Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared that he could end banditry within two months if granted direct control of security agencies operating in the state.
Speaking in a viral video that surfaced this week, the governor lamented his limited powers over security operations despite knowing the locations of bandits’ leaders.
He claimed that with his mobile phone, he could pinpoint hideouts of criminals terrorising communities across Zamfara.
“I swear to Almighty Allah, wherever a bandit’s leader is located within Zamfara State, I know it, and if he goes out, I know. With my mobile phone, I can show you where and where these bandits are today. But we cannot do anything beyond our powers,” Lawal said.
He recounted instances where bandits launched attacks, including in Shinkafi Local Government, but security operatives failed to respond promptly because they awaited clearance from Abuja. According to him, such delays often leave residents vulnerable and deepen the crisis.
The governor admitted he often sheds tears for his people because he sees the threats clearly but lacks the authority to issue orders to security agencies.
“If today I have the power to give orders to the security agencies, I can assure you we will end banditry in Zamfara State within two months,” he stressed.
Zamfara remains one of the worst-hit states in northern Nigeria, where armed groups have displaced many and destroyed farmlands.