Key points
- Zamfara governor calls for increased military presence to tackle banditry
- CDS visits state to assess ongoing operations under Operation Fansan Yamma
- Both parties emphasise collaboration as key to restoring security
Main story
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has renewed his call for intensified military intervention to combat banditry and restore peace across the state.
Lawal made the appeal while receiving the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Gusau on Monday.
The governor stressed that security remains the bedrock of development, noting that Zamfara’s predominantly agrarian population requires a safe environment to return to farming and sustain livelihoods.
He described the visit as timely, adding that the presence of the military high command would serve as a deterrent to criminal elements operating in the state and the wider North-West region.
Lawal highlighted the urgency of the situation, recounting an encounter with residents of Wanzaamai community who protested over persistent bandit attacks following the withdrawal of security personnel.
He maintained that while criminal groups are not stronger than Nigeria’s armed forces, there is a need for improved coordination, enhanced logistics, and sustained operational support to effectively defeat them.
The governor also pledged continued support from the state government to complement federal efforts and appealed for additional assistance to field commanders to strengthen ongoing operations.
Responding, Oluyede said his visit was part of efforts to assess military operations under Operation Fansan Yamma and engage with stakeholders on improving security.
He noted that several operational challenges identified by troops had been addressed, while others were under review for further action.
The defence chief commended the Zamfara State Government for its support to military operations, describing the collaboration as uncommon and vital to boosting troop morale and effectiveness.
He also appreciated residents of the state for their cooperation, noting that community support plays a critical role in achieving security objectives.
The issues
Zamfara remains one of the states most affected by banditry in Nigeria, with recurring attacks, kidnappings, and displacement of rural communities disrupting livelihoods, particularly farming activities.
The situation reflects broader security challenges across the North-West, where gaps in manpower, logistics, and coordination have continued to hamper sustained military success.
What’s being said
Lawal insists that restoring security at the grassroots level is essential to stabilising the region, calling for stronger military presence and support.
Oluyede, on his part, emphasised that tackling insecurity requires collective responsibility, noting that collaboration between the military, government, and citizens is critical.
What’s next
The military is expected to review ongoing operations and strengthen deployment strategies based on findings from the CDS’s assessment.
Stakeholder engagement between security agencies and state authorities is also likely to intensify as efforts to curb banditry continue.
Bottom line
The renewed call for military reinforcement underscores the persistent security challenges in Zamfara, with authorities banking on stronger collaboration and sustained operations to restore peace and enable economic recovery.
