February 2025 – Zamfara State Government

Feb 13 2025

OPERATION SAFE CORRIDOR: UNCONDITIONALLY SURRENDER YOUR WEAPONS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE, GOV. LAWAL WARNS BANDITS

PRESS STATEMENT

OPERATION SAFE CORRIDOR: UNCONDITIONALLY SURRENDER YOUR WEAPONS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE, GOV. LAWAL WARNS BANDITS

Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to persistently pursuing bandits until they are all effectively defeated, destroyed, and subdued. The governor handed over the facility the Zamfara State Government provided to establish the Operation Safe Corridor Headquarters of the Northwest states.A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that Operation Safe Corridor will provide the opportunity for disarmament, deradicalization, and integration of repentant bandits back into society.The statement added that the initiative was modeled after the Operation Safe Corridor initiative in the Northeast, which successfully de-radicalized and reintegrated former Boko Haram fighters.“The Northwest program seeks to offer a structured exit for individuals involved in banditry. The initiative will involve vocational training, psychological support, and ideological reorientation.”In his remarks, Governor Lawal said the state government provided the facility as a gesture to assist the Federal Government in tackling the ongoing issue of insurgency that has impacted Zamfara and the Northwest for more than a decade.“I wish to restate once more the commitment of our administration to support these initiatives and other effective tactics used in taking this fight to the bandits’ enclaves until they are all effectively routed, decimated, and dominated. “But for those of them who intend to surrender their arms unconditionally and willingly, they are free to do so. Establishing Operation Safe Corridor Headquarters of the Northwest will allow for Disarmament, Deradicalization, and Integration of repentant bandits into society.“On this note, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, OFR, for finding Zamfara State worthy to host the 3rd Operation Safe Corridor in the Country.“I also want to thank the Chairman of the Operation Safe Corridor Implementation Committee Northwest, Major General EV Onumajoro, who is also the Chief of Defence Operations, Nigeria Defence Headquarters, and his team for finding Zamfara suitable to site the Headquarters of this important unit.“Lastly, we appreciate Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for all his effort and support to security agencies working in the State.“What is needed further is consolidating the gains in converting banditry and other violent crimes. I wish to assure you of our commitment to do all to ensure that this program succeeds. For us here today, this is the birth of the Zamfara model on DDDRRR – Demobilization, disengagement, deradicalization, Rehabilitation, Reconciliation, and reintegration.“With these few remarks, I wish to formally hand over this facility to serve as the Northwest Headquarters of Operation Safe Corridor for the good of Zamfara State and our beloved Nigeria.”Earlier, Major General Onumajuru, representing the Chief of Defence Staff, commended Governor Lawal for his support and assistance to the troops in the fight against banditry in Zamfara.“Operation Safe Corridor is a non-kinetic line of operation. It serves as a pathway to peace and reintegration. After taking over this facility, we will continue to engage with His Excellency and the people of Zamfara, who are essential stakeholders in this project, to ensure synergy and cooperation.SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor February 13, 2025

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Feb 13 2025

ZAMFARA VERIFICATION EXERCISE UNCOVERS 2,363 GHOST WORKERS, SAVES OVER N200 MILLION MONTHLY

PRESS STATEMENT

ZAMFARA VERIFICATION EXERCISE UNCOVERS 2,363 GHOST WORKERS, SAVES OVER N200 MILLION MONTHLY Zamfara State Government has uncovered 2,363 ghost workers following the just concluded verification of civil and public servants in the state.Governor Lawal constituted a committee headed by the state Head of Service in August 2024 with the mandate to conduct the verification exercise of state workers.A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the verification process exposed 220 minors receiving monthly pay as civil servants.The statement noted that the verification exercise was necessary due to the state government’s efforts to implement the N70,000 minimum wage.”To improve the efficiency of the Zamfara State civil and public service, Governor Dauda Lawal formed a high-level committee tasked with verifying the state government’s payroll.“The verification committee, led by the Zamfara State Head of Service, included the commissioner of finance, the chairman of the Zamfara State Labour Union, the Accountant General, the Auditor General, the Statistician General as members, and the Executive Secretary of ZITDA as secretary. “The committee’s primary responsibility involved verifying and integrating nominal and payroll systems and creating electronic employee files.“The committee’s final report submitted to Governor Dauda Lawal highlighted that 27,109 permanent workers were cleared while workers with questionable employment include 2,363 ghost workers, 1082 civil servants who are due for retirement, 395 contract staff, 261 not on the nominal roll, 213 on study leave, 220 minors in employment, and 67 workers on secondment.“The report highlighted that 75 worker’s first appointment date is not in compliance with the issue date & all of them were minors at the time of employment. “During the verification, 2,363 ghost workers were exposed. They were paid a total of N193,642,097.19 every month.“1082 workers are due for retirement, and they collect a total sum of N80,542,298.26 monthly. At the same time, five workers found to be on secondment were paid monthly N354,927.60.“The verification committee recommended suspending 207 workers who were not cleared. They are paid a total salary of N16,370,645.90 monthly.“The committee found 12 workers on the payroll but not in the database and collected a monthly salary of N726,594.“These verification exercises are ongoing efforts to monitor the Zamfara workforce and ensure transparency and accountability in service, especially as the minimum wage payments begin in March of this year.”SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor February 13, 2025

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Feb 11 2025

FOR THE RECORD: NEGOTIATING WITH BANDITS WILL NEVER BE PART OF OUR STRATEGY – GOV. DAUDA LAWAL

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR THE RECORD: NEGOTIATING WITH BANDITS WILL NEVER BE PART OF OUR STRATEGY – GOV. DAUDA LAWAL

Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated that his administration is not willing to negotiate with bandits in Zamfara State.

The governor was misquoted in an exclusive interview he granted to the BBC Hausa service over the weekend.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the BBC Hausa service interview was mischievously translated by some media platforms to mislead the public on the position of the State Government.

He added that the Zamfara State government has successfully combat banditry through its aggressive strategy of an all-out offensive against the bandits operating in the state.

The statement read in part: “The banditry issue has been a significant concern for people across Zamfara State, Northwest, and the entire country for decades.

“This is one reason Governor Dauda Lawal stated in his campaign manifesto before the 2023 general election that security would be his top priority, pledging to implement measures to address the situation.

“Governor Lawal has been vindicated as it represents a promise that has been kept and fulfilled.

“Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has prioritized the security of Zamfara State, and it has taken a clear stance from the beginning that negotiating with bandits is nothing but a ‘snipe hunt.’

“In various media interviews, the governor has restated that the Zamfara State Government will not negotiate with the bandits terrorizing the state.

“It should be made clear and on record that Governor Dauda Lawal’s position remains undisputed: no responsible government will negotiate with killers from a position of weakness. Negotiations should only occur from a position of strength.

“Governor Lawal’s BBC Hausa interview has shown that his position is consistent and not contradictory. He has maintained from the outset that if there is any opportunity for negotiation, the bandits must surrender their weapons and repent without any conditions or terms attached.

“The strategy we are implementing to combat banditry is producing remarkable results, as many volatile areas of the state are experiencing a return to peace. All that resonates from Zamfara is the success narrative of leaders and hundreds of bandits eliminated daily.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
February 11, 2025

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Feb 7 2025

‘WE ARE WINNING WAR ON BANDITRY,’ GOV. LAWAL TELLS WORLD BANK AS HE REQUESTS MISSION TO ZAMFARA

PRESS STATEMENT

‘WE ARE WINNING WAR ON BANDITRY,’ GOV. LAWAL TELLS WORLD BANK AS HE REQUESTS MISSION TO ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal has informed the World Bank that his administration is gradually winning the war against banditry in Zamfara State.

The governor was on an official visit to the World Bank office in Abuja on Friday.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the meeting focused on development projects in education, health, climate resilience, and agriculture.

The statement added that the visit is expected to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the Zamfara state government and the World Bank.

In his remarks, Governor Lawal emphasized his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the World Bank.

“I want to begin by thanking the World Bank for its ongoing support for our state. We have aligned our development objectives with the World Bank’s mission to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development.

“We also recognize the security challenges that have previously impacted project implementation in Zamfara State, particularly those that have hindered the full achievement of targets due to constraints on operational activities. We are, however, making progress as the challenge is being addressed, and things are returning to normal.

“We have enhanced security measures through proactive steps taken by the state to improve security through increased patrols and strategic measures that mitigate threats.

“Our administration is dedicated to ensuring the safety of lives and property by providing adequate logistics and support to security agencies to maintain peace and stability.”

Governor Lawal assured the World Bank staff of their safety during support, supervision, and monitoring visits, including secure accommodations, transportation, and communication protocols.

Governor Lawal assured the World Bank staff of their safety during support, supervision, and monitoring visits to Zamfara State.

“I assure the World Bank that we have established mechanisms for ongoing security assessments to promptly address any emerging threats and ensure a secure environment for all development partners.

“Banditry attacks on our highways, villages, and cities are under control. We are gradually winning the war against criminals, and life is returning to our communities. This is evident in the number of incidents reported daily and the increasing project implementation across the length and breadth of Zamfara State.

“Let me conclude by extending our invitation to the Country Director to visit Zamfara anytime soon and see the implementation of all World Bank-supported programs and our modest efforts in changing the narrative in our state.”

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiamé Diop, commended Governor Lawal for positively advancing Zamfara State.

“I am impressed by the system you put in place. Congratulations on achieving such feats in such a very short time.”

During the meeting, the Task Team Leader of the NG-CARES project highlighted the success of the implementation model in Zamfara. “We are not only adopting the Zamfara model in other states of Nigeria but are also extending it to other countries for implementation. I must commend the governor and the state government for their efforts,” she said.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
February 08, 2025

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Feb 5 2025

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL MOURNS 17 STUDENTS LOST IN ZAMFARA FIRE TRAGEDY

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL MOURNS 17 STUDENTS LOST IN ZAMFARA FIRE TRAGEDY

Governor Dauda Lawal expressed his condolences to the families of the 17 students who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Almajiri School in Zamfara.

At least 17 students have tragically lost their lives due to a fire at an Almajiri school in Kaura-Namoda LGA of the state.

In a statement issued in Gusau on Wednesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the fire incident as highly unfortunate.

“I’m heartbroken by the tragic fire on Tuesday at Makarantar Mallam Ghali, an Almajiri School located in the Kauran Namoda local government area.

“On behalf of the Zamfara State Government, we extend our condolences to the families, the school, and the entire nation as we mourn the loss of these young souls.

“During this time of sorrow, may Almighty Allah provide strength and comfort to the grieving families as they navigate this difficult period. I extend my wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

“As a responsible government, we would examine the underlying causes of this fire and seek methods to prevent its recurrence in the future.

“We will provide all necessary support and assistance to the victims’ families.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
February 05, 2025

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Feb 4 2025

His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal was represented by the Executive Secretary ZITDA, Dr Habib Gajam at the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) in Lagos

His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal was represented by the Executive Secretary ZITDA, Dr Habib Gajam at the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) in Lagos, which aims to provide the framework for collaboration between the FG and states to achieve nationwide broadband penetration.

Dr Habib Gajam was also a panel discussant on the theme ‘Accelerating Our Collective Prosperity Through Connectivity’, highlighting the role of broadband infrastructure in driving economic growth.

Zamfara—alongside other states—was also recognised for pioneering broadband-friendly policie.

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