Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has revealed how he refused to pay a N300 million ransom when his brothers were kidnapped in 2019, insisting that yielding to criminals only fuels more abductions across the country.
Speaking on Thursday at the ARISE News and THISDAY Town Hall Conference in Abuja, Lawal said he told the kidnappers they could kill his brothers because he would not negotiate or pay any ransom.
According to the governor, the abductors eventually released his brothers after three months in captivity without receiving any payment.
“My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and these criminals were demanding about N300 million. I told them I would not pay a dime. If they wanted to kill them, they could,” he said, stressing that paying ransom only encourages more kidnappings.
Lawal maintained that refusing to negotiate with criminals would discourage future abductions, adding that he would never pay ransom under any circumstance.
The governor also threw his weight behind the creation of state police, arguing that governors should have operational control over security agencies if they are to be held accountable for protecting lives and property.
He described it as frustrating to be referred to as the chief security officer of a state without having authority over the police, noting that effective policing requires direct accountability and local control.
Lawal said the Nigeria Police Force continues to face challenges, including inadequate funding, poor welfare and insufficient training, which have affected its effectiveness.
Highlighting efforts by his administration, the governor disclosed that the Zamfara State Government now funds over 30 per cent of security operations in the state. He added that the government has provided more than 500 vehicles, 35 armoured personnel carriers (APCs), mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles and surveillance and attack drones to strengthen security operations.
He maintained that improving the capacity of security agencies through better funding, training and technology remains the most effective strategy for tackling banditry and kidnapping, rather than negotiating with armed groups.
