Zamfara Governor Rules Out Talks With Terrorists, Insists on Military Action

(Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal. Photo by Nation News)

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has firmly declared that his administration will not engage in negotiations with terrorists, insisting that the fight against insecurity must be pursued through security operations and strategic interventions rather than peace deals with armed groups.

Addressing growing public concern over worsening insecurity in the state, the governor pushed back against calls for dialogue with bandits, including reported attempts by some community elders to initiate negotiations.

He argued that such an approach would be unacceptable, warning that it would send the wrong message and undermine government authority by implying that terrorists hold greater power than the state itself.

Lawal questioned the effectiveness of negotiation-based approaches taken in other states, noting that attacks have not necessarily ceased even where dialogue has occurred.

He maintained that as governor, he refuses to accept the notion that armed groups are stronger than the government, and reaffirmed his stance against any negotiation with terrorists.

While acknowledging that insecurity remains a serious challenge in Zamfara, the governor insisted that the state has not lost control of the situation.

He also responded to recent protests by residents along the Shinkafi–Kaura Namoda Road over persistent attacks in the area, affirming that citizens have every right to express their frustrations.

He stressed that as a democratically elected leader, his role is to listen to public concerns, address them where possible, and be transparent about limitations where government capacity falls short.