Gov. Lawal vows the state will never negotiate peace deals with terrorists.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal declared that his administration will never enter into a peace deal with terrorists, asserting that the government is stronger than the armed groups.

The comments were made during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service.

Lawal said that brokering peace agreements with bandits is an offence in Zamfara State and that his administration is firmly opposed to such arrangements.

He emphasized that the state government has consistently taken a hard‑line position against negotiations with the armed groups that terrorise communities across the state.

The remarks came after reports that some individuals had recently entered into a truce with bandits operating in parts of the state. Lawal clarified that those actions were taken independently and do not reflect the position of the Zamfara State government.

The governor reiterated that his administration remains committed to a strategy focused on military operations and law‑enforcement actions rather than dialogue with criminal elements.

Lawal argued that prior attempts to negotiate with bandits failed to bring lasting peace and often emboldened the criminal groups.

“Seeking a truce with bandits is not my opinion and never will be,” the governor said, stressing that his government will not compromise with those responsible for killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes in Zamfara communities.