Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s stance against engaging in peace talks or negotiations with armed bandits terrorizing the state, insisting that such an approach only emboldens criminals.
Speaking on Thursday during a security stakeholders’ meeting in Gusau, Lawal stressed that his government would instead intensify military operations, intelligence gathering, and community vigilance to restore peace and order.
“Negotiating with bandits is a failed strategy that has brought more harm than good. It rewards criminality and undermines the sacrifices of our security forces. We will not legitimize their activities through dialogue,” the governor declared.
Lawal noted that previous administrations had attempted peace deals and amnesty programs, but such efforts did not yield lasting results, as the bandits often reneged on agreements and resumed attacks.
The governor assured residents that security agencies, with the backing of his administration, are committed to flushing out the criminal elements from forests and strongholds across the state. He also urged community leaders to cooperate with security operatives by providing timely information on suspicious movements.
“Our priority is to secure our farmlands, reopen schools, and make Zamfara safe for economic activities. This requires firmness, not appeasement,” he said.
The meeting was attended by security chiefs, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and representatives of vigilante groups, who pledged support for the governor’s no-negotiation policy.
