Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal reiterates that his administration will not negotiate or enter peace deals with bandits and other armed criminal groups operating in the state. Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Lawal says the government’s position is that such arrangements are unacceptable. He adds that brokering peace agreements with bandits is an offence under Zamfara State law or policy, and presents the stance as part of the state government’s approach to tackling insecurity.
The governor also argues that past efforts involving negotiations have not produced lasting peace and may instead embolden criminals. He further clarifies that any recent truce efforts or proposed ceasefires in parts of the state carried out by individuals do not reflect the official position of the Zamfara government.
Lawal states that the administration instead relies on military operations and law enforcement to address violence, kidnappings and killings attributed to the armed groups. Across the reports, his message is consistent: dialogue with bandits is not an option for the state government.
