Government Stronger Than Bandits; Peace Deal Not an Option, Says Gov. Lawal

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State reiterated that his administration opposes any negotiations with bandits, declaring that peace agreements with criminal groups are unacceptable.

He made these comments in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, which was monitored in Kaduna.

Lawal said that brokering peace agreements with bandits is an offence in Zamfara State, and that his administration remains firmly opposed, maintaining a hard‑line position against negotiations with armed groups that terrorise communities.

His remarks came after reports that a few individuals had recently entered into truce arrangements with bandits in parts of the state. He clarified that those individuals acted independently and do not reflect the stance of the Zamfara State Government.

He stressed that the administration’s strategy focuses on military operations and law‑enforcement actions, not dialogue with criminal elements. Lawal argued that past attempts at negotiation had failed to secure lasting peace