Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal says he knows bandit leaders’ locations but lacks authority over security forces.
He lamented that agencies only take orders from Abuja, limiting swift action against attacks.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has said he is aware of the locations and movements of bandit leaders causing unrest in the state but feels restricted because security agencies do not take orders from him.
In a viral video, Lawal expressed frustration, noting that while he has detailed information on the activities of the criminals, his hands are tied since the heads of security agencies in Zamfara answer only to directives from Abuja.
According to him, he has access to intelligence showing where the bandit leaders are based and even their movements, but without authority over the security forces, he cannot act decisively. The governor explained that if he had direct control, he was confident the menace of banditry could be eliminated within a short time. He added that it was heartbreaking to see problems clearly but lack the power to give the necessary orders for immediate action.
Citing an example, Lawal recalled an incident in Shinkafi Local Government Area where bandits launched an attack. Although security operatives were informed promptly, they allegedly refused to respond because they had not been cleared by their superiors in Abuja.
The governor stressed that despite these limitations, his administration has continued to provide resources to boost security. Recently, the state distributed 150 patrol vehicles to various agencies, engaged thousands of Community Protection Guards, and brought in 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe to support local operations.
Lawal said these measures were taken even though he has no command over the armed forces, explaining that his primary responsibility remains safeguarding the lives and property of the people of Zamfara.
