Reports, according to the state administration, suggested that a delegation purportedly dispatched by various federal government agencies had been meeting with bandit groups in Zamfara without the state government’s knowledge.
Sulaiman Bala Idris, Lawal’s spokesperson, expressed regret over some federal government agencies’ decision to negotiate with bandits without consulting the state administration or other security agencies in a statement released on Monday.
Additionally, he demanded clarification from the federal government regarding its agencies’ actions, which “clearly differ from the State Government’s adoption of a kinetic strategy in the fight against banditry.”
Here is the whole statement:
Press release
GOVERNOR LAWAL ASKS THE FEDERAL GOV’T TO DETAIL NEGOTIATIONS IN ZAMFARA WITH BANDITS OVER CLANDESTINE
The Federal Government should conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the covert talks held with bandits in the State, according to Governor Dauda Lawal.
According to reports, a delegation purportedly sent by a few federal government institutions has been meeting with bandit groups in Zamfara without the state government’s knowledge.
Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor’s spokesperson, expressed regret over some Federal Government agencies’ decision to negotiate with bandits without first consulting the State Government or other security agencies in a statement released on Monday.
According to the statement, Governor Lawal also urged the federal government to explain these federal agencies’ actions, which are obviously in opposition to the state government’s use of a kinetic approach to combat banditry.
The statement read in parts: “Governor Dauda Lawal wishes to call on the Federal Government to clarify and investigate the actions of some unscrupulous elements sabotaging the ongoing fight against banditry in Zamfara.
The Zamfara State Government has received reports of how some Federal Government delegation met with different bandit groups in Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Munhaye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagega.
“Previous administrations in the State failed to achieve positive outcomes in their attempts to engage in dialogue with bandits. We must learn from these past mistakes and adopt a new approach to restore peace in Zamfara.
“The Zamfara State Government has taken a firm stance from the beginning – we will not negotiate with these criminals.
“Ensuring the fight against banditry is a top priority of Zamfara State Government, and we cannot afford to make any compromises in our efforts. We urge the Federal Government to take swift action by terminating the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara, as it undermines progress so far.”
Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor
September 25, 2023