I Know Where Bandits Hide, But Abuja Ties Security Agents’ Hands – Zamfara Governor Explodes

The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has stirred nationwide debate after openly accusing the Federal Government of frustrating the fight against banditry in the troubled North-West.

In a statement shared on the official handle of Nigerian Stories via X (formerly Twitter), Governor Lawal declared:

> “I know where bandits are, but security agents take orders from Abuja.”

His revelation underscores the long-standing tension between state governments battling insecurity on the ground and federal authorities controlling security architecture from the centre.

Zamfara, one of the states most devastated by years of bandit attacks, has witnessed mass killings, abductions, and destruction of livelihoods. Governor Lawal’s bold outburst is likely to heighten calls for state police and greater decentralization of Nigeria’s security framework.

Analysts say the governor’s remarks reflect the frustration of leaders directly confronting insecurity but constrained by the command structure that leaves states powerless to act decisively.

With this blunt disclosure, the Zamfara governor has placed the spotlight back on Abuja, demanding answers to a burning question: if the locations of bandits are known, why has decisive action not been taken?