Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s opposition to negotiating with bandits, insisting that peace agreements with criminal groups remain unacceptable despite renewed discussions about local truce arrangements in parts of the state.

The governor stated this during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna, where he maintained that his government would continue to rely on military operations and other security measures to address the persistent insecurity in Zamfara.

Lawal said individuals or groups seeking to broker peace deals with bandits were acting independently and without the approval or backing of the state government.

According to him, his administration has consistently rejected negotiations with armed groups responsible for killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling and attacks on communities across the state.

“Seeking a truce with bandits is not my opinion and never will be,” the governor said, reiterating his commitment to a hardline approach against criminal elements.

He stressed that reports of recent truce arrangements in some parts of Zamfara did not originate from his administration, adding that the state government had not authorised any form of dialogue with bandit groups.

Lawal expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to overcome the security challenges facing the state, arguing that no criminal organisation possesses the strength to challenge the authority and capacity of the Nigerian state.

“The government is stronger than any bandit group,” he said.

The governor noted that sustained military operations, intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies would ultimately weaken and dismantle criminal networks operating in Zamfara and neighbouring states.

He argued that previous attempts by governments and stakeholders to negotiate with bandits had failed to deliver lasting peace, warning that such arrangements often emboldened criminal groups and encouraged further attacks.

Lawal said the security strategy currently being implemented by his administration was beginning to produce positive results, with some communities that were previously considered flashpoints experiencing relative peace due to intensified security operations.

He appealed to residents to remain patient and continue supporting security agencies through the provision of credible information that could aid ongoing operations.

The governor assured citizens that his administration would not relent in its efforts to restore peace and security across the state, insisting that decisive action against banditry remains the only sustainable path to lasting stability.

He reiterated that Zamfara would not compromise with criminal groups and pledged continued support for security agencies working to eliminate the threat posed by bandits in the state.