Report by SUNTV Global Channel
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has accused Nigeria’s security agencies of failing to act promptly on intelligence about bandits’ movements, describing the situation as frustrating and dangerous.
Speaking in a recent interview, the governor revealed that his administration possesses advanced surveillance tools, including drones and satellite systems, capable of tracking criminal activities in real time. According to him, this intelligence is consistently shared with relevant authorities such as the police, military, DSS, and civil defence corps, but is often not treated with urgency.
Lawal lamented that despite having actionable information, security operatives frequently fail to respond decisively, allowing bandits to continue their attacks.
“With technology, we can see their movements. We communicate this intelligence in real time to all security agencies, but it is not their priority. That is the frustrating part,” he said.
The governor also disclosed that he had personally briefed President Bola Tinubu about the worsening insecurity, insisting that the true situation in Zamfara State and neighbouring areas is not being accurately reported at the federal level.
According to Lawal, insecurity remains the most pressing challenge facing his administration. He noted that upon assuming office, he inherited a state grappling with years of violence, unpaid salaries, poor infrastructure, failing healthcare services, and severe financial difficulties.
He recalled that government offices, including the Government House, were disconnected from electricity due to unpaid bills, while workers endured months without salaries.
Despite progress in addressing governance issues, the governor warned that failure to prioritise intelligence-led security operations could continue to undermine peace efforts.
His comments come amid renewed attacks in the state. Recently, armed bandits invaded Moriki town in Zurmi Local Government Area, killing a senior local official, Lauwali Musa Moriki, and abducting several residents.
Witnesses said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers, firing shots and causing widespread panic. Residents also accused security agencies of failing to respond despite receiving early warnings.
Zamfara remains one of Nigeria’s worst-hit regions by banditry, with rural communities frequently targeted due to limited security presence and difficult terrain.
