Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has opened the door for potential dialogue with bandits operating in the state—though on one critical condition: they must first stop killing innocent civilians and surrender their weapons. His statement marks a significant shift in the state’s strategy in dealing with the insurgency, which has plagued the region for years.
Governor Lawal, who had previously taken a hardline stance against negotiating with armed criminals, now says he is willing to consider talks, but only if the bandits demonstrate genuine intent by ending the violence and laying down their arms. This conditional approach could potentially pave the way for a resolution to the conflict that has destabilized large portions of Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Governor Lawal emphasized the dire consequences of the ongoing bloodshed. “A lot of innocent lives have been lost,” he said. “Many families have been torn apart by these criminals. It is important that we consider the victims and their suffering first, rather than always focusing on the bandits’ demands.”
Governor Shifts from Staunch Opposition to Conditional Talks
Lawal’s willingness to explore talks with bandits comes after months of government efforts to confront the insurgency through military force. Since taking office, the governor has repeatedly stated that his administration would never engage in any form of reconciliation with bandit leaders. In July 2024, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Mobilization, Alhaji Faruk Ahmad, firmly declared that the government would continue to fight the bandits until they are completely eradicated, stressing that “no internal or external pressure” would force the state to negotiate.
“We will not reconcile with any bandit leader. We will continue fighting them. Those willing to surrender should do so, and those who are not will be fought,” Ahmad had stated at the time, echoing the governor’s unyielding position.
However, in the latest interview, Governor Lawal appeared to soften his stance, acknowledging that while the state’s military action has led to successes, dialogue with bandits might still be possible under certain conditions. He emphasized the necessity of “truth and honesty” in any potential talks.
“We have been consistent in our strategy, and it is yielding results,” Lawal said, citing recent military successes in the state. “Just last Friday, in the Tungar Fulani area of Zurmi/Shinkafi, we eliminated more than 50 terrorists. These are the types of decisive actions that will continue until banditry is completely eradicated.”
Rising Tensions and Growing Fear
For years, Zamfara and other neighboring states in the Northwest have been caught in a deadly cycle of violence, as bandits raid villages, steal livestock, abduct civilians for ransom, and kill those who resist. The state’s remote, rugged terrain has made it a haven for armed groups, and despite military efforts, the violence persists. Governor Lawal’s government has worked to combat this crisis through targeted military operations, but the toll on the civilian population remains heavy.
In recent months, the state has witnessed some progress, as multiple high-profile bandit leaders have been killed or driven out. Among the slain bandits are several notorious figures, including Sani Mainasara, Sani Black, Kachallah Auta, Audu Gajere, and Kabiru Jangero. These individuals, once thought to be untouchable, were loyal to the infamous Bello Turji, who remains one of the most wanted criminals in the region.
“We’ve taken down over 60 key figures from the bandit groups,” Lawal said, highlighting that the government’s military actions have made significant headway. “This is a war, and we are determined to end it. We will not relent.”
Yet, despite these victories, residents of the state continue to live in fear, and the question of whether negotiation is possible remains a point of contention. Many locals believe that peace can only be achieved through a combination of force and talks.
The Complex Issue of Negotiations
Zamfara has witnessed various forms of negotiations in the past, with local and regional authorities attempting to broker peace with bandit leaders. These talks, however, have often been fraught with mistrust, and bandits have taken advantage of the dialogue process to regroup and continue their violent operations. This has led to growing skepticism among residents and security experts about the potential effectiveness of negotiations.
“How can we trust them? These people are not interested in peace,” said Amina Ibrahim, a local resident of Gusau, the state capital. “They take money from the government and then go back to killing people. We’ve seen it happen before.”
Others, however, argue that without dialogue, the cycle of violence will continue indefinitely. “If we don’t find a way to engage with these people, things will only get worse,” said Usman Bello, a local activist. “The government has to find a way to end this violence, whether through force, dialogue, or a combination of both.”
A Divided Approach to Peace
The governor’s announcement has reignited debate over the best path forward for the state. While some support the idea of dialogue, others view the government’s continued military actions as the only viable solution. Lawal himself seems to believe that both approaches can work in tandem.
“We are not saying we will stop our military operations,” he clarified. “The army will continue to take action against the bandits. But we also believe that if the bandits are serious about laying down their arms, we are open to a peaceful resolution.”
