Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara, says he knows the whereabouts of every bandit kingpin in his state.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Lawal broke down in tears while recounting recent attacks, noting that the major hindrance preventing the end of the crisis is that security operatives in Zamfara still take instructions from Abuja instead of the state government.
Lawal said he could end the menace with his knowledge of the terrain and the locations of criminal leaders if he had the necessary authorities.
“I can tell you the whereabouts of every bandit kingpin in Zamfara, even with my phone. I can point out to you where they are right now. But I do not control security agencies, and that is the problem,” the governor said.
He mentioned a recent incident in Shinkafi LGA where dozens were killed, saying security forces on the ground refused to move because they lacked authorisation from Abuja.
“People were under attack, and I kept calling the security agencies. They told me they were waiting for orders from Abuja. How do I save my people in such a situation?” he asked.
Lawal stressed that his administration continuously supports security operatives with logistics and funding despite the restrictions.
He said 150 patrol vehicles had been distributed to the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS) and civil defence, while thousands of community protection guards and over 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe states had been recruited to join the fight.
The governor noted the need to address the root causes of rural violence.
“We are working to provide water, schools and other amenities because we know that when people live well, peace is easier to achieve,” he explained.
He accused political opponents of exploiting the crisis for selfish gain while warning that their actions were damaging the welfare of Zamfara people.
“The politicisation of insecurity is not hurting me as a person; it is destroying Zamfara. Some people do not want us to succeed, but I will not stop trying,” he stated.
He said the heavy security deployment during the recently conducted by-election in the state is proof that resources exist but are being prioritised for politics rather than the protection of lives.
