Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared that he has the capacity to eliminate banditry within two months if granted direct control of security agencies.

In a viral video on Wednesday, the governor broke down in tears while recounting recent attacks, lamenting that security operatives in the state continue to take orders from Abuja rather than the state government.

“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,” he said.

Lawal cited a recent attack in Shinkafi Local Government, where dozens were killed, noting that security forces on the ground refused to act without clearance from the federal command.

“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?” he asked.

Despite these challenges, the governor said his administration has provided extensive support, including 150 patrol vehicles, funding, and the recruitment of thousands of Community Protection Guards, alongside 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe States.

He also stressed the importance of tackling the root causes of violence by improving access to water, schools, and other amenities. Lawal accused political opponents of exploiting insecurity for selfish ends, warning that such actions were worsening the plight of Zamfara people.

“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 said.

The governor further noted that heavy security was recently deployed during a by-election in the state, describing it as proof that resources exist but are being prioritised for politics rather than protecting lives.

Zamfara has been among the states hardest hit by banditry in the North-West, with armed groups carrying out mass killings, abductions, and raids on farming communities. The crisis has displaced thousands and drawn global attention, notably with the 2021 abduction of 300 schoolgirls from Jangebe.

Lawal’s remarks come amid renewed calls for state police, a reform recently endorsed by President Bola Tinubu. Advocates say it would empower states to tackle insecurity directly, while critics caution against potential political abuse.