Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s firm stance against negotiating with bandits, emphasising that his government remained committed to an all-out offensive against criminal elements in the state.
A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, clarified that Lawal’s recent interview with the BBC Hausa service was deliberately misrepresented by certain media platforms to mislead the public.
According to Idris, the governor’s stance has remained unwavering because no responsible government negotiates with killers from a position of weakness.
He said, “The banditry issue has been a significant concern for people across Zamfara State, North-West, and the entire country for decades.
“This is one reason Governor Dauda Lawal stated in his campaign manifesto before the 2023 general elections that security would be his top priority, pledging to implement measures to address the situation.
“Governor Lawal has been vindicated as it represents a promise that has been kept and fulfilled.
“Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has prioritised the security of Zamfara State, and it has taken a clear stance from the beginning that negotiating with bandits is nothing but a ‘snipe hunt.’
“In various media interviews, the governor has restated that the Zamfara State Government will not negotiate with the bandits terrorising the state.
“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.”
Addressing claims that the governor contradicted himself in his BBC Hausa interview, Idris clarified that Lawal has always maintained that any potential negotiation must be unconditional—bandits must surrender their weapons and repent without terms.
“Governor Lawal has been consistent from the outset: his administration will not engage in any deal that legitimises criminals. Our strategy is working, and Zamfara is on the path to reclaiming 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.”