Dauda Lawal: Banditry in Zamfara would end in two weeks if I control security agencies

Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara, says banditry would become history in his state if he had control over the security outfits in the country.

Lawal spoke on Wednesday during a security summit and town hall meeting organised by Channels Television.

The governor lamented that the state has become the epicentre of kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other activities of bandits in the country.

Lawal said as a governor, he understands the problem of banditry in his state and how to address the menace.

“If I have the power now and they (referring to security outfits) are under my control, believe me, in two weeks, we will be able to finish the issue of banditry and kidnapping in my state. There are no two ways about it,” he said.

“I’m not in control. I don’t have control over the ministry, police, or civil defence.

“By name, I’m the chief security officer of my state, but when it comes to command and control, I don’t have control over any of the security outfits.

“They take their instructions from their head offices or superiors, not from the governors.

“If I’m in control, believe me, in two weeks time, banditry would be history in Zamfara state and the same applies to all the governors in northern Nigeria and even beyond.”

The Zamfara governor said the Nigerian military can tackle the rising insecurity, adding that “political interference” hinders efficiency.