My phone tracks exact locations of bandits but lacks power to flush them out of Zamfara

Dauda Lawal, the Zamfara State Governor, has disclosed that his phone could track exact locations of the bandit leaders terrorising the state but cannot take direct action because he lacks control over security agencies.

Lawal, in a viral video, revealed that despite having real-time intelligence on the movements of armed groups, the fight against insecurity is hampered because security chiefs in Zamfara take orders only from Abuja.

According to him, there was a time he wept because of the things he witnessed, adding that whenever bandits appeared, he could see them and identify their locations. Lawal added that his phone revealed everything—where they came from and where they were hiding.

However, he lamented that there was nothing he could do about it.

The governor disclosed that in less than two months, insecurity could be ended if states were given direct control of security agencies.

According to him, he had recruited and mobilised nearly 2,000 sharpshooters, providing them with vehicles and ammunition to confront the bandits.

He narrated how security forces under his command were once ordered to retreat while dislodging bandits in Shinkafi, describing such interference as a major obstacle to peace.

Lawal questioned why innocent citizens—especially the poor struggling to survive—continue to suffer killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of their livelihoods. He expressed readiness to provide schools, water, and hospitals if such were the demands of the bandits to end bloodshed.

He said that if he had the authority to control the security agencies, they would end all insecurity within two weeks.

While admitting that insecurity in Zamfara has reduced compared to previous years, the governor accused unnamed political actors of exploiting the crisis for selfish gains, while urging residents to remain patient, promising that his administration would not relent until peace and stability return to Zamfara.

The governor said, “There was a time I wept because I was seeing things. Wallahi Billahi, anywhere the bandits appeared, I could see them and know their locations. My phone would reveal everything—where they came from and where they were hiding. But there was nothing we could do about it.

“In less than two months, we could end the insecurity. I took a step and went to Yobe and Maiduguri to recruit sharpshooters.

“As of now, we have almost 2,000 men that I have empowered and mobilised. I gave them brand new vehicles and purchased ammunition for them.

“There was a time they entered Shinkafi to dislodge the bandits in their hideout. I was sitting here when I received a call that they had been told to retreat. These are the kinds of challenges I have been facing.”

Lawal stated, “We have accepted the will of God. However, we will not stop what we are doing; we will ensure that there is sanity and tranquility in the state.

“People have been asking why the vulnerable—those simply looking for food in the morning and afternoon—are being killed.

“What have the poor done to deserve killings, kidnappings, or having their farm produce forcefully taken by bandits? What wrong have they committed?

“I have come to ask: what exactly do they want from us to stop these killings and kidnappings? If they want schools, I will build schools. If they want water, I will provide water. If they want hospitals, I will make them available—all for the sake of peace in the state.”

“I swear to God, if I had the authority to control the security agencies today, within two weeks we would end all this insecurity. However, I am still urging the public to exercise more patience. By God who made us, nothing has been left undone in our efforts to end insecurity in the state,” he said.

The governor added, “The level of insecurity in the state has reduced compared to before, though much of it is politically motivated. They have politicised insecurity in the state. We are praying to God to expose whoever is involved in this insecurity, those who derive happiness from it, or those who are politicising it.

“If they are using insecurity as a means to gain political positions, may God deny them. And if they already hold positions, may God take those positions away from them. The oppression is too much.

“We must not forget that we will all give an account before God. Why should anyone politicise human life?”

Source: Sahara Reporters