Security – Zamfara State Government

Jun 15 2024

GOV. LAWAL DECORATES 20 GALLANTS ZAMFARA COMMUNITY PROTECTION GUARDS, PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. LAWAL DECORATES 20 GALLANTS ZAMFARA COMMUNITY PROTECTION GUARDS, PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT

Governor Dauda Lawal has promised to fully support the families of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG) members who lost their lives in the fight against banditry.

Twenty Community Protection Guards (CPG) were honoured with gallantry medals for their exceptional performance on Thursday at the government house in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the decorated guards performed exceptionally well.

According to the statement, the decorated guards were led by Brig. General Lawal Bature Mohammed, the state commandant of the Community Protection Guards.

“On Thursday, Governor Dauda Lawal decorated 20 Community Protection Guards (CPGs) who performed extraordinarily well in discharging their duties. All 20 guards were at the frontline fighting bandits to ensure the return of peace in Zamfara State.”

During his speech, Governor Dauda Lawal reiterated his administration’s dedication to the welfare of the guards and pledged full support for the families of those who lost their lives.

“Consider decorating you as a way to motivate you to do more in this significant sacrifice that you are undertaking.

“We can’t compensate you for your service to the state and humanity; all we can do is encourage and motivate you for your gallantry.

“I want to reassure you that we have a plan in place for the families of CPG members who lost their lives in the line of duty. We will take care of all their needs and provide them with all the necessary support.”

Earlier, Brig. Gen. Lawal Bature Mohammed, the Commandant of the Community Protection Guards, said that the 20 guards were selected from various local government areas of the state based on their performances.

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
June 15, 2024

mubarak lugga 0 Comments

May 23 2024

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL PRESIDES OVER SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING, VOWS INCREASED SUPPORT FOR TROOPS

PRESS STATEMENT

GOV. DAUDA LAWAL PRESIDES OVER SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING, VOWS INCREASED SUPPORT FOR TROOPS

Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing more support for troops fighting banditry in Zamfara.

On Thursday, the governor presided over the Zamfara State Security Council meeting at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the meeting discussed the state’s security situation and the ongoing large-scale onslaught against bandits.

According to him, the meeting was attended by all heads of the state’s security agencies, including the military, police, DSS, and others.

While addressing the heads of the security agencies, Governor Lawal commended the troops for the successes recorded so far in the fight against banditry.

“Today’s meeting will evaluate the state’s security situation, assess our progress, and pinpoint areas requiring intensified efforts to enhance the security of our people’s lives and property.

“As I have always emphasized to the security council, the priority of my administration is the security of lives and properties. Therefore, we are always prepared to provide all the necessary support to various security agencies in the state to help them carry out their duties diligently and effectively.

“I want to thank the federal government and the military for deploying additional troops to Zamfara. This strategic move aims to eliminate all bandits, and we have started seeing results.

“I also commend the successful arrest of a group of kidnappers in Gusau and the rescue of kidnapped victims across the state, including in Gusau, Maradun, Kauran Namoda, and other local government areas. These achievements are a testament to the effectiveness of the ongoing military operations in the state.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 23, 2024

mubarak lugga 0 Comments

May 15 2024

INSECURITY: GOV. LAWAL COMMENDS TROOPS OVER RENEWED ONSLAUGHT AGAINST BANDITS, EXPRESSES SYMPATHY FOR AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

PRESS STATEMENT

INSECURITY: GOV. LAWAL COMMENDS TROOPS OVER RENEWED ONSLAUGHT AGAINST BANDITS, EXPRESSES SYMPATHY FOR AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

Governor Dauda Lawal has commended the Joint Task Force for the renewed large-scale onslaught against bandits in Zamfara State.

The military deployed more troops to Zamfara last weekend in its efforts to thwart the operations of bandits in volatile areas of the state.

A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the ongoing military onslaught as a necessary measure to disrupt the criminality of bandits in Zamfara.

The statement sympathizes with communities affected by recent bandit attacks in volatile areas while also assuring full and continued support by the state government to the troops at the frontline.

The statement read in parts: “The ongoing military operation in the volatile areas of Zamfara is highly commendable, especially considering the successes recorded since the start of the onslaught last weekend.

“The operation has resulted in significant successes in Bungudu, Tsafe, Maru, and Zurmi local government areas, leading to the elimination of the bandit kingpin, Abu Dan Dunkwuifa, famous for terrorizing villages in Bungudu and Maru.

“In Magama Mai Rake of Dansadau area in Maru LGA, the troops have successfully neutralized scores of bandits.

“The renewed military onslaught in Nasarawan Burkullu in Bukkuyum LGA resulted in the rescue of many kidnapped victims in Kamaru, Tungar Rogo, and Matsare villages, as well as the recovery of many rustled cows.

“The rumor that over 500 people were kidnapped is false and peddled by individuals who do not want peace to return to Zamfara State. Most of the identified volatile areas in Zamfara are undergoing extensive military operations, yielding positive results.

The governor further expresses sympathy for the communities that were recently attacked by bandits in the state.

“The Zamfara State Government wishes to express sympathy with communities recently attacked by bandits. We are fully committed to ensuring the safety of the lives and properties of the people.

“Our government will continue to support the troops fighting insecurity and extend all necessary emergency support to the victims of banditry in the state.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 15, 2024

mubarak lugga 0 Comments

May 2 2024

INSECURITY: ZAMFARA GOVERNOR RECEIVES EIMC PARTICIPANTS, PLEDGES PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES

PRESS STATEMENT

INSECURITY: ZAMFARA GOVERNOR RECEIVES EIMC PARTICIPANTS, PLEDGES PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES

Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with relevant security agencies, including the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), to tackle insecurity in Zamfara State.

On Wednesday, a team of Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 17/2024 participants and faculty officials from the National Institute for Security Studies visited Zamfara State and met with Governor Lawal.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, explained that the course theme is “Artificial Intelligence, Security and Emerging Economies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects,” participants are drawn from various agencies within and outside the country.

The statement added that the composition allows participants to share ideas and brainstorm on critical and diverse issues from different perspectives, resulting in a much richer output.

Addressing the officials and course participants, Governor Lawal commended the institute for choosing Zamfara State for a study tour. “The decision is apt and promising in appreciating some critical variables for proper dissection of the theme. Like other parts of Nigeria, our State is endowed with abundant natural and human resources, which, as a necessary catalyst for economic progress, could open a broad spectrum of economic opportunities.

“Going back on the theme with a focus on the application of AI, the place of global trends, including the innovative application of Artificial Intelligence components towards maximization of benefits from minerals available in our state and in tackling existential threats bedeviling us, is a reality we must come to terms with. Fully aware of this, my administration has been working with security agencies and other partners toward leveraging available technological expertise to address our challenges.

“I therefore urge you, the course participants, to critically interrogate and analyze the existing scenarios and provide us with practicable recommendations relevant to the state government for implementation. If this is achieved, this study tour will be worth its while.”

Furthermore, Governor Lawal restated that the Zamfara State government collaborates closely with security, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to stem the ugly trend.

“Since we assumed office about a year ago, we have initiated specific measures, including regular State Security Council meetings to review the security situation, begin a thematic course of action for implementation, and establish the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund.

“We also engage in periodic issuance and enforcement of restriction orders on specific activities that tend to aid insecurity in the State; Promulgation of an Executive Order prohibiting traditional rulers from issuing consent letters for mining across the fourteen (14) LGAs in response to the established correlation between banditry and illegal mining.

“Declaration of State of emergency on Health sector and Education to achieve fast and drastic progress in these sectors for the well-being of citizens and a brighter future of the state; Establishment of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard (ZSCPG) to complement conventional law enforcement outfits in tackling security challenges in the State.”

Earlier, the team leader of the delegation from the National Institute for Security Studies, Madam Patricia Edak, praised the impressive achievements of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration.

She stated, “Your Excellency, we have toured the state and witnessed the significant transformation you have brought about in a short period of your tenure. Zamfara State is fortunate to have you as their governor.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
May 02, 2024

mubarak lugga 0 Comments

Apr 22 2024

WE MUST DEPLOY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO FIGHT INSECURITY, GOVERNOR LAWAL TELLS UNITED NATIONS

PRESS STATEMENT

WE MUST DEPLOY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO FIGHT INSECURITY, GOVERNOR LAWAL TELLS UNITED NATIONS

Governor Dauda Lawal has emphasized the pressing need to deploy advanced technology to combat insecurity in Zamfara State and the North.

The Zamfara State Governor and other state governors met with Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, in Washington, D.C., on Friday.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the meeting was attended by governors from Zamfara, Benue, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and Niger states.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed praised the Governors for their efforts in finding a lasting solution to the region’s problems. “Your presence here indicates a strong desire from the Northern Governors to implement change in their states.

Explaining the Zamfara situation to the Deputy Secretary-General, Governor Dauda Lawal highlighted the crucial role that technology can play in enhancing security and the need for a coordinated effort to harness the power of technology, including the use of artificial intelligence, biometric identification systems, and surveillance cameras.

“We are here with common problems. The major challenge is insecurity, and something has to be done.

“Due to insecurity, agriculture has been impossible. We need assistance in transitioning from peasant farming to advancing agriculture so that we can deploy technology to fight this insurgency. We hope to find solutions to these problems during these meetings. I inherited a dysfunctional state with poor development indices.

“I have declared a state of emergency in education and health. We must take immediate action to address these critical issues; otherwise, our future will be bleak. We require significant support to overcome these challenges and ensure a better future for our people.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
April 22, 2024

mubarak lugga 0 Comments

Apr 13 2024

WE’LL SUSTAIN MILITARY ONSLAUGHT AGAINST BANDITS IN ZAMFARA, PRESIDENT TINUBU TELLS GOV. LAWAL

PRESS STATEMENT

WE’LL SUSTAIN MILITARY ONSLAUGHT AGAINST BANDITS IN ZAMFARA, PRESIDENT TINUBU TELLS GOV. LAWAL

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to end banditry in Zamfara State.

The president ordered the deployment of troops and a sustained military onslaught against bandits in Zamfara.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said President Tinubu received some State Governors and the leadership of the National Assembly in his Lagos residence.

According to the statement, the delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, paid a Sallah homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday.

“During a conversation with Governor Dauda Lawal, President Tinubu asked about the security situation in Zamfara State.

“Governor Lawal informed the President of the progress made and the ongoing military operations against bandits in the state.

“President Tinubu assured the governor that he is committed to ending the menace of banditry in the state, adding that he had ordered a sustained military onslaught and deployment of more troops to Zamfara State.

“He requested regular updates from Governor Lawal regarding the state’s security situation for effective collaboration in the fight against banditry.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
April 13, 2024

mubarak lugga 0 Comments

Mar 26 2024

INSECURITY: GOV. DAUDA LAWAL MEETS PRESIDENT TINUBU OVER BANDITRY IN ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal met with President Tinubu to discuss the alarming increase in banditry and related criminal activities in Zamfara state.

The meeting was held on Tuesday behind closed doors inside the president’s office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the governor briefed President Tinubu on the security situation in Zamfara, particularly the resurgence of attacks in some areas.

According to the statement, President Tinubu and the governor discussed various strategies and measures to tackle the insecurity, including enhanced security deployment, intelligence gathering, and community engagement programs.

The meeting also highlighted the need to address the root causes of the problem, such as poverty and unemployment, which have contributed to the rise in crime in the state.

“Today, Governor Dauda Lawal met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa to discuss critical issues concerning the security situation in Zamfara State.

“During the closed-door meeting, Governor Lawal informed the President that, over the past 13 years, Zamfara State has emerged as the hub of banditry in Northwestern Nigeria.

“The Governor appealed to President Tinubu for presidential intervention in providing the military with adequate personnel, weapons, and logistics, as they are insufficient in Zamfara. He also requested sufficient air support to assist ground troops.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the governor of his commitment to providing all essential support and logistics to the security forces to guarantee the restoration of peace in Zamfara.

“Furthermore, the President reaffirmed his administration’s position against negotiating with bandits and paying ransoms to kidnappers, actions that he believes only serve to empower them.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 26, 2024

mubarak lugga 0 Comments

Mar 26 2024

INSECURITY: DEPLOY MORE TROOPS TO ZAMFARA, GOV. LAWAL URGES CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF

Governor Dauda Lawal has called for an increase in the number of troops deployed to Zamfara state.

On Monday, the governor visited the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the governor met with the Defence Chief to discuss the security situation in Zamfara state.

During the meeting, Governor Lawal expressed concerns over the resurgence of attacks in some parts of Zamfara.

He appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff to deploy more troops and necessary weapons to the state.

“Today, I am here to discuss the issue of insecurity that has been affecting Zamfara State. I was here a few months ago for the same reason.

“Recently, there have been recurring issues with bandit attacks in some areas of the state.

“Yesterday, an attack occurred in Tsafe LGA, resulting in fatalities, including a member of our Community Protection Guards (CPG). Military operational vehicles, including those of the Community Protection Guards, were set on fire by bandits.

“We are experiencing a shortage of personnel in Zamfara as some officers have been redeployed to the Northeast.

“Farmers are unable to tend to their farms, and the continuous assaults have claimed numerous lives.

“I would like to use this opportunity to urge you to mobilize and deploy troops to Zamfara. Such action is crucial for combating the threat of insecurity and reinstating peace in the state.

“The deployment of security forces will undoubtedly uplift the people’s spirits and discourage criminals from engaging in their nefarious deeds.”

Responding, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, appreciates Governor Lawal’s efforts in fighting banditry in Zamfara.

He said: “I want to express my appreciation for your efforts in combatting insecurity. We plan to adjust and reposition resources using the same approach as Maiduguri.

“We are convening a conference with all theatre commanders and stakeholders to address the issue of attacks, which deeply saddens us.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 26, 2024

mubarak lugga 0 Comments

Mar 13 2024

INSECURITY: GOVERNOR LAWAL SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TINTED GLASS, UNLABELLED BREAD, AND ILLEGAL SALE OF PETROLEUM IN ZAMFARA

Governor Dauda Lawal has signed an Executive Order prohibiting the sale of unlabelled bread, the packaging of bread in sacks, the sale of over 50 liters of petroleum, and the use of tinted glass in Zamfara State.

Governor Lawal signed the Executive Order yesterday in his office at the Government House in Gusau.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said Executive Order No. 02 and Order No. 04 2024 address various concerns identified as contributing factors to the security challenges in the state.

He said the restriction order was issued due to recent attacks in some communities across the state.

“Following the recent spate of attacks on some communities across some local government areas of the State, particularly Zurmi, Shinkafi, Kaura Namoda, and Talata mafara, and the resurgence of activities of banditry, kidnapping in communities and some major federal highways in the state.

“Governor Lawal has signed Executive Order No. 02 2024, banning the sale of unlabelled and packaged bread in sacks and prohibiting some unwanted activities in the state.

“All bakery production companies and enterprises must label their bread with the full address and particulars of their production factory with immediate effect.

“All petroleum filling stations in the state shall not sell more than fifty (50) litres of petrol to vehicles at a time. Petroleum product sales at filling stations are also restricted from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“Transportation/sale of bread is restricted within the capital of every local government: for Gusau, the restriction is limited to the following areas: Damba—Zaria Road; Gada Biyu—Sokoto Road; Command Guest House along Kaura Namoda Road; Gusau Garage—Dansadau Road.”

Furthermore, Executive Order No. 04, 2024, has been signed by the governor to prohibit tinted glass by all vehicle owners in Zamfara.

“Vehicle owners are prohibited from covering their license plate numbers while driving.

“All vehicle owners must possess their vehicle particulars and ensure compliance with the provisions of the Zamfara State Road Traffic Law No. 2, 2015, or any other relevant laws.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 13, 2024

mubarak lugga 0 Comments

Mar 9 2024

INSECURITY: GOV. LAWAL COMMISSIONS OFFICE COMPLEX OF ZAMFARA SECURITY TRUST FUND, PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT

Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated his administration’s commitment to support the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund.

On Friday, the Zamfara Governor led the commissioning of the Security Trust Fund office complex in the state capital, Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the Zamfara Security Trust Fund is chaired by the former Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar.

According to the statement, the work done to bring the Office Complex up to standard exemplifies the Board of Trustees’ efficiency and commitment to fulfilling their mandate.

During the commissioning ceremony, Governor Lawal urged other states to establish similar funds, harmonize plans, and foster a regional approach to security issues.

He said: “As the Security Trust Fund settles into a structured environment to work, I urge collaboration with similar funds being set up by other states in our region. Together, we are stronger.

“The Fund has so much to do as it gets to work. An added area of focus for the Fund should also be the desensitization of our children and youth from the mindset of living in times of conflict and the simmering ethnic profiling that has sadly reared its head in some communities as a resultant effect of banditry. This is necessary for meaningful development to be sustained.

“Under the able and capable leadership of the Fund’s Chairman, IGP M.D Abubakar (Rtd), and other Eminent Members of the Board of Trustees, we look to your collective immediate and purposeful impact on the lives of our people as you all have always done throughout your personal and professional lives.

“We place that trust in you, for we know you all have the shoulders to carry such a burden. Thank you for your service and duty to your home state.

“A recurring decimal in my interactions wherever I go when these pockets of attacks happen is the commendable efforts of the Community Protection Guards that we have just formed in mitigating the severity and in search and rescue.

“We intend to continue our efforts at community engagement, continuous sensitization, and ensuring adherence to the rules of justice, fairness, and the code of conduct that all CPG members have sworn to.”

SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS
Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor
March 09, 2024

mubarak lugga 0 Comments