Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, has shocked many by saying he knows the exact locations of bandit leaders terrorising the state but cannot move against them because he has no control over security agencies.

In a viral video, the governor explained that he could even use his phone to point out where the bandits were at any moment. However, he said security chiefs in Zamfara only take instructions from Abuja, which has made the fight against insecurity very difficult.

Lawal, speaking emotionally, said if he had full power over the security agencies, he could end banditry in Zamfara within just two months. He added that it hurts him to see his people suffer while he cannot order security operatives to act in time.

He gave an example of when bandits invaded Shinkafi Local Government Area. Security operatives were informed but refused to respond because they had not received clearance from Abuja.

The governor also pointed out that his government has done a lot to support security agencies even without direct control. Zamfara recently gave out 150 patrol vehicles to police, army, DSS, and civil defence. Thousands of Community Protection Guards were recruited, and 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe were hired to help fight insecurity.

Despite all these efforts, Zamfara is still facing fresh attacks. Within the last month, more than 150 people were kidnapped in Zurmi, Kaura Namoda, and Bukuyum LGAs. At least 10 security officers and three civilians also lost their lives in an ambush at Adabka.

The situation has caused protests in Gusau, where residents accused authorities of failing to protect them. They said over 100 people have been killed in repeated raids in recent months.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has hinted at creating state police as part of his new security plan. He also announced that forest guards and drones would be deployed to improve operations in troubled areas.