By Muhammad Mamman
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has raised fresh alarm over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, revealing that his administration regularly shares real-time intelligence on bandit movements with security agencies — yet receives little response.
Speaking during a media interaction, Lawal said his government consistently communicates actionable information to the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army, but lamented that such alerts are often not treated as a priority.
According to the governor, Zamfara’s internal intelligence network tracks the movements of armed groups across affected communities and promptly relays these details to federal security authorities. However, he noted that delayed or absent intervention has allowed bandits to continue their attacks, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the state.
“We do our part. We communicate every movement of these criminals. But most times, nothing happens,” Lawal said, expressing frustration over what he described as a lack of urgency from security agencies.
The governor stressed that state governments lack the constitutional powers to command security forces directly, leaving Zamfara dependent on federal authorities for decisive action. He warned that without swift responses to credible intelligence, communities remain exposed to killings, abductions and mass displacement.
Zamfara, in north-western Nigeria, has been one of the epicentres of banditry, with thousands forced from their homes amid frequent raids on villages.
Lawal called on the Federal Government to strengthen coordination between intelligence sources and security operatives, insisting that timely deployment could significantly reduce attacks and restore confidence among residents of Zamfara State.
He also appealed for greater commitment from security agencies, saying lives continue to be lost despite the availability of advance warnings.
“Our people are suffering. Intelligence alone is not enough — it must be matched with action,” the governor said.
