Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has stated that he will only engage in negotiations with bandits provided they cease their murderous activities and turn in their weapons.

The governor had previously been adamantly opposed to making amends with bandits.

Alhaji Faruk Ahmad, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Mobilization, stated in July 2024 that the administration would not be compelled to engage in negotiations with bandits due to pressure from either the inside or the outside.

Ahmad reiterated that the administration would not make amends with any bandit leader but would keep fighting them, pointing out that the actions done by the government were having a beneficial effect.

“I have faith that God Almighty will eventually defend the current government. I would like to reiterate that we will not make amends with any bandit leader. We are going to keep fighting them. He had declared, “Those who are willing to surrender should do so, and those who are not will be fought.”

However, Governor Lawal stated in an interview with the BBC Hausa service that the government was not completely excluding out talking to robbers.

However, he emphasized that all conversations must be based on honesty and truth.

“A lot of people have been hurt, and some have lost their wives and parents,” he said. Therefore, rather than always concentrating just on the bandits, it is crucial to analyze their situation and decide how to help them in light of the losses they documented.

He revealed that the administration is making progress against the bandits.

“On Friday, more than fifty terrorists were killed in Tungar Fulani, which is part of the Zurmi/Shinkafi axis.”

Among the 65 other bandits, Bello Turji’s loyalists, such as Sani Mainasara, Sani Black, Kachallah Auta, Audu Gajere, Kabiru Jangero, and Dangajere, have also been killed. All of them have been killed.

“They should either lay down their weapons or we continue with our decisive action against them,” he added, reaffirming that the momentum would be maintained until banditry is subdued.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.