed that his government remains committed to a military-led approach to tackling insecurity.

Lawal said it is unacceptable for any individual or group to broker peace agreements with bandits, adding that those engaging in such arrangements are doing so on their own and do not represent the state government.

According to him, his administration has consistently maintained a hardline stance against dialogue with armed groups responsible for killings, kidnappings and attacks on communities across Zamfara.

He said, “Seeking a truce with bandits is not my opinion and never will be,” stressing that the state would not compromise with criminal elements.

The governor noted that reports of recent truce arrangements in some parts of the state were not sanctioned by his government.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of security agencies to defeat banditry, saying no criminal group is stronger than the Nigerian state.

“The government is stronger than any bandit group,” he said, adding that sustained operations and coordination among security agencies would eventually bring lasting peace.

Lawal maintained that previous attempts at negotiation had failed and often emboldened criminal groups rather than ending insecurity.

He said the ongoing security strategy in Zamfara was already yielding results, with some previously volatile areas experiencing relative calm due to intensified military operations.

The governor urged residents to remain patient and continue supporting security agencies, assuring that efforts to dismantle criminal networks would not be relaxed.

He reiterated that lasting peace in the state can only be achieved through decisive action against banditry rather than negotiated settlements.

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