Governor Lawal appeals for increased military presence in Zamfara State

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has called for an increase in the number of military personnel deployed to Zamfara state. He made the request on Monday when he visited the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in Abuja.

A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said that Lawal met with the CDS at the Defence Headquarters in the Nigerian capital to discuss the security situation in Zamfara.

The statement noted that during the meeting, Lawal expressed concern over the resurgence of attacks in parts of the state.

He appealed to the CDSto deploy more troops and necessary weapons to the state.

“I am here to discuss the issue of insecurity that has been affecting Zamfara State. I was here a few months ago for the same reason,” said Governor Lawal, per the sttaement. “Recently, there have been recurring issues with bandit attacks in some areas of the state.

“[On Sunday] an attack occurred in Tsafe Local Government Area, resulting in fatalities, including a member of our Community Protection Guards (CPG). Military operational vehicles including those of the CPG were set on fire by bandits.

“We are experiencing a shortage of personnel in Zamfara as some officers have been redeployed to the North-East,” he said, referring to Nigeria’s North-East geopolitical zone, which comprises of the states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. The Nigerian military has been battling a decade-long insurgency in the zone..

He continued: “Farmers are unable to tend to their farms and the continuous assaults have claimed numerous lives.

“I would like to use this opportunity to urge you to mobilize and deploy more troops to Zamfara. Such action is crucial for combating the threat of insecurity and reinstating peace in the state.

“The deployment of security forces will undoubtedly uplift the people’s spirits and discourage criminals from engaging in their nefarious deeds.”

Responding, the CDS appreciated Governor Lawal’s efforts in fighting banditry in Zamfara.

He said: “I want to express my appreciation for your efforts in combatting insecurity. We plan to adjust and reposition resources using the same approach as Maiduguri.

“We are convening a conference with all theatre commanders and stakeholders to address the issue of attacks which deeply sadden us.”