The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has claimed to know the actual location of terrorists and bandits operating in the state.
He, however, lamented that he is unable to take action because he doesn’t control the security apparatus necessary to arrest them.
Governor Lawal added that he has the capacity to wipe out banditry in the state within two months if given direct control of security agencies, but it is unfortunate that the security operatives only receive instructions from Abuja.
Naijaonpoint understands the Governor broke down in tears while recounting recent attacks in a video which went viral on Wednesday, lamenting that when bandits recently attacked Shinkafi Local Government, security forces on the ground refused to move because they lacked authorisation from Abuja.
Lawal insisted that with his knowledge of the terrain and the locations of criminal leaders, he could swiftly end the menace if he had the necessary powers.
“I can tell you the whereabouts of every bandit kingpin in Zamfara, even with my phone. I can point to you where they are right now. But I do not control security agencies, and that is the problem.
“People were under attack, and I kept calling the security agencies. They told me they were waiting for orders from Abuja. How do I save my people in such a situation?” the Governor lamented.
Despite what he described as the politicization of security, Governor Lawal said his administration has continued to support security operatives with logistics and funding.
He said 150 patrol vehicles had been distributed to the police, military, Department of State Services and civil defence, while thousands of Community Protection Guards and over 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe States had been recruited to join the fight.
“We are working to provide water, schools and other amenities because we know that when people live well, peace is easier to achieve.
“The politicisation of insecurity is not hurting me as a person; it is destroying Zamfara. Some people do not want us to succeed, but I will not stop trying,” he stated.
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