The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) have been called upon to investigate the alleged diversion of public funds to bandits operating in Zamfara State. The call came during a press conference held in Abuja over the weekend by the Situation Room on Monitoring the War Against Banditry, which raised concerns over the state’s growing security crisis.
At the heart of the call is the need for a comprehensive inquiry into how security intelligence is managed within Zamfara, a state that has become synonymous with banditry and violent crime. Mr. Henry Abba, the Convener of the Situation Room, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the state’s handling of notorious bandit hideouts, accusing Governor Dauda Lawal of neglecting vital intelligence-sharing with federal security agencies.
Abba, speaking on behalf of the Situation Room, painted a grim picture of the state’s ongoing crisis, which has led to a sharp increase in abductions, mass killings, and the displacement of thousands of innocent residents. “Zamfara has transformed into a notorious graveyard, where violence and fear have become a daily reality for its citizens,” he stated, emphasising the urgency of addressing these issues head-on.
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One of the main grievances raised by Abba was the Zamfara government’s reluctance to collaborate with federal authorities in tackling the bandit problem. He accused the state leadership of sitting on critical intelligence that could aid national security forces in dismantling criminal networks. “This isn’t a plea for help; it’s a confession. Governor Lawal is well aware of the locations of these bandit hideouts, yet he chooses inaction while his citizens suffer,” Abba argued.
Abba went further to challenge Governor Lawal to provide evidence of any prior cooperation with federal agencies, particularly the military and police, over intelligence sharing. He questioned why, despite such vital information, no tangible action had been taken to curb the escalating violence in the state.
The Situation Room has also called for a probe led by the National Assembly to assess how security intelligence has been managed and why the state has become a hotbed for criminal activity. The group urged authorities to implement stronger safeguards for whistleblowers and victims, ensuring that crucial information reaches the necessary agencies without delay.
The issue of banditry in Zamfara has been a long-standing problem, with the state grappling with the challenge of criminal groups controlling vast territories and carrying out frequent raids on villages. Abba’s statement marks a growing frustration with the lack of progress in addressing the situation, as residents continue to live in constant fear.
