Insecurity: We’ll Never Enter Peace Deals With Terrorists — Gov Lawal Vows

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has declared that his administration will never enter into any peace agreement with terrorists operating in the state, insisting that the government has the capacity to defeat criminal elements threatening communities.

The governor made the declaration during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, where he reiterated his administration’s firm position against negotiating with armed groups responsible for killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes across Zamfara.

Lawal stated that entering into peace deals with bandits was unacceptable under his administration, describing such arrangements as counterproductive and incapable of delivering lasting security.

According to him, the state government remains committed to a security strategy focused on military action, intelligence gathering and enforcement measures rather than dialogue with terrorists.

The governor said any individual or group engaging in peace negotiations with bandits does so independently and does not represent the official position of the Zamfara State Government.

His comments followed reports that some individuals had recently entered into a truce arrangement with armed groups operating in parts of the state.

Lawal stressed that such actions were against the government’s approach to addressing insecurity, adding that previous attempts at negotiations with criminal groups had failed to bring sustainable peace.

“Seeking a truce with bandits is not my opinion and never will be,” the governor said.

He maintained that his administration would not compromise with individuals responsible for terrorising residents and disrupting economic and social activities in the state.

Lawal argued that repeated negotiations with bandits had, in some cases, strengthened criminal networks by giving them opportunities to regroup and continue attacks against communities.

The governor assured residents that the government would continue to support security agencies in their efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks across Zamfara.

He said the state remained committed to restoring peace through coordinated operations involving security forces and relevant law enforcement agencies.

Zamfara has been one of the states most affected by banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region, with communities facing frequent attacks, kidnappings and displacement.

The governor’s position aligns with calls from some security stakeholders who have advocated stronger enforcement measures against armed criminal groups rather than granting them concessions.

Lawal urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information to help improve intelligence operations and protect communities from further attacks.