Zamfara in Crises : Governor’s Secret Parley with Bandit Leaders Sparks Public Outrage and Heightens Insecurity Fears
Gisthood 
Zamfara State’s security situation is under renewed scrutiny following a clandestine meeting between Governor Dauda Lawal and known leaders of armed bandit groups.
The covert dialogue, reportedly held under the guise of reconciliation, has generated widespread concern among residents and security experts.
Governor’s Covert Meeting Raises Eyebrows
On Sunday, Governor Dauda Lawal reportedly hosted several notorious bandit leaders at the Command Guest House in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. Sources confirm that key figures present included Wadalle, Ardo Nashawari, Na’eka, and others, accompanied by Alhaji Tukur, chairman of the state chapter of Miyetti Allah, and select members of the Fulani community.
A confidential source familiar with the meeting disclosed that it was convened at the directive of the state government. “The gathering was labeled a reconciliation effort, but it’s part of a pattern that has repeatedly failed to yield positive security outcomes,” the source said.
Alarmingly, some of the bandits were escorted by members of the state’s Community Protection Guards dressed in military attire.
Security Experts Warn of Dangerous Precedents
Security analyst Alhaji Ahmed Bakare previously highlighted the deep-rooted nature of Zamfara’s crisis, asserting that “some powerful individuals in the state are allegedly leveraging their control over mining sites to influence bandit activity.”
Another expert, who chose to remain anonymous, criticized the governor’s method. “This cycle of negotiation has proven disastrous. These groups exploit peace talks to secure funds and rearm themselves. The governor’s actions may be more aligned with protecting business interests than ensuring public safety,” he warned.
Public Confidence in Leadership Erodes
Residents across Zamfara are reportedly disillusioned by what they see as repeated, fruitless negotiations with violent actors. According to a security source, “every time such meetings occur, they are followed by increased attacks and loss of lives. Many now believe the governor is complicit or unable to provide real security.”
Civic unrest is growing over the fact that the bandits returned unscathed to their forest hideouts after meeting with the governor—mirroring previous incidents where similar meetings led to further bloodshed and, in some cases, the controversial granting of chieftaincy titles to known criminals.
As Zamfara grapples with persistent violence, the governor’s latest overture to bandit leaders has deepened public skepticism and stirred fears of an impending escalation.
Analysts warn that without a shift in strategy, the state may continue to reel under a security crisis that increasingly appears politically entangled and intractable.
