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Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Explains Why He Refused to Pay ₦300 Million Ransom for Kidnapped Brothers, Renews Call for State Police

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Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal
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Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has reaffirmed his administration’s firm opposition to the payment of ransom to kidnappers, revealing that he once refused to pay a ₦300 million ransom demanded for the release of his own brothers after they were abducted in 2019.

The governor made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking at the ARISE News and THISDAY Townhall Conference in Abuja, where he argued that paying ransom only strengthens criminal networks and fuels the growing menace of kidnapping across the country.

Lawal recounted that his brothers were held captive for about three months after they were kidnapped in 2019. Despite intense pressure and the kidnappers’ demand for ₦300 million, he maintained his stance against negotiating or paying any ransom.

According to him, he made it clear to the abductors that he would not give them any money, insisting that rewarding criminality would only encourage more kidnappings.

“My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and these criminals were demanding about ₦300 million. I told them I was not going to pay a dime. If they wanted, they could kill them,” the governor said.

He disclosed that after spending three months in captivity, his brothers were eventually released without any ransom being paid.

Lawal stressed that paying ransom has become one of the major factors sustaining kidnapping and banditry, noting that criminal groups continue to target innocent citizens because they expect financial rewards.

“Once we continue paying ransom, we are encouraging them to keep kidnapping people. If nobody pays, they will eventually realise there is nothing to gain,” he stated.

The governor reiterated that his administration will neither negotiate with armed groups nor pay ransom under any circumstances, describing the policy as essential to breaking the cycle of violent crime.

“I will not negotiate, and I will not pay ransom to any criminal, no matter what happens,” he declared.

Beyond his position on ransom payments, Lawal renewed his call for the establishment of state police, arguing that governors should have direct operational control over security agencies if they are to be held accountable for the safety of lives and property within their states.

He lamented that although governors are constitutionally regarded as chief security officers of their states, they lack the authority to issue operational directives to security agencies, a situation he said limits their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to security threats.

The governor also identified chronic underfunding, inadequate training, poor welfare packages and insufficient operational equipment as major challenges confronting the Nigeria Police Force. According to him, these issues have weakened the country’s security architecture and reduced the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.

Lawal maintained that the long-term solution to banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes lies in sustained investment in security personnel, modern equipment, intelligence gathering and technology, rather than negotiating with criminals or paying ransom.

 

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Defence and Security

Police Rescue 75 Kidnap Victims in Kaduna

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3 days ago

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August 22, 2026

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Nigerian Police
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The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued 75 persons abducted by bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.

The victims, comprising men, women and children, were reportedly travelling in commercial buses when they were attacked and abducted at Folwaya Village, near Birnin Gwari, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The Command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, disclosed in a statement that the rescue operation followed timely information received from the Birnin Gwari branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

According to him, the armed kidnappers, who were reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles and other sophisticated weapons, took the victims into a forest and concealed them inside a cave in a mountainous area.

Hassan said operatives from the Birnin Gwari Area Command were immediately deployed to the location following the report.

He explained that the abductors fled into the forest after sighting the heavily armed security operatives, abandoning the captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.

The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the NURTW for providing the timely intelligence that facilitated the operation.

He also praised the Birnin Gwari Area Commander and his personnel for their swift and professional response.

The Commissioner, however, urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, warning against taking the law into their own hands, as such actions could endanger innocent lives.

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Defence and Security

Troops rescue 16 kidnapped victims in Dekina LG of Kogi State

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2 weeks ago

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August 10, 2026

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Troops have rescued 16 kidnapped persons after engaging suspected bandits in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The victims comprised six males, six females and four children, according to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

The report said the victims were abducted on Saturday, Aug. 9 along Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

It said the operation followed intelligence that the victims were sighted around Adumu community in Dekina.

According to the report, the search-and-rescue operation involves troops of 21 Battalion and Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, the police, vigilantes and Hybrid Forces.

“The security forces eventually made contact with the suspected kidnappers and engaged them, forcing the criminals to abandon their victims and flee.

“However, one member of the Hybrid Forces was killed during the encounter, while one police personnel sustained injuries.

“The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the police in Ajaokuta for further action,” it said.

The military said the operation highlights the continued collaboration among the military, police and local security groups in tackling kidnapping and rescuing victims in Kogi

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Defence and Security

Kano Multi Agency Task Force Arrest 28 Illicit Drug Suspects

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2 weeks ago

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August 9, 2026

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The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested 28 suspects and recovered assorted illicit substances in Rimin Gado and Doka communities of the State.

This is contained in a statement  by the Chairman of the Task Force, Mr Muhuyi Malawi and issued by the Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Garba-Muhammad on Sunday in Kano.

Magaji, who led the operation, said it was aimed to tackle drug-related criminality and protect communities from the effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

“On Aug. 7, the task force raided five drug joints in Rimin Gado and Doka in Tofa Local Government Area of the state.

The targeted operation was aimed to demonstrate the task force’s impartial enforcement mandate and to send a clear message that no one is above the law.

“We are treating every community equally and enforcing the law without bias.

“Our guiding principle is Kano First and we are determined to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and drug-free state inline with the vision of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf,” he said.

Magaji said the task force recovered various assorted illicit substances during the raids.

He said  that he commenced the operations from his hometown Rimin Gado saying it was deliberate and symbolic.

“Sanitising my own community is the first step to a wider campaign,” he added.

He said that the campaign would be extended beyond Kano Metropolis to all  44 Local Government Areas of the state.

The chairman noted that the operation combined kinetic interventions to disrupt criminal activities with coordinated follow-up.

He said the task force would also adopt a balanced approach that would combine enforcement with prevention and recovery.

“While kinetic measures continue to dismantle illicit drug networks, non-kinetic efforts are being intensified through engagement with community leaders, regulatory bodies, health services and educational partners to raises awareness.

“We’ll also strengthen supply‑chain controls and expand rehabilitative support to those affected by substance use” Magaji said.

He stressed that lawful and legitimate businesses were not the target of the operations.

“Our aim is to protect honest traders and create an environment in which businesses and communities can thrive free from the effects of drug trafficking and abuse” he said.

Magaji said investigations were ongoing and suspects found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He urged members of the public to support the ongoing operations by reporting suspicious activities and provide relevant information on drug trafficking and abuse.

The Chairman reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustain its operations, uphold professional standards and safeguard the health and security of residents across the state.

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