Gov. Dauda Lawal says his government will spare no effort to restore law and order in the bandits’- ravaged areas of Zamfara.
Lawal gave the assurance while unveiling 25 units of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and an 80-meter endurance surveillance drone capable of covering 50 kilometres and operating continuously for eight hours.
This is contained in a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Suleiman Idris, on Wednesday in Gusau.
Speaking before the inauguration, Lawal said the Defence Minister’s presence did not only reinforced the depth of federal and Zamfara State synergy, it 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.”
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,” Lawal said.
According to him, the state government had distributed 150 new Hilux vehicles to the security forces, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, NSCDC, among others.
“Additionally, 20 Toyota Buffaloes were procured—10 armoured, and 10 soft-body.
“No fewer than 600 specialised motorcycles have been provided for rapid response in tough terrain. These efforts have significantly contributed to recent successes.
“Beyond ground mobility, the integration of unmanned aerial systems expands reconnaissance reach.
“This is why we are also providing the drones. Aerial surveillance improves situational awareness, assists terrain assessment, and supports more precise coordination between command centres and field units.
“Real-time information strengthens decision-making and reduces operational blind spots,” Lawal added.
According to him, the assets represent structured public investment and collective trust insisting that deployment must be intelligence-guided and strategically prioritised.
Maintenance schedules must be strictly observed. Operational discipline must remain uncompromising. Long-term effectiveness depends on professional stewardship.
“To our officers and soldiers facing tough conditions, we honour your sacrifice and support your families.
” The government’s role goes beyond mere praise; it must provide the necessary protective and operational tools to enable you to perform effectively. Improving your safety also safeguards our communities,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of Defence,. retired Gen. Christopher Musa, who unveiled the APCs and the drone in a colorful ceremony, commended Lawal for his unwavering commitment to restore the state on the part of sustainable peace.
Musa said that the procurement of the armoured vehicles by the Zamfara Government had demonstrated the governor’s unwavering commitment restoring law and order to the state.
“From what I have seen, if we continue like this in the second term, Zamfara will look like Dubai.
“The protection of lives and properties rises above party lines, political affiliations and differences.
“That is why I am particularly very happy to be here. That you have been a state executive who has done it for everyone, you are very distinct and very determined in what you are doing.
“It takes courage and firm conviction for sub-national leadership to commit substantial resources towards strengthening public safety, and the best thing about this is that everything has been paid for.
“This sends a strong message to the criminals,” Musa said.
The stakeholders including Heads of security agencies and traditional rulers, among others, attended the epochal event.
