Zamfara Terrorism: Lawal Calls For Joint Security Operations Across Northwest

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has declared that terrorists and bandits who refuse peace must face the full force of the law as his administration intensifies its efforts to restore security across the state.

Lawal made his position clear during the Northwest Security Summit hosted in Gusau, where he urged security agencies to move beyond isolated responses and develop coordinated strategies capable of dismantling criminal networks.

The governor said the region’s security crisis has affected communities, agriculture, education and economic activity, making the restoration of peace an urgent priority.

He argued that criminal groups should not be allowed to exploit state boundaries to escape security operations.

According to Lawal, authorities must coordinate operations across the Northwest, improve intelligence sharing and target the routes and networks used by terrorists to move people, weapons and supplies.

The governor has also maintained that negotiations with bandits are not an option for his administration.

He previously said the government would sustain military operations until criminal elements surrendered or faced the consequences of their actions.

Lawal’s administration has taken several steps to strengthen the state’s security response, including establishing the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund and Community Protection Guards.

The governor has also called for greater attention to local intelligence, arguing that residents of affected communities can provide important information about unusual movements and the activities of criminal groups.

At the summit, Lawal urged participants to produce practical measures capable of disrupting criminal supply chains and dismantling the networks of financiers, informants and facilitators supporting terrorists.

He said the objective must be to deny criminals safe havens and escape routes while restoring confidence among residents.

Lawal has repeatedly assured the people of Zamfara that his government will continue to support security agencies and pursue every legitimate avenue to end the violence.