Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State says banditry would be eliminated within two months if he had direct control over security agencies operating in the state.
In a video recorded in Hausa, Lawal said he has access to technology that tracks the daily movements of bandits but cannot act on the information because security agencies only take directives from Abuja.
“I bought 150 brand new cars and distributed them to security agencies, even though I cannot ask them to do or undo,” the governor said. “I swear to Allah, wherever bandits are, we know. I can show you on this phone wherever they are… but we can do nothing. If I had the power to give directives, this issue would come to an end in two months.”
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Zamfara is among the northern states hardest hit by armed banditry. On August 23, gunmen killed two residents and abducted at least 100 people in Bukkuyum LGA. Earlier in the month, 24 people were killed and more than 140 abducted in Kauran Namoda.
Lawal had previously said in 2024 that he could end banditry in Zamfara in just two weeks if given the necessary powers.
