Gov Lawal Restates Commitment to Eliminating Bandits in Zamfara

Governor Dauda Lawal says his government will spare no effort to restore law and order in areas ravaged by bandits in Zamfara.

Mr Lawal gave the assurance while unveiling 25 units of armoured personnel carriers and an 80-meter endurance surveillance drone capable of covering 50 kilometres and operating continuously for eight hours.

This was disclosed in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Suleiman Idris, on Wednesday in Gusau.

Speaking before the inauguration, Mr Lawal said the defence minister’s presence not only reinforced the depth of federal and Zamfara state synergy, but it also reflected a united front and collective resolve to establish and defend lawful authority.

He said, “For years, Zamfara faced a security crisis disrupting life. Rural areas experienced instability, farmers faced uncertainty, and movement along key roads was cautious. Markets underperformed, affecting productivity, income, and confidence.

“These were widespread issues impacting daily life and the economy. Under our Rescue Mission, we moved from fragmented responses to structured reform. The Zamfara State Security Trust Fund provided a predictable framework for logistical support to security forces. We strengthened collaboration with the Armed Forces, police, and other agencies through regular coordination.”

Mr Lawal said that his administration had successfully floated the Community Protection Guards, insisting that this was duly done in accordance with the law to enhance grassroots intelligence and early-warning capacity.

“These measures were designed to ensure that security intervention is supported by financing discipline, legal clarity, operational coordination and logistics facilitation. As an administration, we spare no expense to ensure the logistical support our security agencies on the ground receive.

“When we operationalised the Homegrown Community Protection Guards, we provided them with 60 Brand New and well-equipped Hilux operational vehicles and motorcycles to ensure adequate coverage, swift response and effective first responder services,” Mr Lawal explained.

According to him, the state government had distributed 150 new Hilux vehicles to the security forces, including the Nigeria Police Force and State Security Service, NSCDC, among others.

(NAN)